🔍 What is the Possum Update?
The Possum Update refers to a significant change in Google's local search algorithm that was rolled out on September 1, 2016. It aimed to diversify local search results and prevent spam from ranking in local packs.
⭐ Why is the Possum Update Important?
The Possum Update plays a crucial role in local SEO by improving the quality and diversity of local search results. It filters out similar listings and businesses that share the same address, ensuring users receive more varied and relevant options.
⚙️ How Does the Possum Update Work?
- Google modified the way local search results are filtered, focusing on location and keyword variations.
- Businesses close to a city border saw improved rankings due to less restrictive boundaries.
- The algorithm now more heavily considers the physical address of a business in its ranking criteria.
- The update diversifies results by highlighting the differentiation in services even if businesses are located at the same address.
📌 Examples of Possum Update's Impact
- Similar businesses located in the same building are less likely to show up together in local results.
- Companies just outside city limits experience a boost in visibility for city-based searches.
- Increased variability based on slight keyword changes, affecting which businesses are returned for specific searches.
✅ Best Practices Post-Possum Update
- Optimize your Google My Business listing with accurate and specific information.
- Focus on localized keywords and create high-quality, location-specific content.
- Encourage customer reviews to enhance local credibility and trust.
- Regularly monitor your local keyword rankings and adjust strategies accordingly.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid After Possum Update
- Neglecting the optimization of your Google My Business profile.
- Overusing identical keywords without considering various local terms.
- Ignoring the physical address impact on search visibility.
🛠️ Useful Tools for Analyzing Local SEO
- Moz Local – for managing and optimizing local business listings.
- BrightLocal – for local SEO audits and insights.
- Google My Business – to manage your business presence on Google Search and Maps.
- SEMrush – for tracking local rankings and competition analysis.
📊 Quick Facts About Possum Update
- Rolled out on September 1, 2016, targeting local search results.
- Significantly impacted businesses near city boundaries.
- Promoted diversity in search results by filtering out redundant listings.
- Altered the consideration of physical location for local rankings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Possum Update
Did the Possum Update affect national rankings?
No, the Possum Update primarily influenced local search results, not national rankings.
Why was it named Possum?
SEO experts named it Possum because many business listings appeared to be 'playing possum' (hiding) after the update.
How did the Possum Update impact local SEO strategies?
It necessitated more precise local keyword strategies and highlighted the need for comprehensive Google My Business optimization.
🔍 Related SEO Terms
📚 Learn More About Possum Update
📝 Key Takeaways
- The Possum Update impacts local SEO and search visibility.
- It emphasizes diverse search results and relevant listings.
- Optimizing for local search is crucial for post-Possum visibility.
- Accurate business listings and localized content remain vital.