One of Google’s best-known tools for businesses across the world and local marketing efforts is Google Business Profiles. But you might better remember this as “Google My Business.” Though, in actuality, this tool has changed its name numerous times… starting out as Google Local Business Center back in 2005, then Google Places, and Google+ Local.

Google Business Profiles allow businesses of all sizes to offer important information consumers want, including hours of operation, holiday hours, photos of your location, product info, and various tags (like accessible parking, woman owned, LGTQ+ Safe Space, and so on). Over the years, GMB/GBP has become a staple of local search engine optimization, a valuable tool for small businesses, a way for people to find local businesses on maps, and more. But you may have noticed some changes beyond the name in recent months.

Search Engine Optimization is an ever-changing landscape… but the more things change, the more they stay the same. With that in mind, we will look at a few tips for SEO in 2022. Some are tried and true methods that many of us have been implementing (or at least watching) for – potentially – years. Others are logical progressions of how the search landscape and SEO have changed through consistent algorithms updates and best practices over the past few years.

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In the age of instant information and smartphones in every pocket, Local SEO rose to become one of the more powerful tools for businesses of all sizes. Everyone sees and understands the importance of Maps Listings and “Near Me” searches… but we still get a lot of questions concerning where to start and what “Local” SEO means.

Some of the best strategies for Local SEO are things that any business owner can get started on. Many of these things are possible to work on from the comfort of your home or office but can still feel daunting without an introduction. That’s why the team at Efferent Media put together these five strategies to get you started.

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