You need the data to make data-backed marketing decisions. And we get it – some important parts of your business, like local SEO, can often feel like you’re taking wild shots in the dark when you don’t have the industry know-how you need.
But don’t worry because we’re here to help you out with some stats that can make promoting your business a whole lot easier. Think of data as your trusted sidekick while you connect with your local audience and aim for top spots on search engines like Google and Bing.
Local SEO stats are your superhero cape in this journey. We’ve got the data and stats to prove just how awesome local SEO can be. We’re here to answer questions like:
- What do the SEO numbers say?
- Curious about how many searches are all about local stuff?
- And yes, is local SEO still as cool as ever?
So, remember to save this post for later. We’ve filled it with local SEO stats that can be your guiding light when you’re up against the tricks and turns of those pesky search engines. But before we dive into the pool of numbers, figures, and stats, make sure you have a complete grip on what magic can do to your business’s local searches and conversion.
Let’s get started!
Why Businesses Need Local SEO to Drive Traffic
The magic of local searches lies in their ability to drive conversions – a whopping 80% of them, to be precise! When folks are on the hunt for a nearby business, the odds are in your favor to turn those potential leads into loyal customers. But there’s a catch: you’ve got to have a stellar local SEO strategy in place to make sure they pick your business.
Local SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is like having a secret weapon to boost your business’s visibility in search results, especially for folks in your neighborhood (HubSpot). Since most consumers are hitting the internet to find local services, making sure your business stands out from the crowd has never been more crucial.
Let’s assume your business shines at the very top of search results, drawing in a steady flow of customers actively seeking your services. Thanks to the superpowers of local SEO, you can lure in more foot traffic and cultivate a strong reputation in your community. This, in turn, leads to long-lasting relationships with your customers who stick around like the most loyal pals you’ve ever had.
Sounds great, right?
Where Do You See Local Search Results?
Where do those all-important local search results pop up? Well, they like to make appearances in some pretty cool spots:
- Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs): These are the classic spots where you find local search results while surfing on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. You’ll see them all spruced up with maps, business listings, and the nitty-gritty contact info.
- Local Pack: Now, if you’re Googling away, you might run into the Local Pack, also known as the “map pack” or “3-pack.” It’s a fancy section that showcases the top three local businesses that match your search, and a trusty map, business hours, ratings, and other must-know stuff accompany it.
- Google Business Profile Listings: When you’re on the hunt for a specific business or service using Google, the Google Business profile listing might pop up in the Knowledge Panel or Google Maps. It’s like a treasure trove of info, giving you the lowdown on the business with reviews, photos, and more.
- Google Maps: If you’re wandering around on Google Maps, searching for businesses or services near you, you’ll spot local search results marked on the map. Plus, you get all the deets you need on the sidebar, like business info, reviews, and ways to get in touch.
- Local Directories and Review Sites: You’ll also find local search results hanging out on popular local directories and review sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare. They’re your go-to places when you’re on the lookout for businesses in your neck of the woods.
- Social Media Platforms: Oh, and remember, social media platforms like Facebook. You can scout for local businesses, read reviews, and even chat with them. It’s like having the whole local experience in your pocket!
Local SEO- Which Businesses Can Use It
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that Local SEO isn’t just a buzzword – it’s like a secret sauce for business owners. In fact, it’s the golden ticket to stand out in the crowd, win over your local peeps, and leave your competitors eating your dust. People, no matter their age, gender, or location, are all about search engines when they need stuff in their neighborhood.
Imagine you sprinkle some local SEO magic, and voila! Your business becomes the star of the search results. Your name, logo, and all your info get to be right there in the spotlight, making you look super attractive to potential customers. It’s like waving a big “Hey, we’re awesome!” flag in the local community.
But wait, there’s more! The icing on the cake is when you score the top spot in local search results and Google Maps. It’s like being the hero of the local scene – you get more eyeballs on your website and more feet walking through your door. That’s a recipe for boosting sales and making your business soar!
So, local SEO is like your trusted aide, helping you zip ahead of the competition, connect with a wider local gang, and become a rock star in your community. It’s all about using search engines to write your success story.
Can you use local SEO for your business or not? Let’s dig in.
What Business Types Need Local SEO?
As said above, Local SEO is like a digital beacon for businesses looking to connect with customers in their local neighborhoods. It’s not limited to any one industry; rather, it’s a versatile tool that can benefit a wide range of businesses.
How about considering it your local success recipe? And here’s a list of businesses that can savor its unique flavor.
Retail Stars
If you’re running a retail shop, boutique, or any store, local SEO is your go-to strategy. It helps you catch the attention of folks nearby and lets them know about your in-store deals and special events.
The Foodie Haven
Restaurants, cafes, and bars, this one’s for you. Local SEO is your way to connect with those rumbling stomachs searching for the best bites in town. Show off your menu, display glowing reviews, and let locals know where to find you.
Service Superheroes
Service-based businesses like plumbers, electricians, hair salons, spas, and repair wizards rely on local SEO. Why? Because it’s all about finding customers in your neighborhood who need your skills.
Healing Hearts and Bodies
Healthcare providers, listen up! Local SEO can be a lifeline for doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and more. It ensures patients in your community can easily discover your practice, see your services, and book appointments.
The Expert Touch
Professional services like law firms, accounting offices, and real estate agencies need local SEO, too. It helps you stand out to clients who are searching for precisely what you offer in your local area.
Franchise Fanatics
If you’re a part of a franchise or a chain, local SEO is your covert. It lets you personalize your location so it shines in your community and attracts local customers.
EntertainmentEntertainment Destinations
Event venues and attractions: your audience is out there looking for fun. Local SEO helps them find you, whether you’re a theater, museum, amusement park, or event space.
Sweating It Out
Fitness centers and gyms, you’re still remembered. Local SEO connects you with potential members who are eager to find nearby fitness options and break a sweat.
Home Away from Home
For hotels and accommodation providers, local SEO is like your digital concierge. It makes sure travelers looking for a cozy bed or a luxury stay can easily locate you.
Learning Hub
For educational institutions, from schools to universities, local SEO is your ally. It ensures that students and parents looking for educational opportunities within the community can find you effortlessly.
So, whether you’re flipping pancakes at a local diner or providing legal counsel in your hometown, local SEO is the bridge that connects you with the people who matter most – your neighbors. It’s the friendly handshake in the digital world that says, “We’re right here, ready to serve you.
Statistics That Show the Importance of Local SEO
The Power of Local Mobile Searches
Can you believe it?
A whopping 80% of local mobile searches don’t just wander around aimlessly; they lead to something pretty meaningful (Search Engine Watch). These aren’t just casual clicks – these are potential customers with a purpose. They’re on a mission to connect with businesses like yours.
Whether you’re aiming to collect essential customer info, receive incoming phone calls, or guide visitors to specific pages, local searches are your ticket to achieving those valuable business goals.
The Local SEO Enthusiasts
It might come as a surprise, but only 35% of businesses are fully aboard the local SEO train (Finance Online).
That’s right, just a third of businesses view local SEO as the essential ingredient in their marketing mix. This presents a golden opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to shine. But, do keep in mind the competition is steadily on the rise.
So, why not sprinkle in some well-chosen local keywords to ensure your business ranks high for those ultra-relevant local searches? It’s your moment to stand out in the crowd.
Reviews: Your Local SEO Allies
Online reviews aren’t just digital commentary; they’re like your trusty partners on the local SEO journey. In fact, a remarkable 70% of brands have experienced firsthand how online reviews can significantly impact their performance in local search results (Neil Patel).
Google absolutely loves those 5-star reviews, and they carry substantial weight. This means you should actively seek out reviews and warmly respond to all feedback, whether it’s a compliment or a constructive note. The strength of your local SEO strategy is closely intertwined with the popularity of your business listings.
To steer clear of landing in the local SEO pitfall, consider using handy online tools like the LocaliQ Free Business Listings Grader. Think of it as your virtual assistant for a quick check-up on all your business listings in one friendly place.
It helps ensure that your business details are always fresh and up-to-date, from your business description to contact information and operating hours. Staying ahead of the curve is your key to mastering the local SEO game and ensuring long-lasting success.
Local SEO Statistics That Benefit Any Business
Without a doubt, local SEO is an essential component of a well-rounded marketing strategy. The following perks of local SEO affirm that no matter where you are in your marketing journey, local SEO is a must-have in your toolkit.
Local SEO Turns Leads into Customers
Let’s dive into a fascinating local SEO statistic: local SEO leads boast a close rate of nearly 15% (Ahrefs). So, those leads those local searches generate.
A good chunk of them doesn’t just stop at expressing interest; they convert into paying customers. This means local SEO has the power to guide potential customers through the sales funnel, all while you’re not breaking a sweat.
Local SEO: A Swift Path to Purchases
It’s pretty clear that local SEO is a long-term growth strategy. However, this nifty local SEO statistic reveals something else – 28% of local searches result in a purchase within just 24 hours. That’s right; local SEO can deliver speedy results, with a quick turnaround between someone searching locally and making a purchase.
Local SEO’s Popularity among Small Businesses
Take a peek around, and you’ll see that 64% of small businesses have already embraced local SEO
(LinkedIn). That’s a significant number, and it’s a sign that this is an opportunity you would want to take advantage of for your local business.
It does mean that competition can get quite intense, depending on your target keywords, location, and industry. But fret not; keeping up with the latest SEO trends and staying true to best practices can help your business shine.
SEO Tools That Keep Up
Here’s a nifty tidbit: a solid 50% of businesses believe that SEO tools are keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of local marketing (Finance Online). That’s like a pat on the back for anyone considering diving into the world of local SEO.
It’s quite reassuring to know that if you decide to invest in a local SEO tool, it’s likely to be on the ball with the latest and greatest local marketing strategies. So, when you’re out scouting for a local SEO tool, give it a thought about how it can be your trusty sidekick for the important stuff, like those ranking factors and keywords. Think of it as an ally you can lean on.
Local SEO isn’t just crunching numbers; it’s about transforming local searches into genuine growth and tangible outcomes. So, whether you’re an SEO buff or just taking your first steps, it’s clear that local SEO is your companion on this thrilling journey to business success.
The Voice Search Revolution
Did you know that more than 58% of consumers are turning to voice search to find local businesses (Hubs/Voice)?
As voice-activated devices become increasingly popular, they’re changing the way people look for nearby services and stores. Over half of folks are using these voice search tools to hunt down local businesses, and that’s an opportunity you definitely want to take advantage of.
The Need for Adaptation
97% of folks are learning more about local companies online than anywhere else, and that calls for a need to adapt as per the digital demands of the people buying online (SEO Tribunal).
The online world is your shop window!
With the rise of voice search, your business must adapt. The way people voice their searches is quite different from the traditional typed queries. To connect with these potential customers, you need to fine-tune your strategy for ranking well in voice search results. It’s all about speaking your customers’ language, quite literally.
Local Searches: The Path to Your Doorstep
And here’s the kicker: a jaw-dropping 72% of consumers who dive into local searches actually step into a store within just five miles (Hubspot Marketing Stats).
Local searches are like a magnet that pulls customers right through your front door. In fact, users are not just browsing; they’re stepping into a store within a day of conducting a local search. That’s the magic of local SEO – it guides potential customers right to your business, primed and ready to make a purchase.
Ready-to-Convert Leads
These local searches aren’t just window shopping. People who conduct local searches are teetering on the edge of making a purchase. They’re closer to that “buy” button than you might think. So, this is your cue to put a robust local search strategy in place, ensuring you catch these leads while they’re hot and ready to convert.
It’s not just about numbers; it’s about connecting with potential customers in a way that’s convenient and intuitive for them. Whether you’re a seasoned local SEO pro or just starting, it’s clear that local search is your ally in the quest to bring more customers to your business’s doorstep.
Daily Smartphone Quest for Local Gems
Here’s a fascinating tidbit:
When it comes to speed, local smartphone searches are like the sprinters of the digital world. A remarkable 18% of them lead to a purchase within just one day, leaving their non-local counterparts in the dust, with only 7% achieving the same quick turnaround (Think with Google).
It’s a testament to the swift and impactful nature of local searches!
Quite relatable, isn’t it?
Summing Up
Local SEO isn’t just an extra feature on your business voyage; it’s the steering wheel guiding you through the maze of today’s digital landscape. The statistics we’ve explored in this article highlight the absolute necessity of fine-tuning your online presence for local search. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about thriving.
With local SEO, you’re not just fishing in a vast sea; you’re casting your net where the fish are. You can attract local customers, boost website traffic, up your conversion game, and ensure your brand is in the spotlight.
