April, 2023 | Split Reef

Ranking Elements for Local SEO in 2023

Posted on April 23, 2023June 7, 2023 by Split Reef

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is always going to be relevant! Local SEO in 2023 is something that businesses can really optimize on and use to pull in new customers. In 2018, Google reported that “near me” searches had seen a 900%+ growth in mobile searches alone! This shows us that local SEO in 2023 is going to be just as important as it was in 2018, in mobile searches and across other devices.

When it comes to a local SEO checklist for 2023, that are some unique elements that we all want to keep in mind when it comes to SEO. Here at Split Reef, we have compiled this list of ranking elements for local SEO in 2023 to consider when you are looking to redo your SEO. SEO company in Jacksonville Florida

Ranking Elements for Local SEO in 2023

When it comes to local SEO in 2023, keep in mind that local SEO is all about optimizing local businesses that contain specific geographic qualifiers that can range from zip code, city, street, and other local specifics.

This local SEO checklist for 2023 pulls together some specific ranking elements for local SEO to help give you a better understanding of how to make the most of 2023 for your business. As search engines continue to evolve, so do the ranking elements for local SEO. In 2023, there are several factors that will play a crucial role in determining a business’s local search ranking.

Here are some of the ranking elements that businesses should focus on for local SEO in 2023:

Identify Target Keywords

On a list of ranking elements for local SEO in 2023, relevant keywords may seem a little on the nose. But the most basic part of local SEO for 2023 can often be overlooked.

Keywords are the foundation of SEO. You need to find target keywords that are relevant to your business and its services. To identify target keywords, gather as much information on the current keyword trends in your industry and consider your competitor’s keyword use. This can be done by conducting SEO keyword research or using keyword tools like Moz or Semrush. Once you have identified your target keywords, you can begin to use them in your website content, tags, titles, and descriptions.

When you read over the copy on any part of your website, from your about us page to your blog content, are you using or seeing keywords that are relevant to your local area? Incorporating relevant keywords is a simple way to ensure that your site is hitting on local rankings. Strategically using relevant keywords can assist in upping your local SEO in 2023!

Identify Ranking Intent

Ranking intent is the reason why a user searches for a keyword. When creating content, it’s important to align it with the user’s search intent. This can be done by understanding their search queries, identifying their challenges, and offering solutions. For instance, local buyers search for product pricing, reviews, and location. As such, your website should show relevant pricing information, location, and reviews.

Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing & Presence Across Other Business Platforms

Google My Business is crucial to local SEO. It’s a free tool that lists your business in Google Maps and local search results. Having a complete and accurate Google My Business profile boosts your local SEO ranking. Ensure that your business information such as name, phone number, and address is accurate. Additionally, have a complete description of your products and services and high-quality photos of your business.

Optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing will continue to be a critical factor in local search rankings in 2023. Ensure that your GMB profile is complete, accurate, and up-to-date with your business information, including your address, phone number, hours of operation, and website URL. Also, regularly post updates and photos to your GMB listing to keep it fresh and engaging.

Claim Local Business Listings

Claiming your local business listing on Google My Business is an extremely crucial step to your local SEO checklist for 2023. As a free tool, your Google business listing allows you to easily set up and manage your business information.

Google My Business is utilized by search engines for local SEO in 2023 in terms of location, contact information that you list, and proximity to the user who has performed a search.

By setting up and claiming your Google business listing, you can implement effective local SEO in 2023 to ensure that your business is being seen by potential customers in your area! Columbus SEO company.

Utilize Structured Data Markup for Local SEO

Structured data markup is a key component in local SEO because it informs search engines about the essential elements of a business that customers find useful. Some of the key local structured data markup elements include product pricing, ratings, and reviews. Structured data markup helps search engines to understand the context of your business, and this improves search visibility.

Create Location-Based Landing Pages

Location-based landing pages are crucial to local SEO. Location-based landing pages provide customers with relevant information about your products and services based on their proximity to your business’s physical location. It is important to make sure that the information on the location-based landing pages, such as your location and business hours, is consistent and accurate across all online platforms.

Prioritize Local Link Building & Citations

Local link building and citations are critical for local businesses because they help businesses to establish credibility, improve their search engine ranking, and attract customers to their websites. In fact, studies show that businesses that have more links and citations tend to rank higher in search engine results pages. In addition, local link building, which involves linking with other local businesses, is a great way to build relationships with other companies in the same industry. This can lead to referrals, partnerships, and other mutually beneficial opportunities.

Leverage Reviews & User-Generated Content (UGC)

Reviews and UGC are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they provide social proof. When customers see positive reviews from other people who have already used your product or service, they are more likely to trust your brand and consider making a purchase. Secondly, reviews and UGC can improve your local SEO. Search engines such as Google take into account the content and quality of user-generated reviews when determining search engine rankings. The more positive reviews you have, the higher you will appear in search results. Finally, reviews and UGC provide invaluable feedback that can help you improve your product or service.

Reviews and ratings will remain a vital factor in local search rankings in 2023. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing and other relevant review sites. Respond to all reviews, positive or negative, to show that you value customer feedback and engagement.

Location and Proximity

Location and proximity will continue to be significant factors in local search rankings in 2023. Ensure that your business’s physical location is accurate and consistent across all online directories and review sites. Also, consider targeting location-specific keywords in your content and meta tags.

Mobile Optimization

Mobile optimization will be crucial for local SEO in 2023, as more and more users rely on their mobile devices for local searches. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for local search queries. Also, consider using Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) to improve your website’s load time on mobile devices.

Social Media Presence

A strong social media presence can also help improve your local search rankings in 2023. Consider creating profiles on relevant social media platforms and regularly posting engaging content to keep your audience engaged and informed.

Voice Search SEO

When you use Google to search for something in your local area, how often do you find yourself using voice search? We can guess often! Local SEO in 2023 can be shifted towards the idea that your potential customers are making use of their mobile devices in a few ways.

Consider what kinds of questions or particular searches your customers might use. For example, are you a car dealership that specializes in used, antique vehicles?

Some queries that local customers might search could include:

Where is an antique car dealer in [city name]?
Used antique car dealer in [city name]
[City name] used car dealer for [specific antique vehicle]

These are just a few examples of the way that potential customers might word their voice searches. Taking these into account for your business and your ranking elements for local SEO in 2023 can make a difference.

On-Page Signals

Different on-page factors that can be worked into the makeup of your site can also greatly assist in your local SEO for 2023. In this local SEO checklist for 2023, here are a few different things to consider that can affect your website’s local SEO ranking.

Ensure that the important details are on your site. Name, address, phone number, and other ways of contact are often used by Google to determine proximity details for local searches.
Is your site mobile-friendly? With an easily accessible website, your site will rank higher in mobile searches that are tied to location.

Local SEO Checklist for 2023 Help

Now that we have taken a look at some of the important ranking elements for local SEO in 2023, consider working with Split Reef if you want to hit the ground running this year in relation to your local SEO checklist. As a professional SEO company, our experienced team is more than ready to get started on your SEO optimization.

In conclusion, local SEO will continue to evolve in 2023, but by focusing on these ranking elements, businesses can improve their local search visibility and attract more local customers. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and best practices, and consistently work to optimize your online presence for local search queries.

Split Reef

Split Reef is a modern, results-driven digital organization always ready to support clients in their search for digital supremacy. With Split Reef, your budget isn’t going to hold you back from partnering with us to make your project successful. Our offices are located in Columbus, Ohio and Jacksonville, Florida.

Blazor vs Angular: Which to Choose in 2023?

Posted on April 23, 2023August 23, 2023 by Split Reef

JavaScript is the most popular programming language, with more than 67% of developers using it according to a Stack Overflow Report from 2019. Because of its dominance, JavaScript frameworks and libraries continue to pop up, with Angular, React, and Vue being some of those most preferred by experienced developers.

The world of web development is rapidly changing, though. This means that high-end web app development might not necessarily need to depend on JavaScript anymore.

For people who have considered running .Net in the browser without plugins or add ons, Blazor is making that possible.

Today, two of the most popular client-side frameworks are Blazor and Angular. While both frameworks have their pros and cons, the question is, which one should you choose in 2023?

Are you stuck trying to choose between Blazor vs. Angular? Let’s take a look at how they compare to help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to choosing between Blazor and Angular, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some key differences between the two:

Language: Blazor uses C# while Angular uses TypeScript.
Server vs Client-side: Blazor can be used for both server-side and client-side development, while Angular is primarily used for client-side development.
Performance: Blazor offers faster performance due to its server-side rendering capabilities, while Angular’s client-side rendering can sometimes lead to slower performance.
Learning curve: If you’re already familiar with C# and .NET, then Blazor may be easier to learn. However, if you’re comfortable with JavaScript, then Angular may be a better fit.

Ultimately, the choice between Blazor and Angular will depend on your specific project needs and personal preferences. Consider factors like language familiarity, performance requirements, and project scope before making a decision.

What Is Blazor?

Blazor is an open-source web framework that allows developers to create web apps using HTML and C#. This free framework is being developed by Microsoft.

It’s a client-side framework that uses WebAssembly to run the C# code on the client-side. This means that with Blazor, you can write the code once and run it on both server-side and client-side, which is a great advantage over Angular. Blazor also has a clean architecture that allows developers to write code without having to worry about HTML or CSS, making it easier and faster to develop applications. However, Blazor still has some limitations, such as the lack of support for third-party libraries and the need for .NET runtime.

So far, five different editions of this web framework have been announced. These are:

Blazor Server
Blazor WebAssembly
Blazor PWA
Blazor Hybrid
Blazor Native

The name Blazor is is a combination of the words “Browser” and “Razor.” Razor is the .NET HTML view generating engine, and this portmanteau implies that Blazor can execute Razor views on the client rather than having to execute them on the server to the present HTML to the browser.

What Is Angular?

Angular, on the other hand, is a more traditional client-side framework that’s been around for a while. It’s developed by Google and has a huge community of developers. Angular uses TypeScript, which is a superset of JavaScript, and has a strong focus on dependency injection and testability. Angular has a steep learning curve, but once you’ve mastered it, it becomes very powerful. It also has a wide range of third-party libraries and tools that make it easier to develop applications. However, Angular applications can become complex and difficult to maintain, especially for large-scale applications.

Angular is a development platform that is built on TypeScript. Some of the elements that Angular includes as a platform are:

A framework for building scalable web applications that is component-based
A suite of developer tools that allow developers to create, test, and update code
A collection of libraries that cover a huge variety of different features, including forms management, routing, client-server communication, and more

This platform can scale from single-developer projects to enterprise-level applications. Designed with the hopes of making updating a breeze, it’s easy to take advantage of the latest developments.

Blazor Vs. Angular: Which to Choose?

If you’re faced with the decision between Blazor C# and Angular, which should you choose?

Both of these are open-source web frameworks. While they have some similarities, the primary difference is that Blazor leverages C# to develop for the web while Angular is based on JavaScript. Let’s take a look at some of the other notable differences that could inform your decision.

Blazor is a new framework for building web applications with C#. It uses Razor templates, HTML and CSS to create dynamic client-side applications that run in the browser.
Blazor uses WebAssembly, which allows you to run C# code on the client side without any plugins or additional downloads.
Angular is one of the most popular JavaScript frameworks for building single-page applications (SPAs).

Language

When it comes to language, Blazor uses C# while Angular uses TypeScript. If you’re familiar with C# and want to learn a new framework that’s built on top of it, then Blazor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re more comfortable with JavaScript and want to use Angular in its native form (without transpiling), then Angular could be better for your needs.

Server vs Client-side

Blazor can be used for both server-side and client-side development
Angular is primarily used for client-side development

Learning Curve

When comparing Blazor vs. Angular, it’s safe to say that there is a bigger learning curve for learning Angular. This is particularly true for C#/.NET developers. On the other hand, Blazor is pretty easy for Visual Studio and C# developers to adjust to. If you are already familiar with C# and .NET, then Blazor may be a better fit for you. However, if JavaScript is your primary language, then Angular might be a better option.

Performance

Angular is a very mature framework, meaning that it’s more tuned for performance. There are potential performance issues for Blazor, particularly Blazor WebAssembly.

Performance is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a framework. As you probably know, Blazor offers faster performance than Angular because it renders on the server side. This means that your users will see content much faster and don’t need to wait for JavaScript files to download in order for them to see anything on their screens.

However, if you’re building an application that requires real-time data updates (like chat applications), then client-side rendering may be better suited for your needs since it allows you to update content instantly without having to wait until all scripts have been loaded.

Production Ready

Angular has been battle-tested for years, meaning that it’s production-ready. Angular wins out on this one when comparing Blazor C# vs. Angular, as Blazor is much newer and might bump into performance issues down the road.

Other Differences

Some other relevant differences between Blazor vs. Angular include:

Angular offers PWA support, while only the Blazor WebAssembly has this support
Blazor requires an active connection per client, while Angular doesn’t
Blazor stores the component state server-side for each client, while Angular doesn’t
Blazor is optimized for SEO/Crawlers, while Angular has server-side rendering
The code style of Blazor is easier to get started while Angular’s is very verbose

Project Needs

Before you jump into a new framework, consider the following:

Language familiarity. If you’re already comfortable with C# and Razor syntax, Blazor may be a good choice for you.
Performance requirements. If your application requires high-performance web apps that can handle large amounts of traffic and data without slowing down, Angular might be better suited for this type of project than Blazor.
Project scope and goals. Finally, think about what kind of features are needed for your project–and whether those features align with either framework’s capabilities (or lack thereof).

There are some key considerations you should ponder if choosing between Blazor and Angular. With pros and cons to each, Blazor will likely come with more bumps in the road though it also offers an easier on-ramp to modern web apps.

Both Blazor and Angular are great frameworks, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a new JavaScript framework to use on your next project, consider what your needs are and choose the one that best fits those requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing a client-side framework is a critical decision that can affect the development process and the performance of your applications. In 2023, Blazor and Angular will still be relevant frameworks, and the choice will depend on your needs. If you’re looking for a framework that allows you to write code once and run it on both client-side and server-side, then Blazor is the way to go. If you want a powerful, feature-rich, and widely used framework, then Angular is the better choice. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide, so take your time and evaluate your options carefully.

Are You Looking For an Angular Web Development Company?

When comparing Blazor C# vs. Angular, you quickly find that there are advantages and drawbacks to both. With Angular being time-tested and more mature, there is more predictability with this framework. On the other hand, Blazor is more accessible for developers coming from C# and offers other compelling features.

Are you looking for an AngularJS web development company? If so, contact Split Reef today to get a quote!

Split Reef

Why Are Google And Yelp Reviews Important for A Business?

Posted on April 10, 2023April 24, 2023 by Split Reef

When it comes to your business, reviews across Google and Yelp can be important. When it comes to the importance of Google reviews in 2023 and the importance of Yelp reviews in 2023, there are plenty of elements to keep in mind when you consider what reviews on either platform are used for. We have pulled together some of the most important things you need to keep in mind when considering the importance of Google reviews in 2022 and the importance of Yelp reviews in 2023.

Most Important Places to Get Reviews: Yelp, Google, Or Facebook

When it comes to customers, more and more people are relying on research done online before they decide to make a purchase or visit a business. Having a standout website is always a key factor, but it is usually not the only thing that customers are taking into consideration anymore either. Reviews are important to customers because they can learn about the experiences that others have had in regard to your business. When you consider where to direct your customers to leave reviews, some of the most important places to get reviews are Yelp, Google, or Facebook.

Each site tends to have an impact on different customers. When it comes to Facebook, the customers reading these reviews are what you might call social customers. The fans of your Facebook page will likely share their experiences on the page for others to see, including their friends.

Claiming your Business Page can be an important part of your Facebook presence. You can encourage customers to leave reviews on one of the most active social media platforms to get started.

When it comes to some of the most important places to get reviews, Yelp, Google, or Facebook all serve unique purposes for your business and have importance together and individually.

Online customer reviews have become an essential part of the modern consumer decision-making process. According to a survey by BrightLocal, 97% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020, and 87% of them trust those reviews as much as personal recommendations. This shows how crucial it is for businesses to have positive reviews on the most popular review platforms, such as Google and Yelp.

Here are a few reasons why Google and Yelp reviews are crucial for business success:

1. Social Proof

One of the primary reasons why online reviews are essential for businesses is social proof. In simple terms, social proof is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when people rely on the actions and feedback of others to determine what is right or wrong. When potential customers see that a business has numerous positive reviews on Google or Yelp, they are more likely to trust that business and choose it over competitors.

2. Increased Visibility

Google and Yelp are two of the most popular review platforms, and they have a massive user base. When a business has numerous positive reviews on these platforms, it can increase its visibility and attract more customers. Google also considers the number and quality of reviews when ranking businesses in local search results. Therefore, having positive reviews on Google can improve a business’s local SEO and help it appear higher in search results.

3. Customer Feedback

Online reviews also provide businesses with valuable customer feedback. By reading reviews, businesses can gain insight into what customers like and dislike about their products or services. They can use this information to improve their offerings and enhance the customer experience. Responding to reviews is also an opportunity for businesses to engage with their customers and show that they value their feedback.

4. Competitive Advantage

Having positive reviews on Google and Yelp can give businesses a competitive advantage. When potential customers compare businesses, they are more likely to choose the one with better reviews. This is especially true for businesses in highly competitive industries where customers have numerous options to choose from.

5. Cost-Effective Marketing

Online reviews are a cost-effective marketing tool for businesses. Unlike traditional advertising, businesses do not have to pay to get positive reviews. All they need to do is provide excellent products or services and encourage their customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews can also generate word-of-mouth marketing, which is one of the most effective forms of marketing.

Importance of Google Reviews in 2023

While the way that Google reviews are displayed might change occasionally, the importance of Google reviews in 2023 can not be understated. Reviews can appear across a variety of Google products including Google Maps, Google Search, and Google AdWords. This means that customer reviews for your business can be seen in a wide variety of places!

Not only that, but Google puts a massive emphasis on local results. The importance of Google reviews in 2023 for businesses that want to put a higher focus on local customers is something to keep in mind when you are looking to encourage Google reviews!

Google reviews are also quite imperative to local search engine optimization (SEO) as well. Google will use reviews in a variety of ways from seeing which reviews have keywords to which ones mention the city in your business is located. These can serve as ranking factors in reviews and are a part of the importance of Google reviews in 2023.

Importance of Yelp Reviews in 2023

What is Yelp?

Yelp is a local business listing website where you can list your local business and get verified reviews and ratings.

If you are a customer of any local business, you can also write a review on Yelp. Yelp will review your rating and publish that.

When talking about the importance of Yelp reviews in 2023, keep in mind that Yelp is a fantastic way for people to find local businesses. With an average monthly of 28 million unique users on the mobile app alone, Yelp provides customers with a commonplace to both leave reviews and read them as well.

The importance of Yelp reviews in 2023 can come down to a business looking to build consumer trust, much in the way that reviews on any platform can do. With Yelp, reviews can very much help a business, no matter the industry, to build trust with the local community and customers.

One way that you can utilize the importance of Yelp reviews in 2023 is to claim your business page and respond to reviews!

When it comes to the importance of Yelp reviews in 2023 and the importance of Google reviews in 2023, it is key to keep in mind that reviews allow new customers to get a better understanding of your business. Customers do research and want to know more about the business where they might be spending money.

If you would like to learn more about the importance of customer reviews in relation to your business, contact our Columbus digital marketing agency Split Reef via email to get started!

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