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The Future of Local SEO: What to Expect and How to Stay Ahead

Local SEO is a fundamental part of a successful online marketing strategy for businesses that operate in specific geographical areas. As technology evolves, so do the trends and practices in Local SEO. Here are some predictions for the future of Local SEO, as well as some tips on how to stay ahead:

Future Trends in Local SEO

Voice Search Optimization

With the proliferation of voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant, and Apple’s Siri, voice search is expected to rise significantly. This trend will impact local SEO as people often use voice search to find local businesses. Businesses should ensure they are using natural language in their SEO strategies and targeting long-tail keywords that match the way people speak.

Mobile-First Indexing

Google has already switched to mobile-first indexing, meaning it predominantly uses the mobile version of the content for indexing and ranking. Given the widespread use of mobile devices, this trend will only continue to grow. To stay ahead, businesses should ensure their websites are mobile-friendly.

Local SERP Features

Google is constantly updating the layout of its search engine results pages (SERPs). It’s likely we will see more changes in the future that affect local businesses, such as map packs and local knowledge panels. Keep an eye on these changes and adapt your SEO strategy as necessary.

AI and Machine Learning

Google and other search engines are increasingly using AI and machine learning to refine their search algorithms. This will impact how businesses need to approach SEO. One way to stay ahead is by focusing on creating high-quality, relevant content that meets the needs of your audience.

Hyperlocal SEO

As location tracking technologies become more precise, hyperlocal SEO will become increasingly important. Businesses will need to target SEO strategies not just at a city level, but also at a neighborhood level.

Review and Reputation Management

Reviews play a crucial role in Local SEO. In the future, their importance is only expected to increase. Businesses will need to put more emphasis on managing their online reputation and encouraging customers to leave reviews.

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR has the potential to revolutionize Local SEO. Users could find local businesses through AR interfaces, changing the way businesses need to think about online visibility. While still a bit futuristic, it’s a trend worth keeping an eye on.

Schema Markup

While not new, schema markup is becoming increasingly important for Local SEO. This coding helps search engines understand your content and can improve your visibility in local search results.

Omnichannel Presence

Having a consistent presence across multiple channels (website, social media, online directories, etc.) is crucial for local SEO. Customers use different platforms to interact with businesses and your brand must be present and consistent across all of them.

Staying ahead of these trends requires continuous learning and adaptation. Keep an eye on changes in the SEO industry, regularly update your SEO strategy, and don’t be afraid to innovate and try new approaches.

Michael Fleischner

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Corine RigbyCorine Rigby
SEO Specialist

Corine Rigby is the technical heart of Big Fin SEO’s search engine optimization practice. From deep-dive audits to link acquisition strategy, Corine brings precision and insight to every project, helping clients rank higher and stay visible in an ever-changing search landscape.

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

At Big Fin SEO, I work behind the scenes to help our clients’ websites sail smoothly and rank higher. From deep-dive technical SEO audits and onsite optimizations to strategic keyword mapping, I make sure everything’s shipshape. I also lead our link acquisition efforts to help boost domain authority and increase organic visibility, so our clients stay ahead of the current.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

I really enjoy the collaborative vibe and the chance to make a measurable impact on our clients’ growth. It’s rewarding to be part of a tight-knit crew that values both smart strategy and solid execution, and where every win feels like a team victory.

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

I love walking along the shore collecting shells, soaking in the sound of the waves, and watching the sunset. It’s the perfect reset.

Laura AyresLaura Ayres
Chief of Operations

Laura Ayres is the operational backbone of Big Fin SEO, ensuring that every client engagement runs on time, on budget, and above expectations. As Chief of Operations, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the agency, supports account managers in delivering standout results, and keeps the entire crew aligned and moving in the same direction.

Before joining Big Fin SEO, Laura served as Executive Director at The CIO Initiative, a leadership organization dedicated to advancing senior technology executives. She held that role for nearly six years across two tenures, developing deep expertise in organizational operations, stakeholder management, and executive-level program delivery.

Background

  • Chief of Operations, Big Fin SEO (current)
  • Executive Director, The CIO Initiative (2018–2021, 2023–2025)
  • Experienced in operations leadership, account management, and team development

LinkedIn Profile

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

As Chief of Operations at Big Fin SEO, I’m the one making sure the ship runs smoothly. I support our account managers in delivering standout results for clients, assist with day-to-day operations, and help keep everything sailing in the right direction. My role touches nearly every part of the business, ensuring we stay efficient, effective, and ready to ride the next wave of growth.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

The people, hands down. Our crew is smart, supportive, and genuinely fun to work with, and the same goes for our clients. Big Fin SEO is the kind of place where collaboration, flexibility, and good vibes come naturally. It makes every day feel purposeful (and just a little bit fun, too).

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

The beach is my favorite place; it energizes me. When I go, I love to lay in my favorite chair and watch the ocean while my daughter builds sand castles at my feet. Then as a family, we walk the shore to collect shells.

Michael FleischnerMichael Fleischner
Founder & CEO

Michael Fleischner is a digital marketing entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience helping businesses grow their online visibility. He founded Big Fin SEO in 2014 after seeing firsthand that agencies were being asked to deliver services they could not staff, and businesses were being sold SEO programs that produced reports but not results.

Today, Big Fin operates as a white-label GEO and SEO fulfillment partner for marketing agencies nationwide, helping over 1,000 brands achieve measurable search visibility without building internal teams. Michael leads strategy across the agency’s GEO, SEO, paid search, and website development programs.

Credentials & Recognition

  • TEDx Speaker, “The Freelance Journey”
  • Author of SEO Made Simple, The 7 Figure Freelancer, Local Marketing Made Simple, and Blogging Made Simple
  • Featured on the TODAY Show and in USA Today
  • President, American Marketing Association Professional Chapters Council (2022–2023), representing 15,000+ marketers across 70+ chapters
  • Executive Producer, “The Strange” (feature film)
  • Founder, CapitalQuest AI

LinkedIn Profile  |  Media Kit

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

As Captain and CEO at Big Fin SEO, I navigate our skilled crew through the ever-changing tide of digital marketing solutions. My role involves charting a strategic course, anchoring solid client relationships, and ensuring we stay ahead of industry currents to reel in outstanding results.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

What I enjoy most about Big Fin SEO is our vibrant, collaborative crew. It’s rewarding to see our combined efforts help businesses ride the waves of online growth, helping them make a lasting impact. Watching our clients elevate their online visibility, expand their reach, and net significant revenue through the strategies we deploy is deeply gratifying.

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

At the beach, I love to explore the shoreline, relax under the sun, and dive into a captivating book. I’m always on the lookout for fresh inspiration, particularly anything that resonates with our shark-inspired branding or reminds me of adventures on the open sea!