TL;DR
- Google’s AI overviews now depend on user engagement; less interaction means fewer overviews.
- Local hair salons need to actively engage clients online to boost visibility.
- Implement quick strategies today to enhance your online presence.
What Changed Exactly
Google recently announced a significant update where AI overviews are shown less frequently if users do not engage with the content. This means that if your salon's online presence isn't generating clicks, comments, or interactions, you may find that your content is less likely to appear in search results. The key takeaway is that engagement is now a critical factor for visibility in search results.
Robby Stein from Google explained that the AI system assesses how users interact with content. If people are not clicking on your salon's website, leaving reviews, or engaging with your social media posts, Google’s AI may decide to show fewer overviews for your business. This is essential for salons in Silicon Oasis, where competition is fierce.
Who This Affects Most
This change most directly impacts small local businesses, particularly hair salons and beauty service providers in Dubai's Silicon Oasis. Without a strong engagement strategy, these businesses may struggle to appear in search results, directly affecting foot traffic and bookings. For salons competing for local clientele, this could mean the difference between a full booking schedule and an empty chair.
What to Do About It
Immediate Actions
- Optimize Your Google Business Profile: Ensure your profile is fully filled out, and add engaging photos of your salon and services. Do this today: Upload 5 new images to your profile. (Takes 10 minutes)
- Encourage Customer Reviews: Reach out to satisfied customers via WhatsApp and request reviews. Do this today: Send 5 WhatsApp messages asking for feedback and reviews. (Takes 15 minutes)
Short-Term Strategy
For the upcoming week, focus on creating engaging content that drives interaction. This could include:
- Posting before-and-after photos of clients on Instagram and Facebook.
- Running a poll or a Q&A session on your social media platforms to encourage comments.
- Offering a limited-time promotion that requires customers to engage with your posts to reveal the details.
Do this today: Plan and schedule 3 posts for the week that encourage engagement. (Takes 30 minutes)
Timeline for Implementation
- Immediate (1-2 Weeks): Optimize your Google Business Profile and start gathering reviews actively. Focus on engaging content on social media.
- Short-Term (2-4 Weeks): Analyze engagement metrics from your social media and adjust your content strategy based on what works. Increase customer communication via WhatsApp to gather feedback.
- Long-Term (1-2 Months): Establish a consistent posting schedule that includes user-generated content, testimonials, and interactive posts. Start a referral program that rewards clients for bringing in new customers.
By taking these steps, your salon can improve its online presence and engagement, ensuring that you are not left behind in the evolving landscape of local search results. The more you engage your clients, the more likely Google will showcase your business in their AI overviews, leading to increased visibility and ultimately more bookings.
Source
This article is based on Google: AI Overviews Show Less When Users Don’t Engage via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern.
Source: Search Engine Journal
