7 Important local SEO trends your business needs to know in 2023

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for businesses trying to reach and attract local customers in their geographic area. With over half of all Google searches seeking local information, optimizing your online visibility is key to acquiring new local business. The local SEO landscape is constantly evolving. If you don’t keep up with the latest trends and algorithm changes, your business risks falling behind competitors.

1. Voice search optimization

With the rise in voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, voice search usage has exploded in recent years. It’s estimated that 55% of households will own a smart speaker device by 2022. Local businesses must optimize for voice search queries that influence local buying decisions.

2. Google business profile

Previously called Google My Business, this free business listing profile has become the backbone of local SEO success. Optimizing this listing with keywords, posts, photos, menus, and services will boost your ranking and visibility. Verifying this will be a requirement for appearing in local pack and map listings.

3. Customer reviews

Customer reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook are becoming more influential in local search ranking algorithms. Having an active process for generating more fresh, positive local customer reviews in 2023 improve SEO and click-through rates.

4. Mobile optimization

Over 60% of all searches now happen on mobile devices. It means having a responsive, mobile-friendly website and services that meet customers’ expectations for mobile experiences is key for local SEO success. Slow load times or clunky mobile sites will damage conversions.

5. Local content marketing

Creating location-specific content like city-based blogs and neighborhood-focused landing pages signals relevance to local customers. Optimizing this geo-targeted content for localized keywords helps drive more local traffic. Update site content for 2023 to align with topical searcher intent.

6. Visual search

Visually-focused local searches on Google Images and other apps will gain more traction in 2023. Ensuring listings include photos of the location, products, services, and staff helps capture this growing local search behavior.

7. Site speed / Core web vitals

With the Google Page Experience update, site speed and Core Web Vitals metrics like loading times are becoming vital for local SEO rankings. All businesses should test site speed and upgrade web hosting, CDNs, and caching as needed.

Local search is constantly evolving 

This overview shows why vigilant tracking of local SEO trends is so essential. Early adoption of new best practices improves local search visibility while ignoring updates risks declines. Most local businesses don’t have time to stay on top of the complex, ever-changing world of SEO. Partnering with one of the expert local SEO companies near me is the smartest path to stay ahead in 2023. Their dedicated specialists make constant adjustments as algorithms, features and strategies evolve so you don’t get left behind your competitors. They become an invaluable partner invested in driving more quality traffic and conversions in the New Year.