Social media platforms are increasingly becoming an integral part of the marketing ecosystem. but when it comes to local businesses, Local SEO still remains the key to maximizing performance and improving business growth across various industries.
If you’re not convinced about the importance and relevance of Local SEO for small business, you’re likely missing out on a lot of opportunities. According to recent studies, 71% of people looking for a local business start their search online. On the other hand, 46% of all Google searches are looking for local results.
Let’s go over the reasons why you should do Local SEO:
Local Exposure
The main reason behind doing local SEO is to target people in the area where your business is located. Local SEO makes people notice your presence and provide them information regarding your products or services, operating hours, and how to reach you. Local SEO is a powerful tool for business owner who are starting out and needs exposure. You can use online resources such as directories (Yelp, Craigslist, etc). You can also advertise locally, set up your social media accounts to show your address and contact info, and optimize your accounts for branding.
Boost Sales
More than 60% of smartphone users are more likely to buy from businesses whose sites are location-specific. This means that users tend to trust businesses that have a specific site of operation because they seem more legitimate compared to those who don’t have an address. You might also want to optimize your site for local mobile searches because 28% of them usually result in a purchase.
Increase Foot Traffic
88% of customers who search for local businesses using their mobile device either call or visit the business within a day. This means increased foot traffic for your business. Letting people find you online makes it easier for them to look for your physical store or business. Mobile searches for the keywords “open + now” and “near me” have increased by 200%. This reveals that those who are searching for these keywords will most likely visit the businesses that come up during their search.
Builds Credibility
Word-of-mouth is still the most important form of advertising. That’s why reviews and recommendations are extremely useful for local SEO. In fact, displaying reviews on your website will increase your conversion rate by 270%. This is because 97% of customers say that reviews have a huge influence on their buying decision. If the reviews are good, then the product must be worth their dollar. 88% of customers consider online reviews as personal recommendations.
Final Notes
So when you consider your online marketing strategy, don’t focus on vague platforms that bring you vague results. Invest in something that could truly bring in results that matter: paying customers. This is particularly important for small businesses that are just starting out.
