Last updated on Sep, 21 2017
Google recently came out with its latest local algorithm update, Hawk and we feel that there won’t have been any better name than this. Read on to know WHY?
Local Algorithm Update
As per the sources, this local algorithm update that took place on 22 August focused on websites targeting the local masses. For now, it won’t affect online businesses which have a huge target population. However, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the virtual industry in the coming years.About Hawk
Earlier, Google marked the businesses dealing in the same niche and in close proximity to each other as a duplicate or redundant. This problem was mainly encountered by the tourist areas having pubs, hotels, and restaurants. However, Hawk will now enable Google to sort out the local organic results. A good news for many websites as a single business won’t be able to influence others in the industry by just including numerous listings.What led Google introduce Hawk?
The filter introduced by Google was a good news for many websites as a single business was not able to influence others in the industry by just including numerous listings. However, there were many businesses operating in the same niche who replaced each other from the results page without having any intention to do so. Such impractical results persuaded Google to introduce this exclusive update, Hawk.Hawk - The Goods and Bads
Hawk restricts the extent of location to which the filter is applied. This further prohibits the businesses to use the similar address lots of times, just for the sake of being ahead in listings. However, there are still some certain exceptions who use exactly the same address alike their rivals. Apart from a few online businesses, Hawk update is likely to benefit the majority of websites.Win-win situation for the end-customers
While the businesses will have to experiment a little to see if this update is really advantageous for their operations, it’s certain that the end-users or customers will get more genuine local search engine results.How to tackle the Hawk update
It’s a common thing to know that such frequent algorithm updates of Google may negatively affect your search rankings. So, if you are getting affected by it, here are a few local search tips which will still be favorable for you and your business.#1 Double-check your listing info
Most of the times, we emphasize more on fixing complicated things than the simpler ones. Make it your priority to update your information on Google Listings. Cross-check everything from your mobile number, email address to ZIP code. One wrong number or alphabet can have a huge impact on your online credibility.#2 Opt for Incognito mode
Every user gets to see customized results (based on their preferences and location) on Google. For knowing where you stand in the competition, use your basic keywords in private or incognito mode. Else, Google will play smartly and feature your business as listed but sadly, won’t show it to the general users.#3 Content is the king
A website without fresh and informative content is a pen without ink. To start off with, you can create some basic local-oriented landing webpages. Meanwhile, you can develop an effective content marketing strategy to create and promote your content. Get a blog with an amazing theme, and yes yes, don’t forget to research on local keywords and tags.#4 Ask for positive reviews
Entice your customers with free giveaways and hampers for offering good reviews for your business. However, take a note of not forcing your customers for reviews, and asking for a fake review is again a big NO. Make sure that your reviews are honest and genuine. This is the key to getting your business listings to a higher rank, maybe to the top.Whenever there is a new update from Google, there runs a wind of panic among most of the bloggers and website owners. However, you’ll have to understand that until unless you create content for humans, that adds value to their lives, things will be in your favor only. The main aim of updating Google’s algorithm is to make its bots think like a human. So, just relax and tell us how you found this new local algorithm update of Google?
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