A Recap of 2023’s Impact on Local SEO and the Voice Search Revolution

Last Updated On:
March 20, 2024 |
7:00 am

Last Updated on: 24th April 2024, 01:38 pm

2023 has been a rollercoaster for local businesses, let’s look at how it affected local SEO. While economic uncertainties loomed, one marketing trend rose like a phoenix: Voice Search.

Gone are the days of hunched over keyboards, squinting at tiny phone screens. Today’s consumers are embracing the convenience and natural flow of voice search, and local businesses are taking notice. Let’s dive into the stats and insights that paint a vibrant picture of 2023’s local SEO landscape:

The Voice Search Boom and how it affected Local SEO:

62% of Americans use a voice assistant on any device. (NPR)
58% of consumers have found local businesses using voice search. (Google)
Mobile voice searches have increased by 42% year-over-year. (Statista)

These numbers speak volumes. Voice Search is no longer a novelty; it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. For local businesses, optimizing for voice search is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Optimizing for the “Ok Google” Moment:

So, how can local businesses capitalize on this voice revolution? Here are some key takeaways:

Keywords, Keywords, Keywords: Research and target long-tail keywords that people are likely to use in voice searches. Think natural language and conversational queries like “best pizza near me” or “urgent care open now.”
Claim Your Listings: Ensure your business is listed and verified on Google My Business, Bing Places, and other local directories. This increases your chances of appearing in voice search results.
Content is King (and Queen): Create informative and engaging content that answers the questions your target audience might ask through voice search. Think blog posts, FAQs, and even video content optimized for voice queries.
Get Snippet-Savvy: Featured snippets are often the goldmine of voice search results. Optimize your website content to appear in those coveted top spots.
Mobile-First is a Must: Since most voice searches happen on mobile devices, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.

Local SEO Beyond Voice Search:

While voice search takes center stage, it’s crucial to remember that traditional local SEO tactics remain vital. Building backlinks, optimizing for local keywords, and engaging with your community online are still key to driving traffic and boosting local visibility.

The Future of Local SEO:

As we head into 2024, the local SEO landscape is poised for even more exciting developments. Expect to see:

Increased focus on personalization: Voice Search data can be used to personalize search results and deliver even more relevant recommendations to users.
The rise of visual search: With the growing popularity of image-based search engines like Google Lens, optimizing for visual content will become increasingly important.
The continued integration of AI: AI-powered tools will play a bigger role in local SEO, from automating tasks to generating targeted content.

2023 has been a year of immense change for local SEO. Those who embraced the voice revolution and adapted their strategies are reaping the rewards. As we move forward, staying ahead of the curve and embracing new technologies will be key to success in the ever-evolving world of local search.

Remember, your local SEO journey is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently implementing these strategies and staying informed about the latest trends, you can ensure your local business thrives in the voice-powered future.

We at Simply Be Found are committed to assisting you in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of local SEO. If you have any inquiries or wish to explore how we can elevate your business’s online presence, do not hesitate to reach out.

I hope this blog has given you valuable insights into the exciting world of local SEO and voice search marketing. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment below!

Let’s make 2024 the year your local business dominates the “Ok Google” game!

P.S. Don’t forget to share this blog with your fellow local business owners! The more we share knowledge, the more we all win.

About the author:

Rob Downey

Robert Downey: Revolutionizing Local Marketing and Voice Search Optimization Robert Downey is a distinguished figure in the dynamic world of local marketing and digital innovation. As the co-founder of SimplyBeFound.com, he has proven to be a master in local marketing strategy and a pioneer in voice search optimization. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Robert has dedicated himself to enhancing the visibility of small businesses and fostering stronger connections between these enterprises and their local communities. Robert's journey in the marketing realm began in 1995, and since then, he has led over 1,000 marketing campaigns, contributing significantly to developing more than 5,000 websites. His expertise spans various industries, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities. This extensive experience broadens his skill set and cements his position as a thought leader in local business marketing. One of the keys to Robert's success is his ability to deliver impactful results using local SEO strategies. He excels in this area, demonstrating that businesses can use small advertising budgets to be successful. Instead, they need the right strategies to reach consumers actively seeking their services. His approach needs to include the importance of bridging the gap between local businesses and potential customers, which has often hindered the growth and visibility of many small businesses. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Robert's veins. This heritage has ingrained in him a profound understanding of business growth and evolution, especially crucial in the fast-paced startup environment. At SimplyBeFound.com, he applies this strategic vision to simplify the local business discovery process, leading to significant growth of the platform, an expanded user base, and increased revenue streams. Beyond Simply Be Found, Robert's achievements include launching over ten successful online businesses and startups, a testament to his versatility and expertise in the digital business landscape. He brings a unique blend of programming skills, marketing acumen, and business development experience, offering a fresh and invaluable perspective to today's digitally-centered business challenges. In essence, Robert Downey is more than just a local marketing expert. He is a catalyst for growth, a digital marketing innovator, and a mentor to businesses striving for success. His extensive experience, profound industry knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the success of small businesses make him an indispensable ally for any business aiming to enhance its local presence and achieve sustainable growth.

Small Business Owned & Operated

We are a small business for small business. There is a 1 in 5 chance of talking to a co-founder. We are not a big coporation or a place where you are going to get lost.

Get free access to the Simply Be Found platform, offering easy-to-use tools for managing your Google Business Profile. This is part of our small business giveback program.

Love these dialogs guys - two high preformance low pressure guys doing their thing!

If you don’t know Rob your living under a rock

Good information. Appreciate the honesty about not having to pay for a source to do what we entrepreneurs are able to do ourselves. Bravo

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Between Dean & Rob They Have

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48+

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60+

Years Of Marketing
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