How many times have you searched for a business or service and added the tag, “near me” at the end? Welcome to the world of finding and doing business locally in the 21st century.
Here, we will delve into detail about Local SEO, and why it should matter for your business. So, let’s get started.
In today’s world businesses have become more competitive. Leveraging the online tools of marketing has therefore become an integral part of the process to spread awareness about your business.
In this ambit comes SEO or Search Engine Optimization, which helps to optimize your business website and its digital content in a way that attracts more organic traffic.
Amongst the vast scope of SEO, there is a crucial ingredient that helps businesses thrive locally. It’s called Local SEO.
“Why Local SEO?”, you may ask.
Well, there are a few strong reasons to advocate for Local SEO, and we will discuss them shortly, but first let us understand that –
- 46% of Google searches are related to local businesses
- Of these, 97% of users conduct an online search to find a business in their local area
And the numbers are increasing dramatically. Thus, the importance of Local SEO for your business enterprise stands all the more valid in today’s scenario. Here, we will discuss and explore seven reasons your business should focus on Local SEO.
1. Enhanced Brand Awareness and Local Visibility
Since nearly half of the search volume in Google alone comprises local intent queries, you can improve your chances of appearing in the top results for local searches about your business when you pay attention to Local SEO.
It will increase your business’s local visibility and, in turn, also make the public of the locality aware of your brand.
When a business ranks at the top locally, its potential customers are more likely to see and notice the brand. This increase in the visibility of your business can significantly boost website traffic, lead generation, and sales revenue.
2. Mobile Optimization
Check the following figures –
- 82% of consumers rely on Google Maps to find a local business
- 30% of all Google Search queries are location-based
- 60% of people search through mobile phones rather than through other devices
All these numbers reiterate only one fact. People today want to have information available at their fingertips, and your business should also have the ability to reach out to those customers who are searching for your products and services from their mobile devices.
When your business’s mobile website is optimized, it will work in synergy with local searches and maps and bring you more customers. On the contrary, if your Local SEO is not in place, it will be difficult for people to figure out your business.
3. More Foot Traffic & Sales
Data says the truth like no other. Let us see an interesting trend over the recent years.
- 76% of local searches end up sending people to the local stores within 24 hours of the search
What is more interesting to note is that –
- Out of this 76%, 28% of people purchase in the local brick-and-mortar store.
Contrary to the popular belief, that digitalization will kill local businesses, it is helping local businesses bloom right from where they are planted. And, Local SEO has a great role to play in this. It will direct the right local customers to your physical stores.
4. Improved Credibility and Online Reputation
How many times have you dined out and checked the reviews and ratings of the local restaurant?
People do pay attention and importance to the earlier experiences of other customers because experiences tend to repeat themselves.
There is a good reason why 98% read online reviews for local businesses. And, Yelp features amongst the top 5 Google web queries search results.
So, when your local business features on an online review, you must carefully guard and grow your reputation to build trust and credibility further. It pulls more customers and businesses towards you like a magnet.
If you do not have a proper local SEO in place, you will not be able to garner rave reviews and flock customers by dozens in your store.
5. Targettable and Cost-effective
Traditional marketing campaigns were expensive and time-consuming. They were directed to the general public. But the new age local SEO is very cost-effective and can be run on short notice. Local SEO experts can customize your campaigns and target a specific audience and operate within vital parameters to grab the attention, arouse interest, and turn them into potential customers.
This kind of high precision in marketing can be achieved through local SEO where no unnecessary audiences will be disturbed, only the interested audiences get to see your marketing message. The SEO efforts are measurable and hence can be tracked, monitored, and altered as it is in progress.
6. Advantage Over Competitors
If your competitors have not yet paid attention to local SEO, it only means you have a significant advantage over them. When you dare to do something that your competitors have not done, you get to have the results that they did not expect from you.
That’s why digital marketing offers a wide range of opportunities if you are able to explore them smartly.
If you are a SMB (Small or Medium Business), you must seize the opportunity and make your business locally relevant and visible, so that you do not miss out on any business opportunities your strategic locality and the business may offer.
With well-optimized GMB listings, customer reviews, and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across online directories, you can establish a strong online presence and stand out in your local market. Moreover, you gain a competitive advantage by playing smarter than your competitors.
7. Networking and Partnering Locally
Focusing on local SEO can open doors to opportunities to venture out with the local players in your market. By interacting and engaging with local entrepreneurs, influencers, and businesses, you can cross-promote, collaborate, and venture out on many other things too.
Local community involvement, local events, organizations, sponsorships, etc., can be a useful way to interact with local audiences at various levels. Local businesses that do well often become an icon, identity, or recognition for the locality.
Wrap Up
So, the next time you search anything on your map, or you add the phrase, “near me” at the end of your query, know that you are triggering a local SEO query. It’s specific, and like your locality, knows the right audiences too. It brings the right audiences from around your locality to your business.