Unpacking Local Search: User Behavior and Review Management (#641)
Have you ever wondered how users interact with local search results? Or how to tackle the review chaos—both fake and missing? You’re in luck. Today, we’re getting the lowdown from Mike Blumenthal, who knows Google’s local search like the back of his hand. Let’s dive in!
The Scoop on Local Search Behaviors
First, some eye-opening stats. According to Near Media research, 33% of people click on the first local result, but—get this—only 8% explore beyond the first page. Why? It’s all about trust. Users often go with the first result as it’s perceived as the most relevant.
Making Sense of Reviews
Moving on. Reviews. We love them; we hate them. Another study found that 68% of consumers trust a local business more if they have positive reviews. But what happens when your reviews go missing, or you get a flood of fakes?
The Road to Review Recovery
If you’ve lost legitimate reviews, Mike recommends using Google’s new forms for disputing moderation decisions. It may sound technical, but it’s a reasonably straightforward process.
Battling Fake Reviews
For fake reviews, the battle is a bit uphill but worth it. Google’s updated policies and new reporting forms are your weapons. Use them wisely.
Final Words
There’s much more to say, but let’s keep some for the next time. We’ve covered user behavior in local searches and dived deep into the messy reviews world.
So, the next time you’re scratching your head over local search behaviors or puzzling over your business reviews, just remember: Mike Blumenthal and Near Media have got you covered.
Feel like you need more? Don’t worry; we’ve got some FAQs coming up next that will answer all your burning questions. Stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the importance of local search in today’s digital landscape?
Local search is like your neighborhood digital billboard. If you’re not up there, people just won’t find you. Seriously, Near Media research shows that 33% of users click on the first local result. That’s huge!
- How do I improve my local search rankings?
It’s a blend of things. Keyword optimization, quality content, and strong backlinks all help. But don’t ignore local citations—your name, address, and phone number must be consistent across the web.
- Why do some of my reviews disappear from Google?
Oh, man, this is frustrating, isn’t it? Sometimes, Google flags and removes reviews that seem spammy or irrelevant. Luckily, there’s a new form to dispute this and get your genuine reviews back.
- How do I deal with fake reviews?
First, deep breath. Then, use Google’s new reporting forms to dispute them. It’s an uphill battle, but trust me, it’s worth it.
- Can I ignore negative reviews?
You could, but why miss an opportunity to improve? Negative reviews can provide valuable feedback. A well-crafted response can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.
- What are the most clicked elements in local search?
According to Near Media’s study, the business name, reviews, and the website link are the most clicked elements. So, make sure these are optimized.
- How do I know what users seek in local search?
Think like a user. What would you search for? Local SEO tools can also help you determine what keywords people use to find businesses like yours.
- What’s the role of mobile devices in local search?
Huge! Most local searches are done on mobile. So, if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re leaving money on the table.
- How can I track my local SEO performance?
Google Analytics is your friend here. But don’t overlook specialized local SEO tools that provide more nuanced insights.
- How frequently should I update my local SEO strategy?
The digital world is constantly changing, my friend. Regular audits can help you keep up with the latest trends and changes in user behavior.
And there you have it! Ten burning questions about local search and reviews were answered. Look for more insights, and feel free to drop any more questions on my LinkedIn.
Learn more about Mike Blumenthal following resources:
Website: https://nearmedia.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mblumenthal
