Have you heard about the new Vicinity update from Google? Let’s get you up to speed

The new Vicinity update from Google is one of the biggest recent updates to Google search’s algorithm when it comes to local search.  It was introduced around the end of November 2021 and impacts your Google business profile listing.

Previously, When someone searched for a service that they need, the closest businesses wouldn’t always show up in results where they should.  This is because backend tactics and manipulation of keywords by businesses with large digital marketing budgets, ensured they ranked higher on searches even when they are not the closest option to a user. 

Google decided this was not a fair practice and wanted to make a change. They believe that the primary objective for people who search for a local business is to find the business closest in proximity to them that provides a particular service.

The Vicinity update now means that smaller, local  businesses get a fair chance of showing up higher on searches and being discovered by customers they are actually closest to. 

This update is definitely a positive thing and a win for all smaller businesses helping them to  compete with larger companies. Now, a business's actual vicinity from a user is what counts.

At Consult PR we pride ourselves on ensuring that our clients keep informed of all the latest updates in digital marketing. 

If you’re a marketing client and  this change impacts you, don’t worry, we have you covered, we will discuss it with you during our next marketing meetings.

We hope you find this update and future updates useful and will continue to keep you up to speed.