You may have noticed some changes in Google over the last couple of weeks when it comes to local search results. In the SEO industry we are referring to these changes as the “Snack Pack”.
Whereas before local searches used to result in something called the 7 Pack being displayed, Google has now changed that to display only 3 local search results.
When the 7 Pack was in use, it was possible to rank your website above the pack. With the new Snack Pack, this doesn’t seem to be the case, so businesses that do not have Google Places for Business verified listings are not going to appear in the new results.
How Will This Affect Your Business?
Last week you may have been pretty happy with your website’s fourth position in the local 7 pack, and wouldn’t you be? As you probably know, nearly 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google search results, and your great positioning was bringing in tons of new business.
But now with the new layout, you may be concerned about how this limited real estate will affect your ability to be found on local search results. Is being on the first page of Google enough, or will you need to be in the top 3? Chances are, you’re going to want to be in this “Snack Pack” for better visibility and increased conversions.
While good Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices, like keyword rich content, clean backlinks, and search engine friendly code are still an effective way to improve your site’s visibility, you might need to start doing a little more to get noticed. The competition will be increasingly stiff to get into and stay in these top 3 spots.
Verify Your Local Listings
Starting with your Google listing, you need to verify all of your local listings and confirm that the information provided there is correct. If you’re looking for other locations that your business should be listed at, here’s a complete list you can use.
Gain More Customer Reviews
The new Snack Pack shows customer reviews and average star rating. As this new change is rolled out, the likelihood that reviews will have an effect on your search results is very high. Send your customers an invitation to leave you a positive review on your Google My Business listing. Here’s a tutorial you can send them that walks them through the steps for leaving a Google Review for your business.
Dot Your T’s and Cross Your I’s
Ensure that your digital footprint is consistent across all platforms. Whether Google My Business, Facebook or even Yellowpages.com, you will want to go in and ensure that your citations are exactly the same on each of these sites. You’ve spent a lot of time, energy, and money improving your digital brand – don’t let it all go to waste.
Cheers!
You may have noticed some changes in Google over the last couple of weeks when it comes to local search results. In the SEO industry we are referring to these changes as the “Snack Pack”.
Whereas before local searches used to result in something called the 7 Pack being displayed, Google has now changed that to display only 3 local search results.
When the 7 Pack was in use, it was possible to rank your website above the pack. With the new Snack Pack, this doesn’t seem to be the case, so businesses that do not have Google Places for Business verified listings are not going to appear in the new results.
How Will This Affect Your Business?
Last week you may have been pretty happy with your website’s fourth position in the local 7 pack, and wouldn’t you be? As you probably know, nearly 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google search results, and your great positioning was bringing in tons of new business.
But now with the new layout, you may be concerned about how this limited real estate will affect your ability to be found on local search results. Is being on the first page of Google enough, or will you need to be in the top 3? Chances are, you’re going to want to be in this “Snack Pack” for better visibility and increased conversions.
While good Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices, like keyword rich content, clean backlinks, and search engine friendly code are still an effective way to improve your site’s visibility, you might need to start doing a little more to get noticed. The competition will be increasingly stiff to get into and stay in these top 3 spots.
Verify Your Local Listings
Starting with your Google listing, you need to verify all of your local listings and confirm that the information provided there is correct. If you’re looking for other locations that your business should be listed at, here’s a complete list you can use.
Gain More Customer Reviews
The new Snack Pack shows customer reviews and average star rating. As this new change is rolled out, the likelihood that reviews will have an effect on your search results is very high. Send your customers an invitation to leave you a positive review on your Google My Business listing. Here’s a tutorial you can send them that walks them through the steps for leaving a Google Review for your business.
Dot Your T’s and Cross Your I’s
Ensure that your digital footprint is consistent across all platforms. Whether Google My Business, Facebook or even Yellowpages.com, you will want to go in and ensure that your citations are exactly the same on each of these sites. You’ve spent a lot of time, energy, and money improving your digital brand – don’t let it all go to waste.
Cheers!