- What is Local SEO?
- The top 15 local SEO statistics underscore the imperative nature of Local SEO for local business owners.
- 46% of Google Searches Are Local
- 98% of Consumers Used the Internet to Find Information About Local Businesses in 2022
- 87% of Consumers Used Google to Evaluate Local Businesses in 2022
- 76% of Consumers Regularly Read Online Reviews When Browsing for Local Businesses
- 42% of Local Searches Involve Clicks on the Google Map Pack
- 30% of All Mobile Searches Are Related to Location
- 86% of Users Use Google Maps to Search for Local Stores and Businesses
- 28% of Local Searches Result in a Purchase Within 24 Hours
- “Near Me” Searches Have Increased More Than 500% in the Past Few Years
- More Than 58% of Consumers Use Voice Search to Find a Local Business
- 50% of Users Visit a Store Within a Day of a Local Search
- 54% of Smartphone Users Search for Business Hours and 53% Search for Directions to Local Stores
- 64% of Small Businesses Have a Local SEO Presence
- 1 in 3 People Conduct a Search on Their Smartphone Before Visiting a Store
- 56% of Local Businesses Have Not Yet Claimed Their Google My Business Listing
- Conclusion
Local SEO Statistics: You Should Know in 2024
In this fast-paced, digitally-driven world, online presence is no longer an option—it’s a necessity, even for your 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. 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I’m not suggesting that traditional marketing is obsolete, but if your local store hasn’t established its online presence yet, you could be missing out on a significant portion of potential revenue and profits.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:
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.
98% of Consumers Used the Internet to Find Information About Local Businesses in 2022:
This statistic clearly validates the points we discussed at the beginning of this article. To attract your ideal customers, you need to position your business where they hang out and search for the products and services you offer—online, primarily on search engines like Google.
87% of Consumers Used Google to Evaluate Local Businesses in 2022:
Google remains the go-to platform for consumers to assess the credibility and quality of local businesses. A solid Local SEO Strategy is essential to make a positive first impression in front of your potential customers.
76% of Consumers Regularly Read Online Reviews When Browsing for 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.
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.
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.
86% of Users Use Google Maps to Search for Local Stores and Businesses:
Recent statistics from Google Maps emphasize 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.
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. By investing in a robust local SEO strategy, you 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.
“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.
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.
Statistic Source
50% of Users Visit a Store Within a Day of a Local Search:
This statistic underscores the immediate impact of local searches. It signifies that when potential customers search for local businesses, they are often ready to make a physical visit or purchase in a concise time frame. For local business owners, this statistic highlights the urgency of local SEO. By ensuring your business is highly visible in local search results, you increase the chances of attracting nearby customers who are eager to visit your store, dine at your restaurant, or avail of your services. It’s a powerful reminder of how local SEO can drive real-world foot traffic and conversions.
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. By optimizing your online presence with accurate business hours and location information, you cater to the needs of these smartphone users, making it easier for them to choose your business over competitors. In essence, this statistic reinforces the importance of precise and up-to-date details in your local SEO strategy. It’s about providing the essential information that can sway potential customers in your favor and drive them to your physical location.
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 mean for you as a local business owner? It indicates that your competitors are increasingly investing in local SEO to boost their online visibility and attract local customers. To remain competitive in your local market, it’s essential not only to have a local SEO presence but also to ensure it’s robust and up-to-date. Incorporating local SEO into your digital marketing strategy can help you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other small businesses in your area, making sure you’re not left behind in the race for local customers.
1 in 3 People Conduct a Search on Their Smartphone Before Visiting a Store:
As a local business owner, this insight is invaluable. It underscores the importance of not only having a strong online presence but also ensuring that your business is easily discoverable via mobile search. By investing in local SEO, you can capture the attention of these pre-store visitors, provide them with essential information, and increase the likelihood that they’ll choose your store for their next shopping trip. In essence, this statistic reinforces the idea that the digital and physical worlds are increasingly intertwined. Local SEO plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between online research and in-store visits, making it a vital component of your business strategy.
56% of Local Businesses Have Not Yet Claimed Their Google My Business Listing:
This is a staggering statistic, but the report says that there’s still a significant portion of the competition that hasn’t harnessed the power of this essential online tool. Claiming your Google My Business listing is a crucial step in local SEO because it ensures your business appears accurately in Google Maps and local search results. By taking advantage of this listing, you not only increase your visibility but also enhance your credibility with potential customers. It’s a relatively simple yet highly effective way to boost your online presence and connect with local audiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 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 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.
