Hyperlocal SEO Strategies | Interview with Veronika Höller

Veronika Höller, Global SEO Lead at Tresorit, is a dedicated professional in the digital marketing sector, specializing in SEO, SMM and PPC marketing. With over 16 years of experience, her career began in copywriting and gradually evolved into a profound interest and expertise in digital marketing, focusing particularly on SEO and PPC.

Veronika discussed with us leveraging local online communities for SEO, how AI will bring hyper-personalized results this year, and why hyperlocal engagement will be a critical SEO trend for EV charging brands in 2025. She also challenged the common SEO misconception of focusing on general EV keywords instead of hyperlocal ones.

Q1: What’s an underused strategy in Local SEO that you think has enormous potential in 2025? 

Leverage local online communities.  Engage in local forums and groups to connect with potential customers, build trust, and drive traffic to your website. This strategy is often overlooked but offers huge potential for local SEO in 2025. Examples: Nextdoor: Great for neighborhood networking. City-specific Facebook groups: Reach a broad local audience.Industry-related forums: Position yourself as an expert. Key takeaway: Be helpful, authentic, and avoid spamming.


Q2: How do you see AI-powered search like Google's AI Overviews or SearchGPT changing the local search landscape next year? 

AI-powered search will bring big changes to local SEO. Expect hyper-personalized results based on user intent. Optimize for specific long-tail keywords and niche searches.  Zero-click searches may become more common, so focus on appearing in AI-generated answers and optimizing your Google Business Profile. E-E-A-T will be crucial, so build a strong online reputation and gather positive reviews. 

Optimize for voice search with natural language and conversational keywords. Prepare for multimodal search by using high-quality images and engaging content. Stay informed about AI's impact on search and adapt your strategies. Prioritize user experience and build a strong online presence with consistent NAP information.


Q3: With 2025 around the corner, what’s the top SEO trend EV Charging brands should be focusing on to improve their local visibility?

EV charging brands should focus on hyperlocal community engagement to boost their visibility in 2025. This means going beyond generic platforms and connecting with niche EV communities like local owner clubs, sustainability groups, and neighborhood apps. By actively participating in these communities, brands can build trust, drive traffic to their charging stations, and gain valuable customer insights. This targeted approach offers a unique opportunity to stand out from the competition and establish a strong local presence.


Q4: Many EV brands are still finding their feet with digital strategy, what’s one common SEO myth they should stop following, and what’s the reality?

One common SEO myth many EV brands still fall prey to is "If I focus on ranking for general EV keywords, customers will find me." The reality is hyperlocal SEO is crucial for success.  EV drivers aren't just searching for "EV charging"; they're searching for "EV charging near me," "EV charging [city name]," or "EV charging [specific location]." To truly succeed in local SEO, EV brands should optimize their Google Business Profile with accurate information, photos, and details about charging speeds and amenities. 

They also need to build local citations by listing their business on relevant online directories.  Furthermore, it's crucial to target location-based keywords in their website content and online listings, using city names, neighborhoods, and even specific landmarks. Finally, actively engaging with local communities through online forums and groups frequented by EV drivers in their area can significantly boost their visibility and customer base.