While you’re looking at how your dealership has done throughout 2018 and what you want to improve for 2019, have you also considered your website? Moz.com recently released the results of its 2018 Local Search Ranking Factors Survey and found areas that are becoming more important to local SEO and another area that might no longer be as high of an attribute. Here are the highlights.
What’s Important?
Google My Business Signals
The biggest change from 2017 to 2018 Google Local Ranking Factors is in Google My Business Signals, from 19% to over 25%. This jump means it’s more important than ever to put as much information as possible on your Google My Business profile. Make sure you’re using the GMB knowledge panel to its fullest potential and taking advantage of the newer features such as Google Posts, video posts, Google Q&A, Services, and Messaging.
Review Signals
Review signals were the next biggest gainer from 2017 to 2018, based on attributes such as review quantity, review velocity, and review diversity. With such a notable increase, it’s important to encourage customer reviews. Increase your ranking chances by suggesting customers review a certain service or product, which helps to incorporate specific keywords that will help you rank as well. Google reviews will not only help your rankings, but can also help your conversions. Having lots of positive reviews will make people more likely to contact you, but it’s also important to respond to every review so that potential customers will know you are approachable and interested in earning and keeping your clients’ business.
What’s Not So Important?
Citation Signals
While the importance of citation signals (references to your dealership’s name, address, and phone number) has been decreasing over the past few years, it is a bit misleading to say they aren’t still valuable. The thing is, you need them or else Google will believe your dealership isn’t prominent. Therefore, you should make sure your dealership is included on at least a dozen or so industry and city listing sites. Additionally, those sites should register with major brands such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Bing, just to name a few.
If you improve your dealership website’s SEO for 2019, you contact Chumney & Associates today. Our Digital Marketing Department has the experts to ensure your website dominates the search results in your area!