The world of search engine optimization (SEO) is constantly evolving, and businesses need to keep up with the latest changes in order to stay relevant and competitive. One of the latest major developments in SEO strategy is the introduction of Google SGE (Search Generative Experience).
Google SGE is a Google Search experiment that uses AI to generate clear answers to the user’s search query. These results show up prominently at the top of search results — formatted differently to the typical, organic results below — making them highly visible to users and, therefore, highly desirable to businesses.
Harnessing the power of SEO effectively to take full advantage of Google SGE can drastically increase brand awareness and drive organic traffic. If you want to optimize your local search presence to maximize your chances of being showcased in SGE snapshots, here is an inside look at how our SEO services keep up with Google SGE.
Continue Typical Local SEO Strategy
The first and most important step to keeping up with Google SGE is to continue implementing your local SEO strategies. This includes incorporating location-based keywords into your website content, building backlinks from local directories and websites, and optimizing your website’s metadata with your business location.
You should also continue to practice traditional SEO, focusing on mobile optimization and industry-specific keyword saturation. Sites with strong overall SEO are the ones that most often rank in SGE snapshots, so don’t turn away from SEO efforts that have worked effectively in the past.
Claim Local Listings
When it comes to showing up in local SGE results, the more information you can give Google about your business, the better. This is why it’s important to claim local listings and update them with as much relevant information as possible.
Google My Business (GMB) allows you to claim your business listing on Google and manage your online presence, including your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation. Claim your Google Business Profile if you haven’t already and make sure the listing is accurate and up to date. Other local listings that you can claim include Apple Maps and Bing Places, although Google is the most important resource to invest your SEO efforts into.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Since location-based SGE snapshots use Google Business Profiles for their information, going above and beyond to optimize your GMB profile is critical. While any business should at least have their name, address, phone number, and business hours, you should aim to fill out every possible section of your GMB profile. Add images of your business and your team, upload questions and answers, select relevant Google Business Profile categories, and add your social media pages. You can also add further custom details, including parking availability, holiday hours, menu items, and much more.
Make sure to use keywords in your business description and select the most relevant category for your business to ensure that you maximize your chances of appearing in relevant SGE snapshots. Reviews can also help boost your profile’s chances of being featured, so encourage customers to leave Google reviews for your company whenever possible.
Add Specific Products or Services to Your GMB Profile
Google SGE places a strong emphasis on providing personalized and location-specific results for users. This means that businesses that provide specific products or services in their local area have a higher chance of being showcased in SGE snapshots. In addition to listing your offerings, you should also include your prices, relevant photos, and your availability where applicable.
By calling out specific products or services in your Google Business Profile, you are providing Google with even more data about your business, making it easier for them to match your company with user search queries. This helps you show up in relevant SGE snapshots and typically search results, allowing you to stand out from other businesses whose services may be more generic or unaligned with the customer’s needs.
Keeping up with Google SGE and all of the constantly evolving Google algorithm updates may seem like a daunting task, but by implementing these key strategies and working with a premier SEO services provider like IDG Advertising, you can improve your local search ranking and stay ahead of the competition.
If you need help increasing your website’s visibility online, look no further than IDG Advertising, the premier SEO agency in Orange County. Our team of expert SEO analysts will optimize your GMB profile and website content, giving you everything you need to succeed in the competitive digital landscape. To find out more about our SEO marketing services, give us a call today at 714-221-4377 or contact us online.
