The author's views are entirely his or her own (excluding the unlikely event of hypnosis) and may not always reflect the views of Moz.
“Everywhere!” is going to be the ebullient byword for approaching a brand new year of local search marketing with gusto. In 2022, the opportunity is there for local businesses to be everywhere customers are looking at a time when they are particularly open to change, whether that’s exploring new companies, testing new brands, or trying new modes of communication.
Public health, and its direct impacts on local businesses, will remain unpredictable. However, what’s as sure a bet as you’ll find anywhere these days is that if the companies you market can be found and liked by customers, you can significantly expand the number of neighbors you get to serve with care, compassion, and a commitment to making this a very good year for brick-and-mortar shops and SABs.
Let’s set you up for success with seven local SEO precepts for the year ahead, some expert commentary, and many signs of good things to come!
1. Converse with customers everywhere, with extra kindness
“What the world needs now, is love, sweet love.”
At that next meeting in which you are training staff who directly interact with your customers and clients, spend a minute listening to Ms. Warwick’s classic[1] to get rooted in your deepest humanity and make a pact to bring these powerful feelings into every communication you have with the people you serve. We’re all going through so much these days, and even a few extra words of kindness can make the friendliest impression on a customer who could be sorely in need of being treated with respect and consideration.
The great news is that 2022 will offer the local brands you market