If you own a local business, you already know how important it is to rank in local search results. Now that the internet has become the primary source consumers turn to for local business information, not showing up in local search is tantamount to professional suicide.
This article will evaluate six important local SEO statistics that should shape your priorities when it comes to local search. For each statistic, I’ve also included an actionable step or steps you can take, as well as resources for further investigation.
1. Local Searches Lead 50% Of Mobile Visitors To Visit Stores Within One Day
Google’s research into local search behavior reveals that local searchers are poised to take action. According to their findings, “50% of consumers who conducted a local search on their smartphone visited a store within a day, and 34% who searched on computer/tablet did the same.” This means ranking in local search has a direct impact on in-store traffic.
Here are a few tips to make sure you’re ranking for local search terms:
- Get your business listed on Google My Business, and make sure your profile is complete.
- Make sure your NAP (name, address, phone number) is consistent across all channels. This includes your website, social media profiles, review sites and directory listings.
- Use local business schema markup so Google can identify and show your physical location.
- Use local keywords in your URLs, heading tags, title tags and content, where appropriate.
2. More Than 60% Of Consumers Have Used Local Information In AdsIn the same study referenced above, Google found that consumers have a clear preference when it comes to having ads customized to their surroundings. They found that:
- 67% of smartphone users want ads customized via city and ZIP code, and 61% want ads customized to their immediate surroundings.
- 61% use the address or phone number in the ad.
- 68% use the “Get Directions” or “Call” buttons.
When targeting your ads for local consumers, be sure to target your ads by location and to use location extensions. AdWords pulls your contact information from your Google My Business settings, so make sure it’s set up the way you want it to appear in your ads.
Read More:
6 Local SEO Stats Every Online Marketer Needs To Know by Jayson DeMers
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