With the ever-increasing number of marketing channels available to businesses, it's easy to underestimate the power of local SEO. As a leading provider of local SEO services, we often hear from businesses who regret not focusing on local search sooner. Whether you're new to SEO or an established business considering where to allocate your marketing dollars, it's always worth assessing the importance of local SEO to your organization.
5 reasons why local SEO is important for businesses
Ranking high in search results for locally relevant search terms can help your business grow. Here are some reasons why local SEO is such an important strategy.
1. Local SEO improves search visibility
Local SEO increases the visibility of your business across platforms where locality is important. By optimizing for local search, businesses can appear prominently on Google and reach customers on the go. And while desktop users may not offer as much immediacy, the potential to acquire customers while they're still in the research and planning stages of a purchase decision still exists.
2. Local businesses can compete with global brands
The growth of local SEO presents a huge opportunity for businesses to reach relevant consumers. For example, local SEO encourages businesses to target niche industries that are locally relevant, rather than trying to compete with big brands on broad keywords.
This hyperlocal approach is critical. For example, the recent American Express Small Business Saturday initiative generated an estimated $17 billion in total daily spending. In our survey, 61% said they were likely to become a regular customer of a small business in the future.
3. Get traffic from mobile users
Mobile search is perfect for local SEO, connecting searchers and businesses in real time. When we use our mobile devices to find immediate solutions, such as restaurants, stores, and services, we typically look for options that are close to our location.
Local SEO companies help businesses increase their visibility in Google Maps and local packs where it matters most. Mobile Her users check these services on the go to see local results, and your business appears the moment they're ready to make a decision.
4. Local SEO takes advantage of proximity
According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers use Google to rate local businesses. Many people search for services like retail stores or restaurants and receive hyperlocal results because Google prioritizes proximity. Google Business Profile strengthens this connection by accurately categorizing your business, such as labeling your restaurant as “Italian.”
An effective listing management service helps businesses refine their profile and attract the most relevant consumers to their offers without wasting time and money where no sales are expected.
5. Local is more than Google
When you think about rankings and local search, you can't just focus on Google. There is a sizable group of users out there who use Bing and other platforms to find local businesses.
These “other platforms” include YouTube, Facebook, Instagram (and even TikTok) for younger generations. This shows why it's important for local businesses to have a local marketing strategy that takes into account the platforms that their target audience uses most often. In a nutshell, this explains why finding the best digital marketing agency is a must.
Access results-driven local SEO services for your business
Rocks Digital offers a wide range of top-notch local SEO services, listing management, PPC marketing, and other business solutions. If you want to increase your search visibility and reach more customers, rely on our team of local SEO specialists. Call us today at (214) 989-7549 or request a website review.