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Expert Tips for Local Review Building (That Won’t Get You In Trouble)

…otentially impact that person’s decision to convert. How can you build a healthy, robust review profile for each of your locations? There’s an old misconception that Google will penalize you for asking for reviews, but that’s only applicable to Yelp.  Let’s have a look at what Google actually says about efforts for local review building. Google’s Position on Local Review Building “You can request reviews from customers through a short URL that’s specific to your business.” - G……in Google’s local and organic search algorithms.  That means that your star ratings, review volume, recency, and sentiment of reviews each have an impact on your locations’ ability to appear in the moments that matter — even before those reviews potentially impact that person’s decision to convert. How can you build a healthy, robust review profile for each of your locations? There’s an old misconception that Google will penalize you for asking for reviews, but that’s only applica…

How to Pivot Your Local Reviews Management Strategy in a Crisis

…w long the moratorium on new reviews publishing would last.  How can your team adapt and make sure customers still have that feedback channel open?   Generally, we do not advise that people stop asking for reviews. We recommended that brands consider switching their reviews solicitation strategy so that consumers are directed to your first-party review platform or another third-party site where you can monitor, respond, and continue to build your local reviews profile.  In times of crisis……Once the full impact of the initial Coronavirus lockdown began to register, consumer behavior changed dramatically across the board. After an initial wave of panic grocery shopping, discretionary spending fell and consumers began searching for products and services to meet their needs closer to home. We saw this trend reflected in the keywords local consumers used in search as well as in the reviews they left for the businesses with whom they chose to do business.  Local reviews are a top feed…

5 SEO Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2021

…s work these days has significantly changed and advanced with time. Ad shares are becoming increasingly popular, the answer boxes and featured snippets are getting more clicks, and the “People Also Ask” (a feature that was introduced in 2018) is increasingly gaining importance. Source Not only that, you now may see videos appear above some of the text-based organic search results. Source As a result, the share of organic clicks has drastically decreased.  Additionally, there has been a……This This is a guest post contributed by PRmention, a digital PR Agency. Whether you are trying to sell a product, increase brand awareness, or garner more leads, SEO is a crucial component in any marketing strategy. It will increase your site’s visibility in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) and bring more organic traffic to your website. But, as you may be well aware, SEO trends continuously change. To be at the top of the game by adopting these changes early, you need to be well-ver…

Local Consumer Search Behavior Trends in Q1 2024

…. Greater foot traffic can drive a higher volume of reviews – particularly when the brand has a post-purchase feedback program in place. Following up after the sale with an email or text message asking customers about their experience is a great way to identify potentially negative experiences before they become low star ratings or reviews left online for all the world to see. Even if you aren’t asking customers to share feedback, they will; 19% actually prefer writing a review to any …… Content Business services Financial services Full-service restaurants Quick-service restaurants Hotels Retail Healthcare Multi-family residential Unlocking the power of Google Business Profile (GBP) performance metrics unveils a rich tapestry of customer interactions across your brand's diverse locations. Rio SEO gives you access to these insights on a granular level, from individual locations to broader regional and brand perspectives. But how do thes…

5 Strategies for holiday local marketing success in 2021

…oliday season and ensure you have the staff on hand to meet customers where they are reaching out to your business. To reduce the level of inquiries your company receives, share answers to frequently asked questions on your landing pages. This may include information on shipping timeframes, any delays in shipping, when to order items in order to arrive by Christmas, as well as health and safety information. Personalize the sales journey 66 percent of consumers expect a business to understand the……The holiday season is quickly approaching, and undoubtedly, your holiday local marketing strategy likely looks different than it did a few years ago. While the pandemic continues to affect business operations, early predictions for the holidays show it won’t have a heavy impact on sales. Sales are anticipated to rise 2.7% compared to 2020, with e-commerce sales predicted to rise an impressive 11.3%. Considering an increase in sales this holiday season, your brand must be armed with sound tact……th sound tactics to stand out from your competition and streamline the customer experience. To help you propel your holiday local marketing strategy, we assembled a panel of digital marketing and SEO experts from three leading performance marketing agencies to discuss how consumer behavior has shifted, what brands must take into consideration to keep up with current trends, and where to allocate your budget this holiday season.  Our panelists included:  Richard Mastriani, Vice President of SE…

Local Consumer Search Behavior Trends in Q2 2024

…Q and -18.2% YoY Total Q2 2024 clicks: -20.5% QoQ and -3.5% YoY For the first time since 2021, U.S. multi-residential vacancy rates declined and settled at 8.6% in Q2 2024. The average monthly asking rate grew to $1849.36, although this is the fifth straight quarter of sub-2% rent growth, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s U.S. Multi-family MarketBeat.  “While the construction pipeline has dwindled and few new projects are breaking ground, approximately 695,000 units remai……services Full-service restaurants Quick-service restaurants Hotels Retail Healthcare Multi-family residential Google Business Profile (GBP) metrics are an essential piece of the customer experience (CX) puzzle unfolding across your brand's expansive network of locations. With Rio SEO, you gain deep insights that span from individual store performance to broader regional and brand-level perspectives. But how do these metrics fit into the broader landscape of your industr…

The Evolution of Google AI in Local Search

…reates. But how does Google AI impact local search? Let's take a look. What Is Google AI in Search? Artificial intelligence is integral to the way search engines like Google function today. AI takes tasks that have historically required human energy and intelligence to complete and automates them. Its earliest applications were fairly simple automations but now, with machine learning, algorithms can be "trained" to make complex decisions, recognize speech, and more. AI is used by search algorith……Google Search has become increasingly complex, and it's no wonder. The informational needs of constantly connected consumers continue to evolve, and search algorithms must adapt to keep up. And do they ever; Google's algorithms are updated hundreds to thousands of times each year. Google's mission is simple: "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." Google delivers on that mission in a world where 59% of shoppers use Google to search and compare their o……and will be able to find the answer to a complicated search query using multiple sources and mediums at the same time." See Google’s MUM Update: What This Means For Local Marketers According to the Experts for more insights from SEOs. Other Ways Google Uses AI Google is using AI in numerous ways outside of Search, as well. Google Assistant is one great example. You might already be using the AI-powered voice assistant at home, on your smartphone, in your car, on your TV, or even on a wearable …

Measuring local performance in 2022: The marketing metrics that matter most

…A multi-ethnic group of nursing students are attending class together. They are seated at a long table in a classroom. The individuals are working in pairs on a project. The two women seated closest to the camera are being assisted by their female professor who is showing them something on a digital tablet. WEBINAR Measuring local performance in 2022: The marketing metrics that matter most On-demand webinarDuration: 60 minutes About this webinar We’ve assembled a panel of……tablet. WEBINAR Measuring local performance in 2022: The marketing metrics that matter most On-demand webinarDuration: 60 minutes About this webinar We’ve assembled a panel of experts to dive deeper into the right measurable marketing metrics to focus on that deliver revenue-generating results. Whether your business is just starting out or needs to revamp your current strategy, defining the marketing metrics that matter is the foundation for building and executing succ…

2021 Local Search Ranking Factors: A Guide for Brands in 2022

…When it comes to local search, consumers tend to be highly motivated – and they prefer to take their search needs to Google. In fact, 83% of local consumers use Google to find information about nearby businesses, and 90% of those make a purchase within one week of their initial search. Being present and appearing prominently in those Local Pack and Local Organic is essential for driving foot traffic, online orders, and other conversion actions. Whitespark’s most recent 2021 Local Search Rank……cal Search Ranking Factors Report The Local Search Ranking Factors survey and report began in 2008 with David Mihm, and Darren Shaw took the helm in 2017. Each year, organizers survey local marketing experts about the potential factors they believe Google may factor into its Local Pack and Local Organic search results.  For this latest update released November 29, 2021, over 132 potential local ranking factors were evaluated. Whitespark organizes these into 7 broad categories of local search ra…

Mastering local holiday marketing: Top strategies for seasonal success in 2022

…A multi-ethnic group of nursing students are attending class together. They are seated at a long table in a classroom. The individuals are working in pairs on a project. The two women seated closest to the camera are being assisted by their female professor who is showing them something on a digital tablet. WEBINAR Mastering local holiday marketing: Top strategies for seasonal success in 2022 On-demand webinarDuration: 45 minutes About this webinar We’ve assembled a panel……let. WEBINAR Mastering local holiday marketing: Top strategies for seasonal success in 2022 On-demand webinarDuration: 45 minutes About this webinar We’ve assembled a panel of experts to discuss the trends shaping the 2022 holidays, consumption predictions, and research-backed strategies to help you get ready for a busy and rewarding holiday season Businesses are more eager than ever to prepare their holiday marketing campaigns well ahead of the typical season. Christm…

Local consumer search behavior trends in Q1 2025

…k harder in our Local Pages Playbook. Clicks to call also dipped 7.4% this quarter, but bookings often start with questions. When guests do call, they’re often looking to confirm availability or ask about upgrades. If that call doesn’t go through, or lands in the wrong department, you’ve lost a potential guest before they’ve even packed their bag. Where to focus next: Build dedicated local pages that highlight unique amenities like spas, restaurants, or event spaces Refresh …… Business services Healthcare Hospitality Restaurants Multi-family residential Google Business Profile (GBP) metrics reveal a more comprehensive story than just views and clicks. They capture how people discover and engage with your brand, from the initial glimpse in a search result to the final step through your front door.  These local signals shape the customer experience (CX) at every location in your network. That’s why each quarter; we dig into Google Business Pr…

Must-know local marketing metrics for measuring success in 2025

…ndicators include: Shares, comments, and saves on location-specific content Mentions by local influencers Direct messages to brand's inbox Responses to Instagram or Facebook stories that ask local-specific questions User-generated content such as posting photos or experiences related to your business and tagging your location or business handle Users tagging your business location in their posts or checking-in on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, signaling local intent ……you need to know Pairing tools and technology for measurement Best practices for implementing metrics Key takeaways Did you know that 76% of people who search for a local business on their smartphone visit within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase? Local marketing has evolved, and the days of setting up listings and hoping for eager customers to walk through your doors are over. Success is now contingent on your brand’s ability to craft seamless customer …

Expert Tips For Closing Branch Locations in Google My Business

…To say 2020 has been nothing short of predictable doesn’t quite do the trajectory of this year justice. From the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including widespread business closures globally, to the recent riots that also forced businesses to shut their doors, the implications of losing customers and cash flow have been felt across all industries.  One of the industries that took the hardest hit during the peak of the pandemic was the financial industry. In fact, dur…

Why You May Not See Your Brand’s Location In Local Search

…We’re sometimes asked by brand marketers, “Why doesn’t our location come up on Google when searchers are trying to find our store closest to them?” This conundrum can stump even the most seasoned local marketers. Why would you not see your business location in a local search if you're near a searcher? You’ve put in the effort to optimize your Google Business Profile listing and the associated local landing page for each of your locations. But, when you search from your phone or comput……We’re sometimes asked by brand marketers, “Why doesn’t our location come up on Google when searchers are trying to find our store closest to them?” This conundrum can stump even the most seasoned local marketers. Why would you not see your business location in a local search if you're near a searcher? You’ve put in the effort to optimize your Google Business Profile listing and the associated local landing page for each of your locations. But, when you search from your phone or comput…

Top digital marketing conferences to attend in 2023

…Top digital marketing conferences to attend in 2023 Bit by bit, digital marketing conferences are evolving from the completely virtual assemblies (reminiscent of pandemic times) to in-person and even hybrid events. Whether you prefer to attend conferences online, face-to-face, or a mixture of both, there are myriad events to attend in 2023. Each are a rich source of industry knowledge, the latest and most effective strategies, and valuable networking opportunities. These ev……. Each are a rich source of industry knowledge, the latest and most effective strategies, and valuable networking opportunities. These events also provide exclusive access to some of the top industry experts. When seeking quality marketing conferences to attend, there are numerous variables to consider. For example, you may want to see a broad range of digital marketing topics or you may prefer a specific focus (such as email marketing, for example) and presentations by practitioners in that …

Rio SEO’s Top 5 Local Marketing Platform Feature Enhancements in 2021

…Each year, an abundance of changes take place in the local search landscape. In fact, during a recent webinar we hosted, Google Business Profile Expert Stefan Somborac noted more changes have taken place with Google specifically in the past two years than the previous five years before the pandemic. We anticipate these quick and abundant updates to continue into 2022, as businesses need to communicate essential information faster than ever before to better keep their customers informed. In turn,…

Lessons Learned from Managing Local Listings in a Time of Crisis

…t now? What measures is this business taking to keep me safe? Will I need to behave a certain way or take specific steps to follow this location’s social distancing guidelines? Should I wear a mask? Do I need to sanitize my hands upon entering the location? What experiences are other people having at this location? Can I call and talk to someone about the specific questions I have? Does this location offer online ordering, curbside pickup, or contactless delivery? Are there special……Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, enterprise brand marketers have had their priorities shift dramatically and often. Budgets have had to be reimagined, entire campaigns reworked, and even entire business strategies rethought. Yet, throughout all of the uncertainty and turmoil, the prime concern for brands has been the need for timely, reassuring customer communications.   When a crisis strikes and you need to pivot quickly, customers turn to your local listings for the information they need t…

Local Consumer Search Behavior Trends in Q4 2023

…services Full-service restaurants Quick-service restaurants Hotels Retail Healthcare Multi-family residential Google Business Profile (GBP) performance metrics shed light on the diverse customer experiences happening across your brand’s various locations. Rio SEO enables you to explore these insights at the location, regional, and brand level – but what do these metrics mean in the broader context of your industry as a whole? With each passing quarter, we unveil …

Local consumer search behavior trends in Q1 2023

…residential Each month from late 2020 to December 2022, our team aggregated and analyzed Google Business Profile (GBP) performance data from over 170,000 enterprise brand locations and shared the resulting local consumer search trends on our blog. For the purpose of this research, the term “enterprise” refers to businesses with 50 or more locations.  This blog post marks the first in our transition to quarterly insights. This shift allows us to share more impactful …

Local Consumer Search Behavior Trends in Q2 2023

…Full-service restaurants Quick-service restaurants Hotels Retail Healthcare Multi-family residential Google Business Profile (GBP) performance metrics are an important piece of the local reporting puzzle. There’s great value in evaluating these insights not only for each of your locations but across your brand as a whole. We pull the cover back further by releasing trends and insights gleaned from our analysis of over 230,000+ enterprise business locations across eight t…