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Associated Press
18 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Local Dominator Launches Game-Changing Scan Analyzer to Simplify Local SEO for Agencies
06/27/2025, Chandler, AZ // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Local SEO professionals now have a sharper and faster way to uncover and act on optimization opportunities with the latest upgrade from Local Dominator. The platform has introduced a new GBP Scan Analyzer Tool, which flags issues in Google Business Profiles and ranks them by priority. Alongside it is the upgraded SEO Audit Tool, which delivers comprehensive technical and on-page insights to accelerate smarter SEO decisions. The Local Dominator's Google Business Profile (GBP) Scan Analyzer Tool helps agencies quickly uncover what is limiting a Google Business Profile's performance. It scans each profile and surfaces critical data points such as visibility scores, high-priority issues, and performance red flags. It identifies key gaps like incomplete categories, missing services, Name, Address, Phone number (NAP) inconsistencies, and weak metadata, then scores them based on their impact on rankings and visibility. These insights power Local Dominator's SEO Audit Tool, which delivers an in-depth review of a business's website and local online presence. It evaluates mobile responsiveness, keyword performance, structured data, location relevance, and search optimization strength. Users can re-scan after updates to validate improvements and show measurable progress. Together, these tools eliminate guesswork and enable agencies to act fast, prioritize effectively, and deliver results with confidence. 'I have been using Local Dominator for some time now, and it has become an essential tool in my SEO toolkit. I utilize it to track local rankings and provide detailed reports to my clients. I highly recommend Local Dominator for its reliability and effectiveness in managing local SEO efforts.' — Karina Tama, SEO Consultant The Local Dominator tool features are built to help agencies work smarter. The platform's Help Center includes step-by-step walkthroughs and self-serve resources to simplify tool adoption and maximize ROI—ideal for both new users and experienced pros. These tools support real-world SEO workflows, cutting down manual tasks and translating complex data into clear, actionable strategies. Built for consultants and multi-location brands, the tools streamline audits, reduce turnaround time, and turn insights into impact. Local Dominator's Citation Finder Tool and other built-in solutions ensure no opportunity goes unnoticed. Speed to insight is critical, and these features help agencies get actionable insights within minutes. Unlike tools that leave users overwhelmed by spreadsheets or vague reports, Local Dominator delivers a complete, intuitive experience designed for action. The Google Business Profile (GBP) Scan Analyzer Tool pinpoints high-impact opportunities, while the SEO Audit Tool supports long-term optimization through deep technical analysis. These tools equip local SEO teams to move faster, make smarter decisions, and stay focused on what drives results. For agencies aiming for both quick wins and scalable growth, Local Dominator offers the power to turn insights into results—without the clutter. To learn more about the new tools and how they can transform your local SEO workflow, visit About Local Dominator Local Dominator is a purpose-built platform for agencies and consultants managing local SEO at scale. It combines automation, visual diagnostics, and guided workflows to simplify local optimization—from auditing Google Business Profiles to fixing technical issues and tracking success over time. Known for speed, clarity, and ease of use, Local Dominator empowers marketing teams with tools that are powerful, practical, and scalable. ### Media Contact Local Dominator Address: Chandler, AZ Phone: (910) 597-0730 Website: newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Local Dominator Launches Game-Changing Scan Analyzer to Simplify Local SEO for Agencies


Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Everything You Need to Know About Local SEO in Dubai
Dubai thrives as a global hub of innovation, luxury and opportunity. From bustling souks to towering skyscrapers, businesses here compete in one of the world's most dynamic markets. But in a city where digital searches shape decisions, how do you ensure your business stands out to the right customers? Local SEO is the answer. As Dubai's residents, expats and tourists increasingly turn to their phones to find nearby cafes, salons, clinics or services, mastering local search has become a game-changer for small and medium businesses. The stakes are high. With over 90% of consumers using search engines to find local businesses, and mobile searches for 'near me' skyrocketing, local SEO is no longer optional; it's essential. For Dubai businesses, this means capturing high-intent customers who are ready to walk through your door or book your services. Explore why local SEO matters, how to implement it effectively, and how to track your success. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to boost your visibility and attract the right customers in Dubai's competitive digital landscape. Understanding Local SEO Local SEO focuses on optimizing your online presence to attract customers in a specific geographic area. Unlike general SEO, which targets broad audiences, local SEO hones in on people searching for businesses 'near me' or in a particular city, like Dubai. It's about ensuring your business appears in local search results, map packs and directories when someone looks for services you provide. General SEO might prioritize global or national visibility, but local SEO is hyper-focused on proximity. For example, a Dubai resident searching for 'best Italian restaurant' expects results tailored to their location, not restaurants in London or New York. Local SEO uses tools like Google Business Profile, local keywords and citations to make this happen. In the UAE, local SEO is gaining traction. A 2023 study by BrightLocal found that 87% of MENA consumers use Google to find local businesses, with 46% of searches having local intent. Mobile searches dominate, with 70% of UAE residents using smartphones for local queries. These stats highlight why businesses in Dubai need a strong local SEO strategy to stay competitive. Why Local SEO Is Crucial for Businesses in Dubai Dubai's population is tech-savvy, with one of the highest smartphone penetration rates globally at over 99%. Residents and visitors alike rely on mobile searches to find everything from coffee shops to legal services. This digital-first behavior makes local SEO a lifeline for businesses. Whether you're a small cafe in Jumeirah or a clinic in Dubai Marina, appearing in local search results drives foot traffic and conversions. Competition in Dubai is fierce. Small businesses face off against established brands, and standing out requires precision. Local SEO levels the playing field, helping smaller players rank alongside bigger names in local searches. For instance, a boutique salon in Deira can attract customers by optimizing for 'hair salon near me' rather than competing for generic terms like 'hair salon.' Tourists and expats, who make up a significant portion of Dubai's population, rely heavily on local search. Visitors often search for restaurants, spas or activities while exploring the city. A well-optimized local presence ensures your business catches their attention. Plus, local SEO targets high-intent customers, people ready to buy, book or visit, making it a cost-effective way to boost revenue. Key Ranking Factors for Local Search Google uses several factors to rank businesses in local search results. Understanding these helps you prioritize your efforts. Google Business Profile : A complete and active profile signals relevance and trustworthiness to Google. : A complete and active profile signals relevance and trustworthiness to Google. NAP Consistency : Your business's Name, Address and Phone Number must be identical across all platforms, from your website to directories like Yelp and HiDubai. : Your business's Name, Address and Phone Number must be identical across all platforms, from your website to directories like Yelp and HiDubai. Online Reviews and Ratings : Positive reviews boost credibility and rankings. Google favors businesses with higher ratings and frequent reviews. : Positive reviews boost credibility and rankings. Google favors businesses with higher ratings and frequent reviews. Local Keywords and Geo-Targeted Content : Using terms like 'Dubai law firm' or 'JLT cafe' in your content aligns with local search intent. : Using terms like 'Dubai law firm' or 'JLT cafe' in your content aligns with local search intent. Local Backlinks and Citations: Links from Dubai-based websites, directories or news outlets strengthen your local authority. Optimizing Your Google Business Profile Your Google Business Profile is the cornerstone of local SEO. It's often the first thing customers see when searching for your business. Here's how to optimize it: Claim and Verify Your Profile: Sign into Google Business Profile, claim your listing and verify ownership via phone or email. Complete Every Section: Add your business name, address, phone number, website and hours. Choose the most relevant category (e.g., 'Coffee Shop' or 'Dental Clinic') and specify service areas like 'Dubai Marina' or 'Downtown Dubai.' Add High-Quality Images: Upload professional photos of your storefront, products or team. Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions, per Google. Post Regular Updates: Share offers, events or news directly on your profile. Weekly posts keep your listing active and engaging. Respond to Reviews: Reply to all reviews promptly, thanking positive ones and addressing negative feedback professionally. A well-optimized profile increases your chances of appearing in the local pack and builds trust with potential customers. On-Page SEO for Local Discovery Your website needs on-page SEO to rank well in local searches. Here's how to optimize it: Use Local Keywords Naturally : Include terms like 'Dubai spa' or 'Bur Dubai gym' in title tags, headers and body content. Avoid overstuffing; keep it natural. : Include terms like 'Dubai spa' or 'Bur Dubai gym' in title tags, headers and body content. Avoid overstuffing; keep it natural. Create Location-Specific Landing Pages : If you serve multiple areas, create pages like 'Our Services in Dubai Marina' or 'Jumeirah Branch.' Each page should have unique content. : If you serve multiple areas, create pages like 'Our Services in Dubai Marina' or 'Jumeirah Branch.' Each page should have unique content. Embed Google Maps : Add a map showing your location to make it easy for customers to find you. : Add a map showing your location to make it easy for customers to find you. Add Schema Markup: Use structured data to tell Google your business details, like address and hours. Tools like make this straightforward. Backlinks from local sources boost your authority. Here's how to build them: Partner with Local Blogs and News Sites : Collaborate with Dubai-based bloggers or outlets like Gulf News for guest posts or mentions. : Collaborate with Dubai-based bloggers or outlets like Gulf News for guest posts or mentions. Join UAE Business Listings : Submit your business to directories like Yellow Pages UAE, HiDubai or Dubai Chamber of Commerce. : Submit your business to directories like Yellow Pages UAE, HiDubai or Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Participate in Local Events: Sponsor or attend events like Dubai Food Festival or Gitex. These often lead to backlinks from event websites or local media. Managing Reviews and Building Trust Reviews are a powerful trust signal. Here's how to manage them: Encourage Reviews : Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Make it easy with direct links in emails or receipts. : Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Make it easy with direct links in emails or receipts. Respond to All Reviews : Thank customers for positive feedback and address negative reviews calmly, offering solutions where possible. : Thank customers for positive feedback and address negative reviews calmly, offering solutions where possible. Monitor Multiple Platforms: Use tools like ReviewTrackers to track reviews across sites. Consistent monitoring shows you value customer feedback. Mobile Optimization & Voice Search Readiness With Dubai's mobile-first culture, your website must be mobile-friendly. Ensure fast loading times, easy navigation and responsive design. Google prioritizes mobile-optimized sites for local searches. Voice search is also growing, especially among tourists using assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. Optimize for conversational queries like 'best Lebanese restaurant near me' by including natural language in your content. For example, create an FAQ page answering questions like 'Where's the nearest gym in Dubai Marina?' Image Source: Social media complements local SEO. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are popular in Dubai, offering opportunities to connect with local audiences. Use Location Tags and Hashtags : Tag posts with 'Dubai' or specific areas like 'JLT' or 'Downtown Dubai.' Use hashtags like #DubaiEats or #DubaiFitness. : Tag posts with 'Dubai' or specific areas like 'JLT' or 'Downtown Dubai.' Use hashtags like #DubaiEats or #DubaiFitness. Encourage User-Generated Content : Ask customers to tag your business in their posts. Repost these to build community trust. : Ask customers to tag your business in their posts. Repost these to build community trust. Engage Locally: Comment on posts from other Dubai businesses or join local conversations to boost visibility. Social signals don't directly impact rankings but drive traffic and brand awareness, supporting your SEO efforts. Tracking Local SEO Performance Monitoring your progress is key. Use tools like: Google Search Console : Tracks local keyword rankings and website performance. : Tracks local keyword rankings and website performance. BrightLocal : Monitors local rankings, citations and reviews. : Monitors local rankings, citations and reviews. Google Analytics: Measures local traffic, calls and conversions. Focus on metrics like direction requests, phone calls and website visits from local searches. Adjust your strategy based on what's working: tweak keywords, update your profile or seek more reviews. Common Local SEO Mistakes to Avoid Avoid these pitfalls to stay on track: Inconsistent Business Info : Mismatched NAP details across platforms confuse Google and customers. Use tools like Moz Local to ensure consistency. : Mismatched NAP details across platforms confuse Google and customers. Use tools like Moz Local to ensure consistency. Keyword Stuffing : Overusing terms like 'best Dubai cafe' harms readability and rankings. : Overusing terms like 'best Dubai cafe' harms readability and rankings. Neglecting Reviews: Ignoring reviews or failing to respond signals disengagement. Stay active and responsive. These mistakes can sabotage your efforts, so stay vigilant. Local SEO is a must for Dubai businesses aiming to attract the right customers. In a city where residents, expats and tourists rely on local searches to make decisions, optimizing your online presence ensures you're found at the right moment. From perfecting your Google Business Profile to building local links and managing reviews, every step counts. Start today by auditing your current setup, refining your strategy, and engaging with Dubai's vibrant community. Also Read: The Importance of SEO for Startups We'll explore what SEO entails, why it's a crucial investment for any ambitious startup, and how to harness its potential to gain a competitive edge, forge lasting customer connections, and propel your venture toward long-term success. 6 ways to transform customer engagement in 2024 The year 2023 was one of collaboration between marketing and predictive analytics to yield insightful customer engagement. How Gen Z Has Changed the Marketing Industry The marketing industry is always growing and changing over the years. Recently, Gen Z has helped shift the marketing world into something more. Here's how! The Benefits of Investing in Online Advertising and Google Ads This article explores the many benefits of online advertising, especially how Google Ads can revolutionize your marketing strategy and help your business flourish in the digital age
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Social Media Pros Acquired by Medalist Holdings Group, Led by Marketing Veteran Derek Detenber
Deal Facilitated by Viking Mergers & Acquisitions FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Social Media Pros, a digital marketing agency known for its specialization in the home services industry, has been acquired by Medalist Holdings Group, marking the first acquisition under the company's operating arm, Gray Street, LLC. Founded in 2019 by Sean Houchins, The Social Media Pros (SMPs) has grown to serve clients nationwide. The agency helps small and medium-sized businesses boost online visibility through website design, search engine optimization, pay-per-click ads, and Google Business Profile management. When Houchins decided to move on to new business ventures, he sought a qualified, driven individual or group to take over and build on SMPs's strong foundation. New owner Derek Detenber brings over two decades of executive experience, including leadership roles with Batteries Plus, Wendy's, and Massage Envy. He launched Medalist Holdings Group in 2024 to support founder-led businesses with strategic marketing and operational resources. "With a talented team and a strong client base, SMPs is poised for accelerated growth — and I couldn't be more excited to help lead the charge," Detenber shared on LinkedIn. "I'm incredibly grateful to all who played a role in this journey, especially Sean Houchins, founder, for trusting me to write the next chapter for SMPs." Houchins praised his Viking M&A team, Andrew Hakkarainen and Tom Murphy, for their guidance. "After our first call, I knew they were the ones to hire. Within weeks I was meeting with qualified prospects and receiving offers above my expectations. If you're on the fence about hiring these guys, just do it." "Andrew was a steady guide for both sides," Detenber echoed. "I hope to do more deals with him and his team." The transaction reflects a strategic alignment of vision and expertise, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation. About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions Viking provides M&A services to small and middle-market business owners. In business since 1996, Viking is one of the largest M&A advisory and business brokerage firms in the southeast U.S. The firm has successfully sold over 900 businesses with an 85% close rate, at an average of 96% of the market value. Visit to request a free confidential business valuation or to get more information. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions Sign in to access your portfolio


Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
5 non-SEO factors that can help you improve your SEO rankings
SEO used to be all about keyword stuffing and link building. However, as search engine algorithms grow more sophisticated, more and more factors contribute to effective SEO. Directly and indirectly, every aspect of how you manage your digital presence, including your brand authority, bounce rate, and user experience, affects your SEO rankings. To fully take advantage of your website's potential, it's crucial that you understand these factors and how they can help you appear on top of the search results pages that matter. WHAT IS E-E-A-T AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT SEO? E-E-A-T stands for experience, expertise, authority, and trust. It is a generalized list of attributes that Google prioritizes when ranking websites. There are many different ways to build these four aspects of your business's brand and demonstrate them to Google. This list highlights the shift in how search engines rank results. Rather than emphasizing technical ranking factors or keyword metrics, Google focuses on a brand's image, credibility, and reputation. This means that there are a variety of ways to establish E-E-A-T, all of which contribute to improved rankings and increased SEO success. FIVE NON-SEO FACTORS THAT IMPACT SEO In addition to traditional SEO techniques such as keyword research and technical SEO, there are several strategies that can help build your website's credibility with search engines. While they may not be direct ranking factors, these methods highlight your E-E-A-T and indirectly impact your rankings. Here are five aspects of building a digital brand that you may not have considered in your SEO strategy: 1. BRAND AUTHORITY Creating authority for your business contributes to your credibility, increasing your chances of being featured in search engine results pages (SERPs). Brand authority can be demonstrated in a variety of different ways. Customer reviews, ratings, and engagement with your Google Business Profile all show search engines that your business provides reliable customer service and is a verified, currently active business. It's important to make sure that your NAP information (name, address, phone number) is accurate and consistent across your website, GBP, and any local business directories. 2. BOUNCE RATE Bounce rate refers to the percentage of visitors who leave after only visiting one page and do not take any action on your site. Your website may have high rankings and be gaining organic traffic, but if the bounce rate is also high, your website probably has issues that are holding your business back. Search engines pay attention to the number of users who leave your site immediately and return to their original search, and this can negatively affect your rankings over time. If you notice bounce rates increasing, investigate where and why users are leaving your pages. While bounce rates may not be a direct ranking factor, tracking them can highlight other issues with your site, such as mobile friendliness, content quality, or a complicated structure. These issues will not only reduce conversions but will also directly impact your SEO. Paying attention to bounce rate can help you improve your website overall, which will boost your rankings. 3. USER EXPERIENCE While user experience is not a direct ranking factor, how users engage with your site ultimately determines whether they convert and become loyal customers. A positive user experience tells potential customers that you prioritize convenience and usability and can manage your digital presence competently. This contributes to E-E-A-T, building your brand's reputation with customers and search engines. Optimizing your user experience requires a team with cross-functional expertise. It's important to audit and improve your content, page loading speeds, image optimization, alt text, navigation, URL structures, and code to create a website that is secure, clean, and fast. User experience is particularly significant because it determines how much value your SEO efforts generate. If your site is ranking at the top of search pages but has a poor user interface and loads slowly, users will leave your site immediately. This will increase bounce rates and reduce conversions, ultimately hurting your rankings and lowering the impact of the resources you direct toward SEO. 4. STRUCTURED DATA Many website owners do not have the technical expertise to implement structured data on their site. However, overlooking structured data means missing an opportunity to help search engines understand the content and context of your pages. Structured data uses schema markup to label elements on your web pages using standardized code. This presents your website clearly to search engines and allows them to feature elements of your website and content in rich snippets. Rich snippets are entries on SERPs that feature extra information, such as ratings, reviews, addresses, and product information. Structured data allows you to provide more detailed information about your business to search engines and users, building your E-E-A-T and allowing you to target users looking for a business just like yours. 5. SOCIAL SIGNALS Social signals are indications of the engagement and visibility that your page receives. If your pages are receiving likes and comments or being reshared, this engagement signals to search engines that your business is visible, credible, and popular. To generate positive social signals, it's important to create high-quality content and optimize your website for mobile users. Integrate easily accessible sharing buttons on your web pages and make sure your social media pages correctly link to your website. If you are ready to take your SEO campaign to the next level, it might be time to broaden your strategy. Developing an understanding of indirect ranking factors such as social signals, structured data, and user experience can empower you to optimize every aspect of your brand's digital presence. Indirect ranking factors are easily overlooked, but incorporating them into your SEO strategy can provide you with a competitive advantage.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The News Guy Randy Rohde Breaks Down the Storytelling Power of PR on ‘The Pod Files'
Randy Rohde explored how SEO based PRs can expand brand visibility and podcast reach during an episode of The Pod Files. Chagrin Falls, OH , June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Randy Rohde, known widely as 'Randy The News Guy', recently appeared on The Pod Files with host Bogdan Bratis. Rohde offers listeners a candid and insightful conversation about how PRs remain one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in modern marketing. As the founder of 38 Digital Market, a results-driven digital marketing and PR agency known for transforming how brands gain online exposure, Rohde explained that PRs remain relevant for entrepreneurs, content creators, and, particularly, podcasters seeking to elevate their brand's presence. The News Guy Throughout the episode, Rohde pulls from his personal path, from working in the education services sector to developing 38 Digital Market into a national PR and digital marketing agency. He shares how SEO based PRs enable brands to shape and control their messages rather than relying solely on the unpredictable nature of traditional media. Unlike reactive coverage or fleeting social media mentions, a well-timed and structured PR allows creators to tell their stories their way. PRs also boost their content's visibility on authentic and credible platforms like Google News, Apple News, Yahoo Finance, and hundreds of other media outlets. With that, Rohde breaks down the strategy behind PR distribution, describing it as more than just hitting 'send.' He outlines the importance of building newsworthy stories, optimizing for keywords, and publishing through trusted channels that syndicate the message to high-authority news networks. Bogdan and Rohde also explored how podcasting functions as a PR engine. Rohde urges creators to repurpose that content into PRs, blogs, and news briefs to reach new listeners and create additional value from a single recording. They also discussed the importance of building a niche brand and maintaining consistency across various channels, including audio platforms, blogs, and news outlets, for driving business growth. Based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 38 Digital Marketing provides services that include PR writing, distribution, video content creation, SEO strategy, reputation management, and Google Business Profile optimization. Its client base spans industries including finance, healthcare, legal services, retail, and lifestyle brands. The agency serves local businesses in Ohio and nationwide enterprises looking to expand their digital footprint. What makes 38 Digital Market stand out is its process-driven approach and ability to combine traditional press techniques with modern optimization. Its team focuses on distributing stories to high-authority news sources, building brand trust, and optimizing visibility for long-term results. Rohde's appearance on The Pod Files offers a behind-the-scenes look at how storytelling, technology, and distribution intersect in a successful PR campaign. His practical insights on shaping news narratives, using SEO based PRs, and maximizing podcast content are a must-hear for digital creators serious about visibility and growth. The full episode is available on The Pod Files via Apple Podcasts, where Rohde's expertise provides listeners with a valuable framework to enhance their brand messaging. Visit The News Guy website at to explore powerful PR solutions and proven digital marketing strategies from 38 Digital Market. About The News GuyThe News Guy is a PR brand created by Randy Rohde under 38 Digital Market, offering strategic media services tailored for entrepreneurs, podcasters, and businesses across the U.S. The brand specializes in SEO based PRs to expand visibility and authority. ### Media Contact38 Digital MarketAddress: 7160 Chagrin Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023Phone: (216) 577-8452Website: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data