Search Engine Optimization (SEO) certainly isn’t a new concept for today’s digital marketers. After so many years of practicing it, you’d think that marketers know SEO by heart. In a sense, they do.
But this isn’t to construe that there’s nothing more to learn (and unlearn) about SEO.
One of the most challenging facets of SEO is that it’s very fluid. Google is consistently updating its algorithm multiple times a year.
Hence, what may have worked so well the past year may not necessarily be the case anymore. Even specialists of SEO in Colorado Springs who have dedicated all their time, effort, and profession to mastering SEO keep themselves updated on the latest trends and best practices.
You may be rethinking your digital marketing strategies this year. As a brief guide, here’s a run-down of some of the local SEO strategies that still work for 2024 – and those that don’t’.
What Works in Digital Marketing Strategies
1. Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
Do you already have a Google My Business (GMB) listing for your store? If you don’t, then you’re probably missing out. It’s time to consider having one as a critical part of your local SEO strategy.
In case you aren’t familiar with it yet, Google My Business allows you to create free business listings on the search engine platform. You can think of this as that of a phonebook, only now it’s in digital form.
In 2023, Google My Business is still one of the top main factors Google will consider when ranking businesses. Moreover, your business will be more likely to appear when prospective customers search up your product type and appear on Google Maps when they look for companies nearby. Ultimately, this tool will get you more foot traffic and direct calls.
To get it right, be sure to provide the following details to Google My Business accurately:
- Your business phone number and website;
- Your full business name;
- Your business niche or category;
- Your physical address, with a map location.
2. Learn The EAT Principle
The EAT principle is a tried-and-tested means to master long-term SEO success. This works, even with the consistently-changing algorithm of Google. The EAT principle stands for expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. When taken together, it refers to the overall measurement of your brand’s web reputation.
Remember that Google is known to rank higher those websites with more established authority. To do this, you can always start small, with tips like:
- Show reviews, case studies, and testimonials to prove your trustworthiness;
- Be active on public forums by replying to and encouraging mentions;
- Earn high-quality links from other authority sites within your niche.
3. Optimize Your Website For Mobile Use
Optimizing your website for mobile use is another key strategy to skyrocket your SEO rankings for this year. The coming in of even more advanced smartphones has paved the way for more individuals browsing the Internet from their mobile phones.
In addition, most of the searches done on Google are location-related using handheld devices.
If you do not optimize your website for mobile use, you risk losing website users and potential customers who browse from their mobile phones.
What Doesn’t Work in Digital Marketing Strategies
1. Having Inconsistent Phone Number & Location Details
Say, between 2020 and 2024; your business moved to another location. Or that you’ve chosen another phone provider for your office phone. Perhaps you may even have closed and opened some other store branches.
Check all your Google My Business listings pages to see if you’ve updated your name, address, and phone number.
Your Google My Business listing will still be ineffective if your NAP (name, address, and phone numbers) is different from those posted in your other digital listings, like your social media page and website.
This may have worked for you in the past, but it no longer will in 2024.
Competition in the digital space is getting tighter, so you need to make it easy for people and search engines to find you.
One of the first steps to achieving this is by having consistent business details throughout the Internet space.
2. Using The Wrong Keywords
Despite its proven effectiveness, you may be surprised to find out that there are still many marketers who may take the power of keywords for granted. In another situation, keywords may be used but not correctly.
This year, make that extra effort to ensure you’re using the right keywords and that they’re all positioned well on your site.
In addition, gone are the days when you have to use all your keywords repeatedly and all together in one webpage. Also called keyword stuffing, you should avoid this practice as this will lower your Google rankings.
Instead, create long, in-depth content using a moderate number of keywords. When coming up with your content, write for humans, not for search engines and bots.
Conclusion
While SEO strategies may be consistently changing, one fact remains constant: building a local SEO presence is key to significantly increasing awareness and boosting the visibility of your website.
It’s, therefore, a worthwhile pursuit to master what works and what doesn’t, so you’re certain all your SEO efforts won’t simply go to waste.
So, for 2024, take note of the list as discussed above so that you can be on your way towards better, more effective, and revenue-generating SEO campaigns.
