Local SEO will increase in importance over the next few years, making it tougher for local businesses to make it to the top of search results The importance of local search will continue to grow with 46% of searches on Google already having local intent . Moreover, almost every local search converts into a sales either online and offline. This means, more and more businesses will try to make it to the top of the local search results, making local SEO tougher than before. Here are some things to consider: By 2020, around 50% of searches will be voice-based so there will be less typing involved. This will give rise to a higher number of long tail keywords and hyperlocal searches. Reviews will play an important role in businesses having more positive reviews ranking higher on the local search results. User engagement will be the key. Google will give higher importance to businesses that receive the maximum engagement. Now, let’s discuss the things that will remain sa...