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5 Tips to Kickstart A Career in SEO: Ask the Experts

…ark in the industry. In this blog, we will draw attention to just a few of these women in light of Women's History Month, although women SEOs deserve recognition every month of the year. We recently asked five women with impressive careers in SEO how they got their start and any tips they have for other women looking to start a career in SEO. Here is what they had to share. Pam Aungst Cronin, MBA, President & Chief Web Traffic Controller, Pam Ann Marketing, LLC My advice to women who want t……Search engine optimization (SEO) is a constantly evolving industry, one which is filled with talented individuals eager to grow and stay current with emerging trends. Yet, women tend to be in the minority when pursuing an SEO career. A recent "State of SEO" report found that male SEOs comprised 70.4% of respondents in the United States. The same trend followed suit for other countries (for example 83.3% in central and south America, 82.1% in Australia and New Zealand, 75.3% in the United Kingdo…… will help you get on the path to start a career in SEO successfully. We thank each of the inspiring women who participated in putting together this column. Want more insights from marketing and SEO experts? We share aggregate best practices and advice from experts regularly on our blog.…

Local Search Trends and Predictions for 2021: Ask the Experts

…to the dramatic rise in local search traffic and views we documented through the first six months of the pandemic, consumer behavior has been perhaps forever altered by our collective experience. We asked a panel of local search experts to share their insights and advice on local search trends for enterprise and multi-location brands to aid in your 2021 planning.  Here’s what they had to say: Local SEO, Link Building & Online Ordering Are All Priorities Steve Wiideman, President/SEO Co……In the absence of historic data to help guide your planning through the pandemic recovery period, how can your brand set a solid marketing strategy for 2021? It’s a question raising much debate and discussion in boardrooms across the globe. After all, 2020 has been unprecedented, to say the least, we haven’t yet experienced anything like this in our lifetimes.  While the answer may not be perfectly clear, local search trends for 2021 can best be predicted by industry experts. On the paid s……nted, to say the least, we haven’t yet experienced anything like this in our lifetimes.  While the answer may not be perfectly clear, local search trends for 2021 can best be predicted by industry experts. On the paid side, BIA Advisory Services expects that as local businesses rebound and adapt, total local advertising revenue across all media in the U.S. will reach $137.5 billion in 2021. That marks 2.5% YoY growth from the firm’s final post-COVID estimate for 2020 of $134.1 billion. Tra…

Marketing Predictions for 2022 According to the Experts

… Google wants to know the most up-to-date information about your business as possible. Make sure you put the right answer in and not just once, but every time.  That may seem like a daunting task or a ton of pressure, but the easiest way to do this is to have a team member scroll through each social platform, directory listing, and all pages of your website with a red pen ready to mark any inconsistencies.  Another aspect that has been important for years, and whose importance se……Digital marketing continues to evolve, and if the past few years have taught us anything, it's to expect the unexpected in every aspect of life. What's a common practice one moment may not be the next, which is why we continue to track what's new and what may come next. Recently, we reached out to several digital marketing experts to hear their marketing predictions for 2022. Their insights are meant to help guide your 2022 marketing strategy and help you keep a pulse on updates that may not……ery aspect of life. What's a common practice one moment may not be the next, which is why we continue to track what's new and what may come next. Recently, we reached out to several digital marketing experts to hear their marketing predictions for 2022. Their insights are meant to help guide your 2022 marketing strategy and help you keep a pulse on updates that may not have been on your radar. Here's what they had to say about what we can expect for the future of marketing. Providing…

Google’s MUM Update: What This Means For Local Marketers According to the Experts

…Google recently announced its latest endeavor to revolutionize its Search technology. The forthcoming MUM update (Multitask Unified Model) is expected to significantly improve the search process—delivering better results to queries and giving searchers the answers they need quickly. Google says that with this new technology they’re “getting closer to helping you with complex needs. So in the future you’ll need fewer searches to get things done”. While the MUM update will be similar to……Google recently announced its latest endeavor to revolutionize its Search technology. The forthcoming MUM update (Multitask Unified Model) is expected to significantly improve the search process—delivering better results to queries and giving searchers the answers they need quickly. Google says that with this new technology they’re “getting closer to helping you with complex needs. So in the future you’ll need fewer searches to get things done”. While the MUM update will be similar to……Google[/caption] With this impactful update on the horizon (“MUM-powered features and improvements” will be coming to Google’s products “in the coming months and years”), we reached out to experts in the marketing industry to gather their insights on how this impact will impact local businesses, why marketers should care, and any advice they have for preparing for the impending update.  Here is what they had to say: Derek Hawkins, Manager SEO, Reprise Digital Marketers, both local…

Rio SEO’s Top 10 Blog Posts of 2021

…l search landscape. As we collectively look forward to 2022, let’s take a look back at the most popular updates to take place over the last year.  Local Search Trends and Predictions for 2021: Ask the Experts Analyzing future trends and predictions can better help your business plan for what is to come. These predictions hold even more weight when shared by experts in the marketing industry. In this blog, we asked seven renowned digital marketing professionals to share their thoughts on w…

The Future of Zero-Click Search and Local Marketing Strategy [Webinar Recap]

…Should Enterprise Brands Care About Zero-Click Searches? INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Compelling Insights That Prove the Opportunities Zero-Click Searches Present Local Search Trends and Predictions for 2021: Ask the Experts Hear More Expert Insights and Watch the Webinar On-Demand Now MktoForms2.loadForm("//go.binaryfountain.com", "425-FDD-771", 2421);…

‘Near Me’ Searches Up Dramatically as Online Shoppers Still Look to Buy Local

…s features (such as People Also Ask in Google search results, for example) that can help differentiate your brand from local competitors. Learn more: Local Search Trends and Predictions for 2021: Ask the Experts Download A Brand Marketer's Guide to Local Listings on Bing, Google, Facebook, YouTube & More Get our Go-To Guide for Mastering Local Marketing Reporting…

12 Common Mistakes Killing Your Local SEO [Webinar Recap]

…d is a priority—positive and negative alike. Reviews are not only an extension of your customer service experience but impact your visibility and rankings in local search, as well.  Check out our Ask the Experts: Reputation Management & Local Listings [Webinar Recap] to learn more. 7. Failing to Activate Local Data Brands need both high-level and granular insights to inform business decisions and allocate local marketing resources. In fact, 56% of organizations leveraging analytics are e…

What’s working in local SEO in 2025: Reviews, backlinks, and data-driven strategy

…t rewritten human behavior. When consumers need a dentist, a coffee shop, or a plumber nearby, they still turn to traditional search platforms most often. Even as voice assistants reshape how people ask questions, Google remains the top engine of trust, 68% of respondents in our latest Local Consumer Behavior Survey said they expect Google to provide the most accurate local information. It's still the place where people go for business hours, phone numbers, directions, and reviews they can a……What’s working in local SEO in 2025: Reviews, backlinks, and data-driven strategy Content Why local SEO still matters in an AI-first search world The core data signals that shape local visibility Additional ranking trends to watch Local SEO in 2025 is a blend of fundamentals and AI-readiness The local search landscape is evolving faster than ever. Algorithm updates cause mass disruption, AI assistants multiply, and consumers expect instant, accurate answ……signals reveal what’s working, what's not, and where to focus next. This isn’t guesswork or hype. It’s data-driven decision-making rooted in real-world results, and it’s echoed by industry experts who track the ever-changing search terrain. In this breakdown, we’ll show what’s moving the needle, from the reviews that fuel trust, to the backlinks that build authority, to the structured data that helps AI understand your business. Why local SEO still matters in an AI-first sea…

Future-proofing local search: top strategies and trends for 2025

…nds need to optimize their websites for these longer, more conversational queries. What does this mean for your strategy? Ensure your website answers specific, long-tail questions customers are asking with content structured to meet nuanced search intent. Updating your website frequently to reflect real-time changes—like updated menu items or seasonal promotions—will help maintain your visibility. Learn more: Explore our full guide on how ChatGPT impacts SEO to dig deeper into this ……volving consumer expectations, local search has never been more dynamic or critical to your bottom line. As we approach 2025, keeping your brand visible across all your locations means adapting to these changes. This post will unpack the top trends reshaping local search and what they mean for your strategy. From AI-driven search to enhanced structured data, we’ll cover the changes you can’t afford to ignore as you craft your marketing strategy for the next year and beyond. Long-tail k……ters. In doing this, you signal to both Google and your customers that your business is trustworthy and knowledgeable. What does this mean for your strategy? Make sure your content is backed by experts who have real-world experience in your industry. This is critical for building credibility with both search engines and customers. Search Console remains a critical tool for marketers Google Search Console (GSC) continues to evolve, offering new tools and reports that help marketers ga…

From keywords to conversations: how generative AI is redefining search experiences

the weather in June?' This dynamic interaction makes exploring complex topics effortless. ChatGPT’s search capabilities offer detailed, cohesive responses instead of lists of links. For example, asking, “What are the health benefits of meditation?” might generate an explanation of its effects on stress, sleep, and focus, along with beginner tips and app recommendations. This cohesive delivery helps users quickly move from curiosity to informed action, creating opportunities for brands t…… experience: a paradigm shift How generative AI improves search intent matching AI-generated featured snippets and dynamic rich results Key takeaways Search has come a long way since the early days of simple keyword queries. Back then, search engines focused on matching exact words, often missing the mark on what users actually wanted. For example, typing "bank" could show results for riverbanks or financial institutions, failing to understand your intent. Fast forward to tod……customer experiences.  Ready to take your search strategy to the next level? Learn how to win the search battle in an AI webinar by watching our free on-demand webinar featuring a panel of AI experts and view Rio SEO's AI technology solutions. Related resources Newsletter Get industry insights that matter, delivered direct to your inbox We collect this information to send you free content, offers, and product updates. Visit our recently updated …

6 powerful ways AI can revolutionize the local search experience

… to your industry. With this actionable insight, you can strategically incorporate these conversational queries into your content. This may involve creating FAQ pages, blog posts that answer commonly asked questions, populating Google Business Profile FAQs, or optimizing your product descriptions to address specific user queries.  Another aspect of voice search optimization with AI is understanding user intent behind voice queries. AI-powered algorithms can analyze the context, user beha……6 powerful ways AI can revolutionize the local search experience Content Enhanced keyword research Personalized content creation Voice search optimization Creating engaging local customer interactions Image and video search optimization Local business data management at scale Conclusion Advancements in technology and rapidly changing consumer behaviors have made it more challenging than ever to navigate local search marketing. Standing o……aligning them with brand identity and objectives. Ready to unlock the full potential of AI for your local search marketing? Take the first step by getting a free local presence audit. Our team of experts will analyze your current local search performance and provide tailored recommendations to help you optimize your local strategy and rise in the rankings.  Related resources Newsletter Get industry insights that matter, delivered direct to your inbox …

How to measure customer experience like a pro

…ncorporate into your brand's CXM program and strategy. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT): A measurement of customer satisfaction with a product, service, or interaction that typically involves asking customers to rate their experience, often through surveys or feedback forms. Net Promoter Score (NPS): A metric that gauges the likelihood of customers recommending a brand to others. Customers are asked to rate their likelihood from 0 to 10 on a scale. NPS classifies respondents as promo……How to measure customer experience like a pro Content The role of social listening in capturing real-time feedback Using customer journey mapping to understand the end-to-end experience The importance of data-driven analytics in extracting actionable insights CX metrics you need to know Activating customer experience insights across brand locations In an increasingly competitive business landscape where customer loyalty and satisfaction are key differen…… brands. Measuring the customer experience at a local level is a multidimensional undertaking that goes beyond traditional metrics like sales figures and customer feedback forms. Today's marketing experts must employ a comprehensive range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, harnessing the power of advanced technologies and data analytics to gain accurate insights into the local customer experience. In this post, we will delve into the intricacies of measuring local customer expe…

2023 local search ranking factors: Tips and key takeaways

…always going to play a small role in search results, and there isn’t anything you can do to control it.” Importantly, the survey structure changed for 2023. In previous years, respondents were asked to choose their top 20 factors in each category and rank them in order of importance. This led to somewhat arbitrary results after the top 10, and Shaw wanted to give marketers a more robust view of the perceived value of all ranking factors.  So this year, rather than sorting only the……s 2023 Local Search Ranking Factors report is out, and it’s packed with helpful insights about what marketers believe matters most right now in local SEO – and where to prioritize as you plan for the year ahead. Developed in 2008 by David Mihm and taken over by Darren Shaw in 2017, this report has become one of the industry’s most trusted sources of insight into local ranking factors. This year, 44 prominent local SEO experts were polled about 149 potential local ranking and conversion …… 2008 by David Mihm and taken over by Darren Shaw in 2017, this report has become one of the industry’s most trusted sources of insight into local ranking factors. This year, 44 prominent local SEO experts were polled about 149 potential local ranking and conversion factors.  As Shaw notes in his report, neither he nor the survey respondents have any special access to the internal workings of Google’s local search algorithm. Rather, the survey gives us a high-level look at what indus…

Google’s product reviews updates: Boost your business with trustworthy feedback

…marketers are hailing this as the final blow to affiliate websites that produce numerous product roundup blogs littered with affiliate links and keywords without any useful content. Others are asking questions related to the nitty-gritty of Google's guidance. When you want product review content but don’t have the expertise or hands-on experience with the products, it’s best to crowdsource reviews from actual users so that your information is factual and original. Commenters……Google's product reviews updates: Boost your business with trustworthy feedback On February 23, 2023, Google announced the rollout of its latest product reviews updates. This is the sixth iteration of Google’s latest guidelines for product review content. Google made the official announcement via its Search Central Twitter account: Today we released the February 2023 product reviews update, which applies to these languages globally: English, Spanish, German, French……Search Central guidelines, “The product reviews system aims to better reward high-quality product reviews, which is content that provides insightful analysis and original research and is written by experts or enthusiasts who know the topic well.” In other words, Google wants to reward high-quality reviews that are genuine, based on expert opinion or original research/enthusiasm in the niche the product belongs to. These reviews should demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the product s…

How ChatGPT impacts SEO: A guide for enterprise local brands

…ble it to remember language prompts and generate answers fast. These features have already been exploited by SEOs for content and students for essays. Some marketers are also using it to automate tasks such as keyword research or to simplify complex research publications. Others are calling it one of the most helpful planning tools ever to cross their desks. Conversely, Google’s rush to get its conversational AI, Bard, into the marketplace was not as well-received. Is conversational AI t……uide for enterprise local brands OpenAI's language model ChatGPT hardly needs an introduction. You're likely already very well aware of its capabilities and how its transforming the way we draft content. Since its launch, it has gone viral, and ChatGPT became the fastest-growing platform to acquire 100 million users in just 2 months. It's commonplace to find machine-generated content peppered across websites, social media, and email newsletters. ChatGPT is a conversat……xperience, perspective, and expertise ChatGPT doesn't have unique experiences, perspectives, opinions, or expertise of its own to share. It doesn't have its own stories to tell, unlike human topic experts. It can only produce generic material by scraping other sources. In a competitive market, average and generic content is insufficient to stand out in search results. Enterprise brands must take steps to ensure the content generated by the model is unique, offers a new perspective, and add…

Top 10 questions about local search answered

…– or not. Generally, positive local reviews help increase visibility, while negative reviews can decrease visibility. However, customers tend not to trust when a brand has no bad reviews, so resist asking Google or other platforms to delete these from your profile. Instead, develop a strategy and templates for responding to negative reviews. It is essential for multi-location brands that customers have the same experience regardless of which location they’re dealing with, and review manag……Top 10 questions about local search answered Managing local enterprise SEO is no small undertaking, given the volume of locations involved and the rapid pace at which search engines and consumer preferences change. We get a lot of great questions about local search from newsletter readers and participants in our local marketing webinars, and have compiled their top questions into one resource for you here. Read on for instant answers to common local enterprise SEO questi……ogle, including Google Search and Google Maps. Rio SEO’s integration with Apple’s Business Connect API also allows for the same publishing functionality with Apple Maps. Our in-house local search experts are also on hand to help your brand strategize and resolve complex listings issues such as ownership conflicts and duplicate listing issues. Recommended reading: Duplicate Listings & Ownership Conflicts: Expert Tips 3. How can we make our web content more relevant to local searcher…

How to level up your 2023 content marketing strategy

…ame tone and compassion a human could. That's just one reason why robots won't be replacing content marketers any time soon. Our panel, however, does note that AI can help significantly with some tasks for content creators such as creating outlines, finding useful stats, and analyzing existing content. It can also help draw inspiration, find out which keywords can help bolster your content, and discover content topics to write about. Just as with other digital marketing trends and strategi……How to level up your 2023 content marketing strategy Content Create unique and personalized content Optimize content for mobile Word length doesn’t matter There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to measuring content performance Don’t neglect optimizing existing content Don’t rely too heavily on AI Google continues to make it abundantly clear it rewards website content that's relevant and satisfying for readers. This has long been a priority…… We can’t predict the future of content marketing, but we can focus now on the content strategies winning in the competitive search landscape by leaning on the advice of content marketing and SEO experts. Recently we hosted a webinar and were joined by a panel of industry experts who shared their expertise on how to create valuable content, write content for people rather than search engines, the role artificial intelligence (AI) is playing in content creation, and much more.  Watch…

2023 local search predictions: The future of local marketing

…man behavior. Universal search results are increasingly important. Today, brands have opportunities to be discovered in voice search results, “position zero,” featured answers and People Also Ask, and other types of prominent search results. Your brand’s presence in every area matters, from Maps to Image Search to organic and paid search listings, voice results, and more. What’s next in local search, and where should enterprise brands like yours focus their efforts and budget in ……2023 local search predictions: The future of local marketing Introduction Google is progressively getting closer to understanding what drives search behaviors and delivers better experiences. Its technology is starting to emulate the way people process information, and in turn, search is becoming progressively more visual, interactive, and exploratory. Most people are visual learners, and now technology is catching up to human behavior. Universal search results are in……uld enterprise brands like yours focus their efforts and budget in 2023? Rio SEO recently hosted a webinar on predictions for the future of local marketing, featuring a panel of digital marketing experts including Sherry Bonelli, Steve Wiideman, and Stefan Somborac. You can watch the full webinar on-demand here. In this guide, we’ll share their expert predictions and top takeaways to help guide your local marketing strategy for the year ahead – and beyond. Read eBook …

Local consumer search behavior trends November 2022

…cks for directions -12%, and clicks to call -11.8%. Total searches and listing views fell to a lesser extent, at -7.8% and -6.8%, respectively. Rent growth turned negative this quarter as national asking rents fell $9 to $1,719 in November. At 7%, the YoY growth rate was the lowest in 17 months. This correction in the market follows a dramatic 22% increase in asking rents between January 2021 and October 2022, which seems to have proven unsustainable. Rental brands have a great opportunity……ample, retailers, healthcare brands and hotels will almost certainly notice fluctuations in local search performance this year, albeit for different reasons. Local marketing analytics gets complex at the enterprise level as you must take into consideration the performance of both individual locations and the national or global brand to consider. Each month, we collect and analyze insights from the Google Business Profiles (GBPs) of over 170,000 diverse U.S. enterprise brand locations on the R……YoY with total listing views rising 22.9%, total searches up 9.3%, and clicks for driving directions up 12%. Inflation has risen since June despite falling gasoline prices through July and August. Experts say the U.S. economy is “running lukewarm,” leading many to keep a closer eye on their finances. Tightening budgets and anxiety over inflation could be contributing to the decreased search interest brands in banking, insurance, mortgages, and other financial segments are experiencing.&nb…