Local SEO & Google Maps Ranking
When people search will they find your business?
The #1 reason people perform a local search: to find a business.
The #2 most common reason: to find a product or service.
Will they find YOUR business?
Local Search Optimization
Some local searchers are looking for a specific business’ name. They already know they want to do business with them and seek them out. But many who search don’t have a specific business in mind when they begin their hunt, only a need. For example, if someone is looking very specifically for “Joe Smith plumbing” in Google, chances are pretty high Joe’s website will come up at the top. However, the majority of searches in our example aren’t searching for Joe specifically. They searching for ‘plumber in holland michigan’, “plumber near me”, or “best plumbing company in Holland”.
This is why Local Search Optimization is absolutely crucial. If your business’s website is not coming up at the top of those search results, you are losing that lead.
The age of the printed phone book is over as more and more people turn to the internet to find information about local businesses and they are rapidly doing so on MOBILE devices. Mobile media usage in the US is now higher (at 51%) compared to desktop use (at 42%). This trend continues to grow and is an important factor when considering mobile optimization.
Consider these statistics:
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96% of desktop computer owners conduct local searches
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46% of all Google searches are for LOCAL
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64% of local customers use search engines and directories as their main way to find local businesses
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50% of local mobile searchers look for business information (like a company’s address or phone number)
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A massive 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase (customer ends up walking in your door)
The Power of Local Search
By using the power of local search you can better position your business to your potential customers and promote what you have to offer when they’re looking for your TYPE of business. There’s no better time to connect with a potential customer than when they really need you. Unlike traditional advertising (direct mail, TV, radio, newspaper, etc.), with local SEO there is very little wasted resources. You reach potential customers exactly when they need you — when they are searching in the engines, actively LOOKING for what you offer. This makes Local SEO cost effective and very efficient.
Local search trends are strong now and they’re only going getting stronger. Now is the time for your business to take full advantage of local SEO services and position your business at the top of the search engines before your competitors catch on. All local businesses, from accountants and builders to florists and plumbers can increase their customer base and make more money through local SEO.