Perfect Local SEO
Local SEO Is Essential For Your Business's Success
Local search engine optimization (SEO) refers to the practice of enhancing a business’s ranking in local search results. Approximately half of all Google searches pertain to local information, underscoring the critical importance of optimizing one’s business for local search.
Local search results often feature search queries accompanied by location-based qualifiers like “near me” or “in San Diego.” Google possesses the capability to discern geographic constraints within search queries. For instance, if an individual searches for “pizza shops,” Google can deduce that the user is seeking pizza shops in proximity to their current location, such as on Long Island.
The significance of local SEO has been on the rise as search behavior evolves. Since the early 2010s, there has been a consistent uptrend in searches that incorporate “near me” and are performed on mobile devices. This trend shows no signs of abating. With a growing number of searches conducted on mobile devices, users increasingly prefer obtaining essential information without the need to navigate to a website. Through local SEO, users can access vital details such as a business’s name, contact information, operating hours, reviews, and more directly from the search results page.
For businesses seeking to thrive online, the effectiveness of their SEO efforts is paramount. In cases where a website is underperforming and failing to bolster business and sales, it’s likely that the SEO strategy is lacking or outdated. It’s worth noting that Google updates its algorithms at least twice a year, and both Bing and Yahoo rely on Google’s search engine – so falling short in Google’s rankings implies a similar outcome in Bing and Yahoo as well.
Keeping abreast of these semi-annual updates, changes, and adaptations is essential. Competitors are likely to stay vigilant in this regard. To remain competitive, it’s imperative to address SEO at least once a year, if not more frequently. Effective SEO entails a blend of client-side and backend optimizations, a task that is best entrusted to professionals.
The comprehensive SEO package offered includes the following services:
- A comprehensive SEO site audit.
- Keyword analysis and comparison against competitors.
- A comprehensive assessment comprising over 300 individual tests for up to 50 existing website pages.
- A prioritized report highlighting warnings and errors, along with corresponding recommendations.
- A set of instructions and suggestions for implementing SEO fixes.
- The option for clients to make the recommended edits themselves or have them executed by the SEO experts.
It’s essential to recognize that if a website’s SEO score lags behind competitors, it could result in a significant disadvantage. The reality is that a lower quality score compared to competitors can lead to their websites being prominently displayed in the SERPs, while the client’s website may struggle for visibility. This presents a daunting challenge for businesses that must be addressed to maintain a competitive edge.
SEO Is A Continuous Fine-Tuning Art and Science
Nearly half of all Google queries today are local searches. Even when someone performs a typical daily search, the chances that Google shows local businesses nearby remains high.
Why is that important for small businesses? Well, from 2017 to 2019, Google reported a 900% increase in searches that involved the phrase “near me today/tonight.” In an attempt to best meet the needs of its searchers, Google started providing more results for geographically-related searches based on:
- Proximity
- Relevance
- Prominence
That means, if your business is close to where someone is conducting their search, offers services or products they may be searching for, and has optimized local business listings, then you’re more likely to be found by potential customers online. The actions your small business take now to boost visibility in local SERPs are simpler than you might think.
In addition to getting better visibility in Google search engine results pages (SERPS), investing in local SEO has other advantages for small businesses.
While it requires time and effort to manage your business information in online directories, you can typically set up local business listings across the web for free with tools like Google My Business and Facebook, which makes local SEO a more cost-efficient option for online advertising.
72% of consumers who search for a local business visit a store within five miles. So if you’re being found in local search results or in Google Maps, there’s an increased chance of capturing new leads for your small business.
68% of all online activities start with a search engine. And Google receives over 13 billion OF THOSE search queries per day. We NEED TO GET YOU IN THE MIX!
A whopping 80% of local searches that are performed on mobile devices convert into sales. This can be attributed to the fact that local SEO puts you in front of the customer at the exact moment they’re searching for a product or service, making them much more likely to purchase or at least inquire for more information.
Search engines generate 300% more traffic for websites than social media. AND 93% of mobile users are likely to click on the first set of results when doing a “near me” search.
46% Of Google Searches Are Local
A significant portion of Google searches, approximately 46%, revolves around the quest for local information. These queries typically involve inquiries about the operating hours of nearby establishments, the availability of specific products in local stores, or current weather conditions in the area.
Local searches play a crucial role in streamlining search results to cater to users with a genuine interest in engaging with local businesses. Search engines prioritize proximity and user intent when delivering relevant local results. Consequently, individuals located further away, such as those residing 50 miles from a business, are less likely to encounter it in search results, unlike those within a five-mile radius.
Channeling SEO efforts toward achieving high rankings in Google’s local search results represents a strategic move. This approach is justified by the fact that a significant portion of individuals seeking local information tends to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses located within a five-mile radius. Furthermore, statistics related to local SEO searches reveal that approximately 28% of such searches culminate in a purchase.
It’s worth noting that a substantial proportion of searchers, approximately 75%, never venture beyond the first page of search results. Additionally, the prevalence of ‘zero-click searches’ surged to 65% in 2020, with expectations of further growth in this trend.
