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eldritchsurveys · 4 years ago

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794🎂

Did the best moment of your life happen at summer camp? >> You ever get to that point where you just resign yourself to taking surveys you’ve already taken? Because I’m pretty sure I’ve taken 75% of the surveys I run into but it’s not like there’s a great influx of new surveys to take, so what’s a motherfucker to do but just make repeat performances... Anyway, some really great moments have happened to me at summer camp; I’m pretty nostalgic about the camps I’ve gone to at Easton Mountain. They were great experiences, even with the bullshit that sometimes happened.

Do you get tired of fakebook? lol >> I’m just tired of facebook in general -- how ubiquitous it is, how much data it collects and what it does with said data, everything about Mark Zuckerberg, etc. How random people behave on facebook is of much less concern to me than the above.

Are you a poser on facebook or are you real? >> I don’t really use facebook. I have one for the purposes of establishing lines of contact, and that’s it.

Are you a people pleaser? >> I wouldn’t say that.

Do you get irritated a lot? >> Not a lot, no. Irritation is a pretty obvious red flag for me -- if I feel irritated it’s probably because I’ve let some important need of mine go unfulfilled, like hunger or sleep or emotional processing. Or I’ve fallen into a depressive episode.

What's something you've realized about yourself lately? >> Eh, nothing really stands out as particularly revelatory.

Do you know a lot of idiots? >> I don’t know any idiots.

Do you want a puppy or a kitty? >> No.

Do you hate that some people are stuck-up? >> No, because that’s not really been my experience with people.

Would you rather be poor and humble or rich and snooty? >> See, the thing about this is... I’ve only been poor. And for one, I don’t think being poor means I’m automatically humble, I think it means that I have to look at life and at other people in a different way than I would if I wasn’t in this position. It means I have to acknowledge my socioeconomic dependence, which means treating people like objects or means to an end is significantly more disadvantageous to me than it would be to a rich person. It means I have to budget my indulgences, and can’t just be capricious and lavish with my spending, and I can’t just throw money at a problem to make it go away. I don’t know what it would be like to be rich -- I don’t know how having those advantages would change me as a person, and I don’t know what unseen disadvantages would arise. I know who I am now, and despite the hardships of being below the poverty line as an individual (and only a little less so as a member of a household), I more-or-less like how I am. I see no reason to complicate things.

Do you know any humble rich people? >> I don’t know any actually rich people at all. I know upper middle class folks because Sparrow is related to them, but while they do seem to lack class consciousness a lot of the time, they still mostly live in a reality I can halfway comprehend.

Do you hate the millennial stereotype? >> Not really. It doesn’t affect me. But I don’t encourage people to spout that nonsense, either.

Do you think everyone should have a right to live, and by that I mean live a comfortable life? >> The problem with this is that, as a human being who is invested in lessening suffering for all living creatures, I feel as though people should have this right. Unfortunately, as a human being who is equipped with the ability to think about things critically and logically, I think that it makes no practical sense. What I do think is that social systems can absolutely stand to be more supportive to all peoples, and we should absolutely work towards that. We should always seek ways to ease suffering. But we should also expect that even our striving has the possibility of creating suffering, and weigh that against the good we believe we’re doing. It’s just a constant process, I think. Trying to be more conscientious and more humane humans than the humans that came before us.

Does your religion or spirituality teach you to love your enemies? >> I don’t have any of those things.

Do you love your enemies? >> I don’t have any enemies, and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t love them if I did. Otherwise, why would they be enemies in the first place then?

Do you struggle to love your enemies? >> ---

Are you bothered by things that have been done to you in the past? >> Yeah, that’s kind of what being post-traumatic is.

Do you hate bullying? >> I mean, I don’t think it’s great.

Do you get bullied frequently? >> No.

Do you often wish you could go to sleep and not wake up until something good happens? >> I’ve wished that before.

How many people do you know who are suicidal? >> I don’t know how many people I know are suicidal. I’m not really... keeping track, you dig. Also, not everyone who is suicidal talks about being suicidal.

Do you read advice columns? >> I read Ask Polly sometimes, I think she has a lot of thoughtful and compassionate and passionate things to say.

Have you ever used a dating site? >> Yeah.

Do you want a fairy godmother? >> No.

Do you enjoy watching talent shows? >> Not especially. America’s Got Talent has had a few episodes that interested me, but I don’t watch it regularly.

Which cartoon character would you want to play you in a movie? >> ---

What is something you do not understand? >> Oh, you know. Calculus and stuff.

Do you know anyone who is spoiled? >> I don’t think so.

Do you think cars are ugly? >> All cars??? Of course not. There are some styles that I do find unattractive, but there are also styles I find very attractive. ...This makes me sound like I’m attracted to cars. I will neither confirm nor deny that assessment. :p

What is your favorite musical? >> Phantom of the Opera.

Have you made a lot of huge mistakes? >> Oh, yeah, definitely.

Are you ok? >> I suppose you could say that.

Do you ever feel God's presence? >> Nope.

Do you believe in angels? >> I had an Inworlder when I was younger that I interpreted as angelic. There was also an angel I knew a few years ago, which was a complicated situation I’m not sure I’m equipped to explain right now. I miss Tobias, he wrote me such wonderful things... :’(

What is your favorite magazine? >> I don’t have one.

What color hair did your favorite Barbie doll have? >> ---

Who were you rooting for in the very first season of American Idol? >> ---

Do you believe in miracles? >> I don’t find the concept useful.

Have you ever been to a tea shop? >> I’ve been to Teavana.

If there were a tea shop in your city, would you go to it? >> Sure. I love tea.

Do you still have your Christmas decorations up? >> Nope.

How many pairs of jeggings do you own? >> Zero.

Do you have any memories that are painful? >> Of course.

Do you learn from your mistakes and move on, or do you do the same things over and over again? >> Sometimes the former, sometimes the latter.

Do you make a habit of taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone? >> No, I don’t make a habit of it. Then again, my comfort zone is really small. Like, really. So many activities involve me being outside my comfort zone by default, which means I have less mental energy for purposefully choosing to do things that are outside of my comfort zone. I think this kind of thing is more suited for people whose comfort zone is a lot larger than mine -- who don’t regard basic things like “using the phone” or “being in a crowd” as being outside of their comfort zone.

Is your life boring? >> It can be. But frankly, I prefer this to the alternative.

What is your favorite thing to follow on tumblr? >> I don’t know how to answer that.

What are your favorite Pinterest boards? >> I don’t use Pinterest.

Is your Pinterest profile cluttered? >> ---

Do you wish you owned more board games? >> No, I don’t play board games. Sparrow likes them, but we also have no one to play with. We have three board games and at least one of them is still in the packaging.

Do you wish you had visitors more often? >> Not at all. I’m perfectly happy not having other people milling around my apartment.

Do you hate the economy? >> No.

Do you hate our culture? >> No. These are way too vague to be answerable by me in any real capacity.

Do you live in the USA? >> Yes.

What accent do you like best? >> There is no accent I like best. I like most accents just because I love the many different ways people speak.

Is there a guy you wish you hadn't let slip away? >> No.

What are some things you would like to do this summer? >> Just... go somewhere. I would like to be able to go somewhere. That’s really it, the bar is so low these days.

What are some things you love about spring? >> I think I love everything about spring. The warmth, the increased sunshine, the way the air smells when it rains, the explosion of greenery and colour, the feeling of finally being able to breathe, the fact that the air doesn’t immediately suck all the moisture out of my skin...

Are you feeling optimistic today? >> No. Optimistic about what? Isn’t that something you feel about something specific, not just... randomly?

When was the last time you did something that made you feel stupid? >> I don’t remember.

Do you hate social classes and inequality? >> I mean, it’s not great to deal with.

Is they're anything that you're questioning if you're allergic to? >> No.

Do you believe everyone should be treated with respect when you first meet them? >> Sure. I at least try to treat people with basic respect until it becomes clear that they’re 100% not interested in giving the same in return.

Do you hate that nobody cares? >> Nobody cares about what?

What websites shut down that you miss? >> Xanga, certainly.

What were your favorite websites when you were a teenager? >> Xanga, various band websites, Chimerical Publications (an old David Duchovny fansite).

What was the best class you took in high school? >> ---

Are you happy? >> Mildly.

Would you ever enroll in a college class just for fun? >> I would if it were possible to do so. That always sounded like a fun thing to do -- just take a class to get all the lectures and materials, without having to take the tests and stuff.

Do you feel free to be yourself? >> Well, sure. It’d be real fucked up if I felt like I had to be a different person all the time.

Do you stand up for yourself when needed? >> Yes. Sometimes a little more than necessary, but I’m just so used to having to fight for my existence. Or at least feeling that way.

#surveys #survey #random survey

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caveatzealot · 4 years ago

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TWO

Jasper peered at the soldiers assembling in the courtyard from his position at the second story window, clicking his tongue in dissatisfaction at what he saw below him. “What a sorry sight,” he said out loud, although no one answered him. The sound of boots marching could be heard even from his position, and he sighed and forced his voice to take on more cheer as he grasped the thick curtains in his hands and threw them open widely to let the sunlight stream into the room.

“Time to rouse yourself, young master,” he said to the pile of blankets on the bed that twitched and moaned at the influx of light. “It is far too beautiful and important of a day for you to be spending it all in bed.”

“Jasper, please,” the figure on the bed groaned, rolling away from the light.

“That is not an answer appropriate for the young lord of the household,” Jasper replied, going to another window and opening that one was well so nothing of the room was hidden to the sun’s rays. Then the servant turned and made his way over to the bed itself and delicately placed his hand upon the covers. “And you arise as well, faithful one!”

He yanked off the covers to reveal a huge dog stretching and yawning away the last remnants of his sleep, before rolling onto his back pitifully and looking up at Jasper. “No, no, you must wake up as well. Those eyes do not work on me.”

Jasper looked up to the man sitting up on the bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with a grumble. Arlan Peyton was the second, and youngest, child of Reylon and Eleanor Peyton, and while he had no household duties unlike his elder brother Fergus, he was still expected to keep up with a rigid academic schedule, along with daily sword training. Leniency was given, but very little on his part. Yet not matter where he chose to go or what to do, Yasho would always remain at his side. The hound had been a gift on his eighteenth birthday and since then they had been inseparable, even sitting at his feet under the table during meals.

“Now, sir, if you will follow me, you shall find that I have laid out some appropriate clothing for today’s activities. Lady Elyse is most eager to speak with you this afternoon and is waiting for you in the garden. No doubt you will wish to look presentable for your young friend.”

At that Arlan jumped up, becoming much more active as he headed for the divider that had been prepared by Jasper beforehand and began to undress himself, throwing his nightclothes on top of the divider, which Jasper took. “Why did you not tell me she was here sooner?” Arlan asked, taking the clothes Jasper had set aside. “I would have woken up sooner!”

“Of that I have my doubts, if you will permit me to say so, young master,” Jasper replied with a noise of amusement. “The sea could be in full storm and I believe the most we would get out of you would be for you to turn upon your other side.” At his feet, Yasho seemed to bark in agreement.

“Ha ha, very funny, the both of you,” Arlan responded before stepping out from behind the divider, combing his hair into place. He wore a set of trousers which were the green of olives, a set of riding boots, a gray tunic tied with a beaded belt and a leather vest on over it.

“You look excellent, sir. A wonderful sight for Lady Elyse.” He gave a nod to Arlan. “You should make your way to her now. It does little sense to keep a lady waiting.”

Arlan nodded back, a small smile on his face at the thought. “Will do, Jasper. I shall see you later, then.”

“Have a good day, young master.”

With Yasho following faithfully at his heels, Arlan made his way throughout the estate, passing bustling staff along the way who did their best to bow to him while still trying to carry out their appointed tasks. Carrying towels, dishes, cleaning supplies, all sorts of materials that he had learned when he was little meant “someone important had arrived.” His father mentioned a few days ago that the Governor of Denewil would be paying them a visit with some of his guards, so that had to be him. Arlan decided for now it was just best to stay out of everyone’s way, as there was nothing for him to do to help out.

He eventually ended up in the rearmost section of the estate, overlooking the courtyard set in the back, away from many of the eyes that would try to see it when coming up the hill. This courtyard was terraced, dotted with statues of marble and climbing vines of grape curled over archways to form tunnels of greenery to hide away from prying eyes. Ultimately all of the separate paths of the gardens eventually met at one point: a stone monument in the very center that resembled a mausoleum more than anything else. Beyond this was a large parapet, hemmed in by a balustrade, from which one could look down upon the industrial quarter of Holdingstone and the Concook Bay. Arlan always liked the sight of the sea better than the factories pouring out their blue smoke, but he did admit there was a fascination in watching the workers go about their daily lives below.

He could see a small gathering upon the parapet as he approached, and he immediately identified one of them as his mother, the Governess Lady Eleanor. Then that meant the other lady with her had to be Lady Landra, wife of the mayor to some of the provincial lands to the west. She had come to visit recently, hearing news that his father would be away for a while to keep his mother company. The man near her had to be her son, which left the woman as…

Elyse, Landra’s lady-in-waiting. Beautiful as ever, her hands folded demurely in front of her while the sun glistened in her hair, she was the first to turn and greet him at his approach.

“Ah, my boy, there you are!” Eleanor said with a smile, standing taller to kiss her son on the cheek.

Arlan took her hand and kissed it in return. “Mother dearest,” he said with a smile. “Lady Landra.” He kissed her hand as well.

“Arlan, I’m sure you’ve met Lady Landra and her son, Darrian,” Eleanor said, gesturing to them with her hand.

“Of course, mother,” Arlan said with a smile, nodding to the both of them.

“Good. They will be staying with us while your father and Governor Glenroy deal with the insurrection down in Canrock. While they are gone, Ser Walter Beck will be watching over the castle.”

That made Arlan tilt his head in bewilderment. “Why not Fergus, mother? He is the next in line, unless I have missed something?”

Eleanor frowned at him, but he knew she would not admonish him in front of her guests. “Ser Walter has been a close friend of the family for over thirty years, and is Warden Ambassador of Albion. Not only is he of higher rank, but of much higher experience than Fergus in such matters. Your father asked him to take charge in his stead, himself.”

“Ah, I see. Forgive my question, then,” Arlan said, giving a nod.

Eleanor nodded back and waved him along. “Now, Lady Landra and I need to discuss some details about cotton shipments next harvest, you go and run along with your friend while you still have free time.”

Elyse giggled and Arlan grinned. “Of course, mother, enjoy your walk,” he said and watched them continue on their journey with Darrian, deep in their conversation.

When their voice grew distant, he turned to Elyse and his hand found his way around hers. “I missed you,” he said with a smile.

One that was shared by her. “I missed you too,” she whispered, and stood up to kiss him.

Her lips were always so soft, and so warm and he found his fingers carding through her long, flowing hair every time she touched him with them.

“It’s really awful, more than you would think while being here in Holdingstone,” Elyse said as they walked under the archways together with the sweet smell of ripening grapes around them. “The working conditions in Denewil are just awful, I’ve had friends from therewho say that the hospitals are stuffed with poor souls who come down with coughs from the factory work and end up retching blue—oh what a sight!” She shuddered. “And the smaller towns we rode through on our way here, so many of them are falling into disrepair and there are so many people who are on the street, but there are soldiers everywhere! And all of this happened right after King Logan’s tax increase! Even Holdingstone is starting to feel it, as prosperous as it is here!”

Arlan looked at her, his face filled with worry. “What do you mean?” he asked.

She looked a little embarrassed, but shrugged. “The kitchen staff, I overheard them as I was getting chilled berried for my lady. They’re very frightened of Governor Glenroy’s soldiers being here, panicking a little, even. They keep gossiping about what this could possibly mean for the governor and Holdingstone.”

He gave a little snort at that. “What a ridiculous idea! What do they think will happen, Glenroy taking over with just his twenty men?” He shook his head. “Really, I’ll go deal with them right now.” He turned to set off.

“Wait, shouldn’t you let Ser Walter handle it?” she asked, picking up her skirts to keep up with him.

“I am still a lord in the house, it is part of my responsibility and they are part of my staff as well!” Arlan replied. “It is more my duty than it is his.”

The kitchen was a bustle of activity when he arrived, and as was usually when one of the lords of the household went anywhere all of the servants seemed to have a sixth sense for it and stopped what they were doing immediately. “I’ve been told that some of you have some concerns with the Governor of Denewil’s soldiers being inside of our estate?” he asked. No one answered, but he continued on. “Well, I will say that this is an absolutely preposterous idea, born only of superstition and frivolous gossip. Glenroy is a friend of my father’s and he would only be here to help, not to be a strong-arm for the King to force taxes out of us all or whatever other nonsense is believed. There’s only one thing that should be cooked up in this place, and that is food.”

He heard the sound of a throat being cleared behind him and turned around only to come face to face with Ser Walter Beck, dressed not in his Warden Ambassador uniform but a more subdued silver overcoat, which had silver armor protecting his whole right armor. The Warden raised an eyebrow and Arlan tried not to duck his head in shame in front of the whole staff. He had known Ser Walter all of his life, and so had Ser Walter, even being present the day Arlan was born. He was something of a second father or perhaps even a loving uncle to Arlan, although in recent years he had also become a mentor as well, teaching both him and his older brother in the art of swordsmanship.

Ser Walter looked up among the staff and simply said, “Back to your stations,” and left, indicating for Arlan to follow him. Arlan managed a wave to Elyse before he dutifully followed.

He found Ser Walter walking at a rather sedate pace, stroking his cropped beard in thought. “While I do agree that calling any potential panic among the staff is necessary,” he began, looking to Arlan with dark eyes, “being rude is not. You should not berate such people, Arlan, especially when their fear motivates them. You will simply offend them and make them angry, and they will not listen to what you have to say.”

Arlan winced a little at that. “I beg your pardon, Ser Walter, the heat of my anger claimed my better judgment.” He sighed. “I have just heard so many silly rumors and so many thoughts taken either out of context or out of nowhere completely! I wonder how people come up with such things.”

“It does not matter where they come up with them, what matters is that you can make them see the truth,” Ser Walter replied, his step leading them into another courtyard. A much smaller, hidden one, with a sandy ground that Arlan recognized well. “It is time for your sword lessons, if you remember.”

“Right,” Arlan said, nodding.

“But this time, I want to do something a little different. A special lesson, you can say.”

Arlan paused at that, tilting his head slightly, which mirrored Yasho’s gesture as well. “Special how?” he asked, with trepidation. A lot of Ser Walter’s “special” lessons ended up with more bruises than usual.

“Special by how we see it,” Walter replied cryptically, before taking Arlan’s sword and tossing it to him, then assuming his position in the sand. He waited for Arlan to take off his shirt first and put on hi leather training short before he continued. “Today, I want you to try and fight me for real. As if I was truly an enemy and your life depended upon it.”

The request left Arlan confused, to put it rather mildly. “Except it’s not,” he replied. “How am I supposed to do that?”

“Do not be so sure about what you say,” Walter said before lunging forward, his sword flashing.

Arlan had to leap to parry it, his move just barely hitting, but it was only a second later before Walter was attacking again, forcing Arlan to duck aside and block again, and the third time—“Ah!” he called out as the tip of Walter’ sword pierced his shoulder, not enough to drive in but more than enough to feel it roaring in pain.

“Fight back, Arlan!” Walter ordered, not letting up.

His heart pounding, Arlan felt himself kicking into his fight stance, the reality of the situation sinking in. all other distractions left him and he tried to feint, parry, and jab to the best of his ability, but it was clear he was not making any headway with what they were doing. It was taking all of his willpower not to get severed by Ser Walter and none of his attacks were even so much as getting past his guard. He wasn’t used to such a hard-pressed fighting, and he was tiring quickly from the constant exertion.

“Hold,” Ser Walter said and moved out of his stance and Arlan was only too happy to oblige. “You can do better than this, Arlan. Remember when you were little, and you loved to listen to the tales of the mighty Sparrow? The hero of the people, who battled the rich and gave the money to the poor, got himself out of trouble with his quick wits and even quicker sword, who could fight off three armed royal guards at once and win? The hero you wanted to be like?”

Arlan grinned in amusement as the memories his words dragged up. “Yes, I did,” he admitted after a moment. It was funny to think back on them now, but he used to love training with Walter when they first started out because of his memories of the stories of the Sparrow. And Ser Walter said he could do better…He squared himself into his stance again, his mind becoming more clear and focused upon the sword in Walter’s hand. “Let’s go,” he said.

Walter only grinned at him before lunging.

This time Arlan parried successfully, but he was still having to dodge and swerve for the life of him, but at the very least he no longer felt as if he was flailing around like an idiot. He was planning out his attacks, trying to find out what kind of move his teacher would make, what—

Then in a series of quick, lightning moves, Ser Walter hit his sword then twirled the blade around it then—sent it flying out of his hand. Then with no weapon holding him back, Walter lunged.

Arlan wasn’t really super what happened or what he was thinking, he just knew he reacted. He dove into a roll that went right under Ser Walter and carried him almost all the way across the room, right where his sword landed. In one smooth motion he picked it up as he was getting to his feet out of his roll. Before Walter had time to do much more than turn around, Arlan had already leaped for him and brought his sword crashing down upon Walter’s in a two-handed strike.

Walter’s blade snapped right in two with a piercing ring, stunning them all to stillness. All was silent for a moment, before Ser Walter began to laugh. “Well!” he said, laughing and shaking his head in amazement. “You have something very special in you if you were able to do that, young lord.”

Arlan blinked at him. “What are you referring to?” he asked.

Before Ser Walter could say anything, there was a knock on one of the archways leading into the courtyard. “I am terribly sorry to interrupt, my lords, but Governor Peyton had requested your presence, Ser Walter.”

“I will be there,” Ser Walter gave the servant a nod before turning to Arlan. “You should wash up, so you won’t be sweaty at dinner later.”

“My dear Peyton! What is this? The Warden Ambassador, here?”

“Is that a problem, Baurus?” Peyton asked, giving Glenroy a confused look.

Glenroy seemed to have paled a bit, but was keeping a remarkably even face. “W-Well no, dear friend! But such a guest of this stature requires certain protocol! I’m afraid you’ve left me at a…disadvantage.”

“Please, Governor, be at ease,” Ser Walter said reassuringly. “I am not here as Warden Ambassador, but as a friend to the Peyton family. No protocol will be necessary.”

“It’s funny to watch him get worked up like a teapot, isn’t it?” Elyse whispered to Arlan with a grin, and he had to stuff a bit of roasted pheasant in his mouth to stop his laughter.

Dinner was a usual affair, plus a few extra guests to keep father’s attention on other things rather than him, so it allowed Arlan and Elyse to sit together for this evening and talk, mostly reminiscing while they fed Yasho scraps under the table.

“Remember when I first saw you?” Arlan asked quietly. “The new adopted orphan from Denewil under Lady Landra’s tutelage? I probably embarrassed my whole family with my oogling; I thought you were the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.”

Elyse giggled. “Not that I saw! Goodness my head must have been filled with cotton if I didn’t notice such a thing, or didn’t even notice until I was sixteen!”

“No, no, I don’t think so. By that time I had given up and was more smitten with your brother instead.”

“Ah, that little fling you two had over the summer. Was he truly that bad?”

“He wasn’t, but we just realized that we, er, worked better as friends.”

She giggled again and decided not to pressure, mostly because the idea made her embarrassed and she didn’t like talking about Arlan’s previous sexual encounters. She had known when she was older that she had wanted to lose her virginity to him, and meanwhile he already had before she even considered it…It was what the other handmaidens had told her, that she would lose her chastity to someone who truly meant something to her and after all the years they spent visiting one another’s households, Arlan did. Even now the glances they shared, the small touches, spoke of something that was also shared in the looked Peyton and Eleanor would give each other when they thought no one was looking.

“Join me in my room tonight,” Arlan whispered in her ear, and her toes curled.

There was a noise outside the door. It didn’t seem like much, until Yasho began barking furiously. Elyse jumped up in alarm, and Arlan groaned and rolled over, trying to catch her. “Be quiet, Yasho,” he grumbled at the pillow.

Yasho was not quiet, and continued to bark, going so far as to even claw the door. “What is it?” Elyse asked, hearing something that sounded like a crash on the other side of the door. “Is someone hurt?” she turned the knob and opened it.

There was the sound of a blast, and a bolt went right through her head.

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drummcarpentry · 4 years ago

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2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

My warm New Year’s greetings to all local business owners and local SEOs reading my column today. Add to this my sincere sentiments of solidarity for what we went through together in 2020 — we won’t soon forget it, and our stories from the journey contain important teachings for our market and industry.

I often find that the best local SEO takeaways sprout from the real-world anecdotes of colleagues and friends, and you’ll find those here today along with my personal predictions for the year ahead. Let’s get learning!

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

In a year when we were physically distant from one another in unprecedented ways, I’ve found memorable lessons in how local business owners broke down barriers to keep communities connected. I asked four wonderful colleagues to share a personal anecdote with me about a local business they transacted with, both prior to and during the pandemic. As you read these brief stories, see if you can identify six common threads running through them.

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

Before the pandemic, my husband and I would have breakfast with his parents every Saturday at a different local restaurant. It became one of our regular breakfast spots because their food is great and it's pretty close to our home. They also carried a hard-to-find, high-quality olive oil that we would buy in large quantities while we were there.

During the pandemic, we decided to do our best to continue to support local businesses. Pete's really has adapted to the current climate by offering online ordering and delivery without raising prices significantly or compromising on the quality of their food. Moving into 2021, I recommend that local businesses continue to offer delivery and online ordering even after the pandemic is over. Use Google Posts to keep customers up to date on specials or new services and products.”

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

“I discovered my favorite Vietnamese pho restaurant three years ago. I was on the hunt for something that was close to my home, was family-run, and that had an amazing Vietnamese bone broth noodle soup that would remind me of my childhood (my family immigrated to Canada from Vietnam).

Like many SEOs do, I found it through Google Search. I always check Google reviews to see what a company's online reputation is. The first time I stepped foot in their restaurant, they recognized that I was new. They took the time to explain their business and tell me their most popular dishes. They took the time to build a personal relationship and rapport with me by asking my name and sharing theirs. It felt like there was a real personal touch. And of course, the food was amazing, the service was quick, and they topped it all off with complimentary dessert. I was hooked!

I'd been going to this pho restaurant weekly — that is until the pandemic hit. I didn’t visit them for a little over three months when lockdown first went into effect. But when I did, I was so happy to see that they had implemented all of the necessary health precautions to make their customers and staff feel safe. I noticed a huge influx of takeout orders.

I think my best local marketing advice for 2021 would be to take care of your customers! Listen to them intently and go over and above what you typically would. Treat every single customer like they’re your family and they will feel the love! Don’t expect anything in return, and you will be rewarded when you least expect it!”

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

“There is a local cafe/coffee shop near me that I would frequent, especially for their homemade doughnut Fridays. The proximity of the location (two blocks away), the quality of the food, and the customer service made me a repeat customer.

The business was quick to offer delivery (even for two blocks away), which has been amazing — who doesn't want Irish coffee and fresh doughnuts delivered to their door on a Friday morning? They’ve added other fun takeaway options, too, like bake-your-own cookie dough, meals, and a Thanksgiving pie and beer collab with the brewery down the street. Think outside the box and don't be afraid to pivot. Focus on customer service and your customers will stay loyal.”

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

“Some might argue that Wegmans, the northeast grocery chain, has a cult following. It's easy to understand why. I first discovered the store from my father. He raved about the way they had special baked goods, quality produce, and an assortment of branded products. I was living in New Jersey at the time, and I was hooked after my first visit. Maybe it was the takeout sandwiches, the fresh sushi, or the large and open layout of the store — and it didn't hurt that they were about five minutes from my apartment at the time.

Since then, I’ve learned more about the brand and appreciate their philosophy: 'Employees first, customers second.' I want to go to a store that takes care of their employees. They've even invested $5 million dollars in employee scholarships. How cool is that?

In 2020, they adapted to the pandemic by being one of the first grocery stores to implement mask policies, glass splash guards, and social distancing. They increased their employees' wages in March by $2.00, and had hand sanitizer at entrances very early on. If I had to give them one piece of local search marketing advice, I'd recommend utilizing Google Posts more frequently. Adding a post once every couple of months is better than nothing, but it's such an opportunity to attract more customers to their grocery stores.”

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

When I asked for a story about a favorite business, Amanda, John, Niki, and Garrett all chose an essential business — a restaurant or grocery store that fed them! Eating is the most fundamental of all activities, as recent times have highlighted for us all. One of my major takeaways from 2020 that I’ll be bringing with me into 2021 is that operating an essential business which fulfills the basic structural needs of a community is the wisest entrepreneurial strategy.

If you’re adjusting your business model and its inventory, opening a new business this year, or advising local entrepreneurs, learn to map community essentials and create a business plan that puts basics before luxuries.

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

Being there for the customer means being discoverable both online and offline, via vehicle, foot traffic, web-based local business platforms, and by word-of-mouth recommendations. Your visibility strategy for the year ahead needs to cover all these bases.

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand affinity — John wants a family-owned business, Garret wants employees to be cared for, Niki likes businesses that partner up with one another, and Amanda likes a brand that maintains quality without raising prices too much.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

Philosopher Thích Nhất Hạnh might say that each of these businesses found a way to shatter the illusion of separateness, in the midst of a pandemic, by making each of these patrons feel like valued members of the community. Any local business you market in 2021 can definitely do the same.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

It’s hard to believe that just three years ago, I felt compelled to publish a piece on why you still needed a website, pushing back on the narrative that the amount of zero-click-type SERPs was making websites irrelevant. Nobody can claim this in 2021, and recent stats from Moxtra’s Small Business Digital Resilience Report make the “why” of this clear. Consider:

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

Local digital sales are where it’s at in 2021, so finding the best possible e-commerce provider should be the top priority for all relevant brands. Don’t worry too much about zero-click SERPs this year. Yes, Google has its shopping engine and has even ramped up its “nearby” filter in 2020, but focus on pulling in every bit of traffic you can to your website’s own shopping cart this year. This goal will build stronger-than-ever bridges between local and organic SEO, so this is the time for local-focused agencies to double down on organic skills.

I’m also watching with interest the rise of medical devices and apps that monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and other vitals. There’s a telemedicine revolution going on, which should seep into other professional services that could improve customer convenience via secure telemeetings, any time face-to-face appointments aren’t essential.

Has anyone ever really enjoyed sitting for hours in a waiting room to speak to an accountant, a consultant, a banker? I don’t think so. In 2021, websites for professional service providers should be optimized to drive online bookings for as many remote meetings as possible.

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

I’ve been predicting the return of the milkman for many years here at Moz, and 2020 made it happen. Thousands of customers signed up this past summer to make standing orders with Alpenrose Dairy in the Portland area, after a 40-year absence of home delivery service. Under new leadership, the old dairy invested in a fleet of trucks, drivers, branded delivery boxes, and even dog biscuits to toss to barking pups along the way. As their success grew, Alpenrose began partnering up with other local brands to deliver all kinds of treats and groceries, and their social profiles are being rewarded with nostalgic, happy praise from locals and a ton of transactions.

What I find absolutely key to this story is that Alpenrose is managing delivery in-house. They aren’t outsourcing to a third party and losing something like one-third of their revenue. If a local business you’re marketing can deliver, it definitely should.

Further, I’d urge digital marketing agencies to have vital conversations with clients in Q1 about the problems inherent in outsourcing customer experience to a third party. As I’ve learned from both restaurateurs and grocers, it’s generally too costly and too risky to let another company get between you and your customers. This means that a key problem to solve in the year ahead is the employment and transportation of in-house drivers.

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

A vintage cookbook tells me this is the song residents of mid-century New Orleans heard each day as a seafood wagon came down their streets. When I look through and beyond 2021, my best inspiration comes from examining the past, with its bountiful produce trucks making rounds, and ladies coming onto porches to purvey gumbo file powder. Ask your elders for reminiscences to inspire 2021 opportunities, because everything old is becoming new again, and whenever I ask around, customers who have gotten a taste of home delivery want it to continue beyond the hoped-for end of the pandemic.

But here’s one problem I need help to solve: If I’m predicting the continued expansion of delivery, and I’m looking back in time, I see lots of households with somebody available to accept perishable orders. In June of 2020, 42% of the US workforce was working at home, but if and when we return to formal workplaces, who will be in situ to bring in the meat and dairy before they spoil?

Will the return of the milkman necessitate the return of the outdoor icebox, or at least some form of it, like a fridge on the porch, a cooler the driver knows to fill, an apartment complex cold case? Inventors, please speak up, because there’s just no way I’m going to let Amazon into my house.

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

So, solving for local digital sales and delivery are the two biggest stories I’m focused on in the year ahead, but here are my mixed greens of other developments I think we’ll see in the next twelve months:

1. Google’s Core Web Vitals is coming, and it will be felt on local business shores. But the truth is that — as recently as 2019 — one-third of small businesses still reported having no website at all (hence, nothing to optimize for Google’s latest initiatives). While local SERPs make it clear that it’s quite possible to rank a site-less local business in even moderately competitive packs and finders, 2020 turned the lack of a digital presence into a dire disadvantage for the smallest brands. Even a free website will be better than nothing in the year ahead.

2. Google will push harder on Google Messaging, and brands and agencies will need to decide whether to invite them into customer communications to this degree. If Google Messaging ever fully takes off, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Google sunset Questions & Answers as a result.

3. Google’s purchase of Pointy should start to surface more clearly as key to their strategy for a local transactional future. I strongly believe Google’s greatest growth potential lies in facilitating local online shopping through a mapped interface, and I’m expecting their game plan for this to be more obvious by the end of 2021.

4. Reviews will continue to be absolutely central, but unless Google does something more about vetting the quality of reviews and Q&A responses from its Local Guides program, searcher experience will suffer. We won’t see a massive erosion of trust to threaten Google’s review dominance in 2021, but review spam and poor content will continue the confidence leak at a slow, aggravating trickle unless Google plugs it up.

5. If Apple launches its search engine this year, the local SEO industry’s necessary hyper-focus on Google could see some welcome variation. Moz Local already distributes to Apple Maps, so if you’re a customer, you’re ahead of the Apple game, but coverage of optimizing for Apple search will deserve your closest attention to be an early bird.

6. The rise of Nextdoor for local business visibility will hit a new high, and hopefully prompt the company to start developing more agency-friendly solutions. Nextdoor is the structured citation platform in which I’m most interested for the new year, and Moz Local now offers a top tier plan with a solution for agencies to help get all their clients onto Nextdoor (a function that’s absent from the platform’s own interface). Watch the Moz Blog for further coverage this year!

7. Local medical and personal service providers may need to expand hires (at least temporarily). Once a truly successful COVID-19 vaccine has been widely implemented, expect a glut of bookings from clients who have put off all kinds of appointments during lockdown. Now is the time to investigate good booking software and also evaluate Google’s options for this, because online reputation will be impacted by the ability to see clients in a timely manner once it’s safe to do so.

8. Public-brand affinity will set conscientious local businesses apart. Centering deep concern for whatever your local public cares about most will be increasingly important in the coming year. Whether through brand activism or allyship with major movements like Black Lives Matter or climate change addressal, or diligent support of local programs to alleviate poverty or increase diversity, equity, and inclusion, company reputations will become further tied to actions for the common good.

In summary

I’ll sum up by saying that there’s never been a tougher year than 2021 for making marketing predictions. After all, how many of us foresaw the harsh realities of 2020? But, as I look to the sunrise of a vaccine, and couple this with multiple polls indicating just how strongly the public wants to support local businesses, I think there’s both reason for optimism and genuine opportunity ahead.

2020 reminded us of just how interdependent we all are, for the basics of daily living and for human support, encouragement, and hope. Everyone benefits from inhabiting well-resourced, sustainable communities and if your brand or agency can help with this, the future belongs to you.

Sign up for The Moz Top 10, a semimonthly mailer updating you on the top ten hottest pieces of SEO news, tips, and rad links uncovered by the Moz team. Think of it as your exclusive digest of stuff you don't have time to hunt down but want to read!

0 notes

lakelandseo · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

epackingvietnam · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

#túi_giấy_epacking_việt_nam #túi_giấy_epacking #in_túi_giấy_giá_rẻ #in_túi_giấy #epackingvietnam #tuigiayepacking

0 notes

bfxenon · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

nutrifami · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

xaydungtruonggia · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

camerasieunhovn · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

ductrungnguyen87 · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

gamebazu · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

https://ift.tt/3nyEilF

0 notes

kjt-lawyers · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

noithatotoaz · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

thanhtuandoan89 · 4 years ago

Text

2021 Local SEO Success: Expert Tips & Predictions

Posted by MiriamEllis

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Buddhist teacher

Image credit: Maulvi

Teachings from the real lives of local SEOs

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at LOCOMOTIVE Agency

“One of my favorite businesses that I have used before and during 2020 is Pete's Diner. I first found out about them by driving by, but they have been in the community for decades.

John Vuong, Founder of Local SEO Search Inc.

Niki Mosier, Head of SEO at Two Octobers

Garrett Sussman, Head of Marketing at Grade.us

6 common threads for 2021 local SEO strategy

Image credit: RJP

Did you spot the commonalities in the four stories? When I distill them down into local SEO themes, here’s what I see:

1. Essential local businesses take pride of place

2. Local business discovery is multi-channel

Getting found is the preliminary step to every local business transaction:

Amanda found a restaurant while driving

John looked at Google listings and reviews

Niki needed a spot in close proximity to her workplace

Garrett heard by word-of-mouth from a family member

3. Local businesses can deliver multiple types of value

The local businesses you’re marketing have the best chance of success if you can unlock the secret of what patrons value most. These examples abound in our four anecdotes:

Great selection — Amanda’s olive oil, Garret’s baked goods, John’s pho, Niki’s Irish coffee.

High quality — clearly, all of these foods are extra delicious!

Convenience — everyone wanted something nearby.

Brand adaptability — all four brands made safety adjustments to keep serving the public.

This year, find out what your customers and potential customers value most, and make common cause with them.

4. Pandemic adaptations drive loyalty

The four businesses our contributors highlighted are successfully weathering an incredible storm via the praiseworthy changes they made to keep serving the public safely, like:

Implementing new sanitary policies

Implementing digital commerce

Offering home delivery

Doubling down on takeout service

Increasing employees’ wages

Trying new things, like meal kits

Forming new cross-sales partnerships with fellow businesses

Taking maximum safety precautions, delivering at the curb or the front door, facilitating online purchasing, and experimenting with new ideas are all must-haves for 2021.

5. There’s even more that good local brands can do

I asked our experts what they’d suggest if they could offer once piece of local SEO advice to their favorite businesses for 2021. They recommended:

Maintaining all new sales and service channels, even after the hoped-for end of COVID-19.

Making consistent use of Google Posts as a communications channel.

Listening intently to evolving customer needs.

Putting customer service at the center of everything.

Making customers feel loved.

6. The most important local SEO factor is the human factor

These are the parts of the stories I like best, because they show businesses making us feel less alone, despite our necessary distancing.

Amanda found a place a family feels so welcome, they made it a regular multi-generational hangout.

Niki found a place that added a sense of fun to life with their creativity.

John found a place that not only served a beloved dish from childhood, but where the staff took the time to build a personal relationship with him.

Garrett found a place where he can feel good shopping because they take genuine care of their staff.

My own local SEO predictions and tips for 2021

Here we go!

1. Your local business website will be more essential than in any previous year

Image credit: Robbert Noordjiz

66% of respondents say the pandemic made them more likely to do business with SMBs in the future (and I’ve seen higher numbers than this in other surveys).

But, 2020 saw 30% growth in consumers requiring that digital capabilities be present to facilitate transactions (think e-commerce and telemeetings).

And, 84% said if these capabilities were lacking, they’d consider looking elsewhere for a brand that could serve them online (84% is a huge number!).

2. The triumphant return of the milkman and the everything-delivery person!

“Oyster man. Oyster manny-manny-manny!”

3. My tossed salad of local search marketing predictions

Image credit: Slice of Chic

In summary

0 notes

lakelandseo · 3 years ago

Text

MozCon Virtual 2021 Interview Series: Joy Hawkins

We're thrilled to welcome Joy Hawkins back to the MozCon Virtual stage! Local SEOs know Joy as a GMB expert, and for her work leading Local Search Forum, Local U, and the amazing team at Sterling Sky.

Ahead of the show, we talked with Joy about her research into Google Posts, what she loves most about her work in local SEO, and what she’s looking forward to at MozCon Virtual 2021. Check out the interview below!

And don’t forget to grab your ticket to see Joy and our other incredible speakers at this year’s MozCon!

Secure Your Seat

Question: 2020 was quite a year, how did the Sterling Sky team adjust? What were some of your favorite projects?

Joy: We were really fortunate. Because we have clients in so many industries, we didn't have a huge number of cancellations when COVID first hit last year. We had a couple of rough months, but most of our clients that did pause their services ended up unpausing after a few months.

We actually saw a lot of growth in the second half of last year and were able to actually hire six more staff in 2020, two of which had lost their previous jobs because of COVID. So overall, I feel really blessed and saw a lot of good come out of a bad situation.

Question: What do you think was the biggest challenge for local SEOs this past year? What changes or trends stood out to you?

Joy: There have been a lot of technical issues and bugs to deal with when it comes to Google My Business. They launched a ton of new features to try and adapt to the ever-changing environment, and I find whenever that happens, stuff breaks.

Question: Local SEO is constantly changing. How do you and the team stay on top of algorithm updates and changes?

Joy: We track everything. I make a habit of trying to know everything that is going on in the industry, and part of how I do that is by moderating the Google My Business forum and our own forum, the Local Search Forum. I also find the local SEO community is really active on Twitter, so often new things get shared there.

Question: You founded Sterling Sky in 2017. Could you describe what it was like founding and building an agency? Was there anything that surprised you?

Joy: When I started, I thought it was just going to be me, and maybe a few others. I never envisioned having this many staff (19 currently) or clients, so that has definitely been an exciting piece that I never planned.

I remember when I hired my first full-time staff in 2017, I wasn't even sure I had enough to pay him and had a plan to cut my own salary if needed. Literally, the same month he started, we had an influx of new clients that was unexpected, so it all worked out perfectly.

Question: You are extremely well-respected in the Local SEO industry — what steps did you take to get to where you are today? What recommendations do you have for others looking to elevate their personal brand in the SEO space?

Joy: Never be afraid to help people or share things that you've learned. I started in this space by writing articles. It started as my own blog (which morphed into the Sterling Sky blog), but then I started writing for other publications and becoming a lot more active on social media. Forums played a huge role in how I learned and shared knowledge. I also made a habit of attending conferences and meeting the people I looked up to. I'll never forget the first time I met Mike Blumenthal and how intimidated I was. Networking in this space is really important and MozCon is definitely one of the best places to do that.

Question: What is your favorite part about local SEO work? What is the hardest part?

Joy: I love the challenge. It's like solving a really difficult puzzle. I've always loved strategy board games and doing SEO often feels like that.

The awesome thing about working with SMBs is that changes can get implemented quickly and you don't have tons of hoops to jump through to get stuff approved. Seeing the impact from our work quickly and watching clients' leads increase is insanely rewarding.

I'd say the hardest part is dealing with algorithm changes. A huge majority of the time, algorithm updates are a good thing for our clients, but it's definitely frustrating the times when you feel Google gets it wrong.

Question: At MozCon, you’ll discuss a study you and your team conducted where you analyzed more than 1,000 Google Posts. Why Google Posts? What sparked your interest in this topic?

Joy: Google posts are something I get asked about on almost every webinar I'm on. People always seem to be wondering what they are supposed to post about. I think I get asked if posts impact ranking several times a month.

Question: What insights are you most excited to share with our MozCon audience?

Joy: I think people will be surprised to see what types of posts performed best. It definitely wasn't the outcome I was expecting. Based on posts that I see regularly on Google My Business listings, I'm not sure everyone is aware of what types of content performs best.

Question: Why should Local SEOs invest in a Google Post strategy?

Joy: It's a really easy win. You can drive more traffic and conversions with posts with minimal effort. It's one of those low-hanging-fruit strategies that every business should utilize.

Question: Who in the MozCon lineup are you most excited to watch this year? Anything else you are looking forward to?

Joy: There are so many to choose from. Wil Reynolds has a way of always blowing my mind every time he talks, so I'm definitely excited to hear his. Dana DiTomaso is another of my favorite speakers. She's one of the smartest people I know in this industry. I'm also very excited to see Noah Learner's name on the list. I actually met him at a past MozCon and couldn't get over how much energy he had. I'm not sure where his energy comes from, but I need to find out. I heard him speak recently at one of our LocalU events and was really impressed at his knowledge and ability to analyze data.

A big thank you to Joy for her time! To learn more about Joy's upcoming presentation, see details on our other speakers, and to purchase your ticket, make sure you click the link below!

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