In this fast-paced, digitally-driven world, online presence is no longer an option—it’s a necessity, especially if you are running a local store.
Today, everyone is online, and that includes your potential customers. The question is, is your local store online and visible to them?
In the past, local stores relied on traditional advertising methods like TV channels, magazines, billboards, and more in order to create brand awareness and attract some customers.
However, times have changed. While traditional marketing still has its place, it’s crucial to recognize that your target audience has shifted their attention to the digital realm.
I’m not suggesting that traditional marketing is obsolete, but if your local store hasn’t established its online presence yet, you could be missing out on a significant portion of potential revenue and profits.
Even if your store is listed on Google Business Profile and appears in search results when people look for your services online, are you achieving the results you expected from your online profile?
If the answer is no, then you have a challenge on your hands, and the solution is Local Search Engine Optimization, commonly known as Local SEO.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a digital marketing strategy that optimizes a business’s online presence to improve its ranking in local search results, effectively connecting with its local audience. This strategy involves enhancing a business’s website and online profiles to ensure they appear in search engine results when users conduct local searches for the products or services they offer.
Now, you might be wondering how you can determine if Local SEO is the right solution for your business. You don’t have to take my word for it; let’s explore some compelling local SEO statistics that emphasize why Local SEO is the answer to gaining the customers you’ve always desired.
Here are the top 15 local SEO statistics that underscore the imperative nature of Local SEO for local business owners:
1. 46% of Google Searches Are Local:
When people search on Google, a remarkable 46% of them are actively seeking local businesses. This means that out of Google’s 8.5 billion daily searches (equivalent to 99,000 searches per second), a significant portion is related to finding products and services nearby. If your business doesn’t have a robust local SEO strategy on Google, you’re missing out on the substantial opportunity to tap into this local traffic stream.
2. Customers are 70% more likely to visit and 50% more likely to consider purchasing from businesses with a complete Business Profile.
A fully optimized and complete business profile on Google has a direct impact on a customer’s decision to visit your store or make a purchase. This marks the imperativeness of having an up-to-date google business profile with complete information.
3. 60% of mobile users have reached out to a business directly using search results.
This stat shows the growing trend of mobile users taking immediate action when it comes to trying out local products and services. To eliminate the chances of lead leaking, ensure your contact information is easy to find and accurate within search results
With this you can convert these searches into direct interactions, making it easier for customers to reach out without needing additional steps.
4. 75% of consumers say they “always” or “regularly” read online reviews when researching local businesses.
Registering your local business on Google My Business not only increases your store’s visibility on Google searches but also transforms satisfied customers into promoters.
Local Listings come with a review section where individuals who’ve availed of your services or used your products in the past leave reviews and comments. These reviews provide potential customers with valuable insights and influence their decision-making process.
5. 42% of Local Searches Involve Clicks on the Google Map Pack.
The Google Map Pack, also known as the Google 3-Pack, features three Google Maps-based results at the top of local Google searches.
These results are selected based on relevance, distance, and prominence. Securing a spot in the Map Pack requires a robust local SEO strategy and accurate business information on your Google My Business Profile.
This statistic underscores the importance of Local SEO for local businesses looking to capitalize on the 46% of traffic that clicks on links within the Google Map Pack.
6. 30% of All Mobile Searches Are Related to Location.
This statistic highlights a significant opportunity for local business owners. A substantial portion of potential customers actively seek nearby products, services, or information using their smartphones.
These users often make quick decisions, such as where to eat, shop, or find specific services. For local businesses, this statistic emphasizes the critical importance of Local SEO. By optimizing your online presence for local searches, including keywords like “near me” or “in [city],” you can ensure your local business stands out when mobile users search.
7. 86% of Users Use Google Maps to Search for Local Stores and Businesses.
Recent statistics from Google Maps shows that local business owners can enhance their ranking in Google Maps listings for local searches by implementing a local SEO strategy.
When people search for local services, Google typically lists nearby stores in a Map Pack. Users often click on this map pack and are redirected to Google Maps, where they can choose from a list of local business options.
8. 28% of Local Searches Result in a Purchase Within 24 Hours.
Imagine this: Almost one-third of local searches lead to a purchase within just 24 hours.
This means that when potential customers search for products or services in their vicinity, they are often ready to make a buying decision almost immediately. Invest in a robust local SEO strategy and position your business to capture this high-intent audience effectively.
When your business appears prominently in local search results, you’re more likely to be the first choice for those ready-to-buy consumers, resulting in increased foot traffic and online sales.
9. “Near Me” Searches Have Increased More Than 500% in the Past Few Years.
This trend indicates that more people are searching for local businesses with phrases like “restaurants near me” or “coffee shops near me” than ever before.
For local business owners, it highlights the importance of local SEO to ensure your business appears when potential customers search for nearby options. This is a significant trend that you can’t afford to ignore if you want to attract local customers effectively.
10. More Than 58% of Consumers Use Voice Search to Find a Local Business.
In today’s digital age, more than 58% of consumers are turning to voice search to discover nearby businesses. This means that people are using voice-activated devices and virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant to inquire about local products and services.
The rise of voice search signifies a shift in user behavior. It’s crucial for local business owners to recognize this trend and adapt their local SEO strategies accordingly. Optimizing your online presence to answer voice queries effectively can help you capture the attention of this growing audience.
This statistic emphasizes that local SEO isn’t just about text-based searches; it also involves catering to voice search queries, ensuring your business remains easily discoverable through voice-activated devices. By doing so, you can stay ahead in the competitive landscape and meet the needs of a tech-savvy consumer base.
11. Hyper-Local Targeting: Focusing on hyper-local strategies will become increasingly vital. Businesses should create content that speaks directly to their neighborhoods or communities, using location-based keywords to engage with potential customers effectively.
Hyper-local targeting helps businesses focus on specific neighborhoods or communities, ensuring they show up in searches that matter most.
For hyperlocal targeting use detailed, location-based keywords to attract highly relevant customers who are more likely to engage because the content directly relates to their immediate surroundings.
12. 54% of Smartphone Users Search for Business Hours, and 53% Search for Directions to Local Stores.
Your potential customers are not only looking for your products or services but also the convenience of knowing when they can visit your establishment and how to get there.
Optimize your google business profile with accurate business hours and location information, making it easier for them to choose your business over competitors.
It’s about providing the essential information that can sway potential customers in your favor and drive them to your physical location.
13. 64% of Small Businesses Have a Local SEO Presence.
A substantial 64% of small businesses have recognized the value of establishing a local SEO presence.
What does this statistic mean for you as a local business owner?
It means that your competitors are increasingly investing in local SEO to boost their online visibility and attract local customers.
Therefore, in order to remain competitive in your local market, it’s essential not only to have a presence on the internet but also to ensure that your local seo strategy is robust and up-to-date.
14. 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a physical place within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase.
This stat highlights the powerful influence of local searches in driving immediate foot traffic.
When users search for nearby businesses on their smartphones, they are often ready to take action. Nearly one-third of these searches lead directly to a purchase, making local SEO an essential tool for attracting high-intent customers who are already close to making a buying decision.
15. According to marketers, the most valuable local SEO services are Google Business Profile management (76%), content creation (53%), and citation building/cleanup (43%).
These services form the backbone of a solid local SEO strategy. With marketers focusing on optimizing business profiles, creating engaging content, and managing citations, businesses can ensure they’re targeting local customers effectively.
Conclusion
These above mentioned local SEO statistics make it abundantly clear: Local SEO is your pathway to success as a local business owner. It’s not merely about ranking higher on search engines; it’s about becoming an integral part of your community’s digital fabric.
So, if you haven’t started optimizing your google business profile already, it’s time to embark on your Local SEO journey and ensure your local business thrives in the online era.
Your ideal customers are out there, waiting to find you.
