How to optimize for Google’s Pigeon algorithm for technical SEO

Google’s Pigeon algorithm is a major update to the search engine’s ranking system that was first released in 2014. The algorithm was designed to improve the local search results for users by better understanding and interpreting the intent behind local queries. In this blog post, we will discuss how to optimize your website for Pigeon to improve your local SEO and increase your visibility in search results.

1. Understand how Pigeon works

The first step in optimizing for Pigeon is to understand how the algorithm works. Pigeon is designed to improve the local search results for users by better understanding the intent behind local queries. This means that the algorithm takes into account not just the keywords used in a query, but also the location of the user and the relevance of the results to their location.

2. Optimize your Google My Business listing

One of the most important things you can do to optimize for Pigeon is to make sure your Google My Business listing is complete and accurate. This includes providing accurate information about your business, such as your address, phone number, and hours of operation. It also means including relevant categories for your business and adding high-quality photos of your business.

3. Use local keywords in your content

Pigeon places a strong emphasis on local keywords, so it is important to include them in your content. This includes not just the keywords themselves, but also the location. For example, instead of just using the keyword “pizza,” use the keyword “pizza delivery in San Francisco.” This will signal to the algorithm that your content is relevant to users searching for pizza delivery in San Francisco.

4. Build local backlinks

Backlinks are an important factor in Pigeon’s ranking algorithm, and local backlinks are even more important. These are links from other websites that are located in the same area as your business. This could be from a local newspaper or blog, or from a directory of local businesses. These links signal to the algorithm that your business is a reputable and established part of the local community.

5. Optimize for mobile

Pigeon is designed to improve the search results for users on mobile devices, so it is important to optimize your website for mobile. This includes making sure your website is responsive, so that it looks good on any device, and that the page load speed is fast. Google has a mobile-friendly test tool that will let you know if your site is mobile-friendly or not.

6. Monitor your local SEO performance

It is important to monitor your local SEO performance to know if your Pigeon optimization is working. To do this, you can use a tool such as Google Analytics to track the number of organic search visits you are getting, and the keywords they are using. You can also use a tool such as Ahrefs to track your backlinks and see if they are coming from local sources.

In conclusion, optimizing for Pigeon can be a complex process, but by following the above tips, you can improve your local SEO and increase your visibility in search results. By understanding how Pigeon works, optimizing your Google My Business listing, using local keywords in your content, building local backlinks, optimizing for mobile, and monitoring your local SEO performance, you can put your website in the best position to rank well in local search results.

7. Use structured data

Structured data, also known as schema markup, is a way to provide additional information about your website to search engines. This information can include details about your business, such as your address, phone number, and hours of operation, as well as information about the products or services you offer. By using structured data, you can help search engines understand the content of your website and improve its visibility in search results.

8. Encourage customer reviews

Customer reviews are an important factor in Pigeon’s ranking algorithm, as they signal to the algorithm that your business is reputable and well-liked by customers. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on sites like Google My Business and Yelp, and make sure to respond to any negative reviews in a timely and professional manner.

9. Optimize for local keywords in your meta tags

In addition to using local keywords in your content, it is also important to include them in your meta tags. This includes your page title and meta description, which are the tags that appear in the search results. By including local keywords in these tags, you can signal to the algorithm that your page is relevant to users searching for those keywords in your area.

10. Utilize Google Maps

Google Maps is another important tool for local SEO, as it allows users to find your business based on its location. Make sure that your business is listed on Google Maps and that the information is accurate. Also, you can claim a Google Maps listing, which will give you more control over the information that appears on the page and allow you to respond to customer reviews.

11. Utilize social media

Social media is another great way to promote your business locally and improve your visibility in search results. Create profiles on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and make sure to include your business information and location. Share content that is relevant to your business and your local community, and engage with your followers to build a strong local following.

12. Monitor your local SEO performance

It is important to continuously monitor your local SEO performance to know if your Pigeon optimization is working and make adjustments accordingly. Use tools such as Google Analytics and Ahrefs to track your organic search traffic, backlinks, and keywords. Also, you can use SEMrush for more in-depth analysis of your online presence and to track your competitors.

In summary, optimizing for Pigeon is a multi-faceted process that requires a combination of different strategies. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can improve your local SEO and increase your visibility in search results. From understanding how Pigeon works, optimizing your Google My Business listing, using local keywords in your content, building local backlinks, optimizing for mobile, utilizing structured data, encouraging customer reviews, using social media and monitoring your local SEO performance, you will be able to make your website more visible to local customers and increase your chances of ranking well in local search results.

13. Create a local content strategy

Creating a local content strategy is essential to optimize your website for Pigeon. This includes creating content that is relevant to your local community and is optimized for local keywords. This can include blog posts about local events, news, and community happenings, as well as service pages that highlight the specific services you offer in your area. Additionally, you can create local landing pages for each of your service areas or for each of your products that are specific to your location.

14. Optimize your website for voice search

Voice search is becoming more and more popular and it is important to optimize your website for it. This includes including long-tail keywords and natural language phrases, as well as making sure your website is mobile-friendly. Additionally, you can optimize your Google My Business listing for voice search by including natural language questions and answers.

15. Optimize for local search queries

In order to optimize for Pigeon, it is important to understand the local search queries that are relevant to your business. This includes identifying the specific keywords and phrases that users in your area are searching for, as well as understanding the intent behind those queries. Once you have this information, you can optimize your website content and meta tags to match those queries and improve your visibility in search results.

16. Utilize Google Posts

Google Posts is a feature that allows you to share information about your business directly on your Google My Business listing. This can include information about upcoming events, special promotions, or new products. By regularly updating your Google Posts, you can keep your listing fresh and relevant, and improve your visibility in search results.

17. Optimize for Google Maps

Google Maps is a powerful tool for local SEO and it is important to optimize your website for it. This includes making sure your business is listed on Google Maps and that the information is accurate. You can also optimize your Google Maps listing by adding photos, videos and reviews to it. Additionally, you can claim a Google Maps listing, which will give you more control over the information that appears on the page.

18. Monitor your online reputation

Online reputation is an important factor in Pigeon’s ranking algorithm, as it signals to the algorithm that your business is reputable and well-liked by customers. It is important to monitor your online reputation by regularly monitoring customer reviews, social media mentions and other online platforms that mention your business. Additionally, you can utilize online reputation management tools to help track and respond to customer feedback and negative reviews.

In conclusion, optimizing for Pigeon is an ongoing process that requires a combination of different strategies. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can improve your local SEO and increase your visibility in search results. From understanding how Pigeon works, optimizing your Google My Business listing, using local keywords in your content, building local backlinks, optimizing for mobile, utilizing structured data, encouraging customer reviews, using social media, monitoring your local SEO performance, creating a local content strategy, optimizing for voice search, optimizing for local search queries, utilizing Google Posts, optimizing for Google Maps and monitoring your online reputation, you will be able to make your website more visible to local customers and increase your chances of ranking well in local search results.