Why Local SEO is Important for Small Businesses in Post-COVID Era

Our lives were changed drastically following the COVID-19 pandemic. It has impacted the health, anxiety levels, the economy, and even the am...

Our lives were changed drastically following the COVID-19 pandemic. It has impacted the health, anxiety levels, the economy, and even the amount of time we spend on the internet. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that COVID-19 has impacted SEO as searches focus on specific information, products, and services.

It is vital to understand that a large majority of the world population is struggling to cope with the effects of the pandemic. There are new challenges to overcome every day, and many obstacles are becoming part of the "New Normal". According to New York SEO experts, as an entrepreneur, you need to focus on the importance of local SEO to make the most of this global market downtime.

However, to start, we need to understand why there is a need to shift to local SEO following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Local SEO is Important for Small Businesses in Post-COVID Era

1. Increase in searches for pandemic related topics

It has been over a year since the onset of the pandemic. However, even with time, questions about the pandemic and various details are still on people's minds. The demand for COVID-related information has prompted Google to make such information a priority at every SERP.

A simple COVID-19 related search will lead to information regarding health statistics, cases in the area, testing data, and news updates. And, it is not just about the pandemic-related information. With the increase in lockdowns and restrictions, local searches for music, fitness, hobbies, activities, and lifestyle also saw a sharp incline.

2. The focus has shifted to local businesses

The pandemic landed its heaviest blow on the small businesses, and a large majority had to close down operations. However, people have been keen on supporting local businesses and industries simply because it is convenient to interact with the lockdown and isolation rules. Also, local businesses have the added advantage of a more streamlined supply chain and lesser travel restrictions. 

It is vital to remember that this increased patronage to local sources is not a temporary affair, and it will continue even after the pandemic goes away. So you need to seriously consider local SEO to make gains and sustain even during this lean phase. Ensure high visibility for every customer-end search by investing in local SEO. 

3. The online shopping effect

Online shopping numbers have gone up exponentially. It is the most dependable option in the market for medical supplies, food, physical care products, and everyday items. The online shopper numbers have improved so much that many offline retailers have shifted entirely to the online domain. The ability to shop online has provided a better option since it is free from the footfall limitations of a brick-and-mortar store. Online shopping is also faster, and you can do it from the comfort of the home. With over a 30% increase in online shoppers, this is the newest market to cater to customer demands and build a better and loyal base. 

Businesses are going online simply because the customer is online. To gain visibility, you need local SEO before publishing content.