Local SEO is considered as a branch of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It heavily focuses on the proper optimization of a business webpage which can appear in local search results. One can easily distinguish local SEO from the general SEO framework through its localized content such as a particular address.
Here are some of the typical search terms that deal with local SEO:
- Dentists near me
- Auto mechanic near me
- Lawyers in Boston
- General contractors in North Carolina
To incorporate local SEO into a business’ digital marketing strategy, one should focus on the importance of emphasizing the various optimization efforts of businesses that are leasing retail shops, warehouses, or even factory production facilities; these businesses are known as Brick and Mortar businesses.
A guide created by HigherVisibility on the strategies under local SEO can help an organization or a business entity on the proper way of utilizing their webpage content, link building attempts, on-page optimizations, and other local SEO guidelines.
However, we are going to brief you with some of the more important details on local search as well as how it could impact your business.
Statistical Data on the Importance of Local Search
Here are a few statistical data from the Search Engine Journal concerning local search.
- 50% of the searches on Google are done through mobile devices.
- Most of the searches done on mobile devices are looking for local businesses.
- 34% of the local searches on Google are done through the web or other devices.
- 78% of local searches done on mobile devices lead to offline purchases.
- 18% of local searches done on mobile devices resulted in a sale within 24 hours.
- 1 in 3 searches on mobile devices was made typically before arriving at a physical store.
How Businesses Benefit from Local SEO
- Dentists and Medical Practices
It is pretty self-explanatory that when someone is looking for a dentist, a doctor, or any medical professional, they are always searching for those near them. Most of us wouldn’t want to go out of our way to travel for several hours just to see a dentist when you can easily visit one within your area.
Those who are looking for medical professionals would most likely set appointments with them. It would be a more cost-effective and hassle-free process if they can find local medical services. With the help of local SEO, you allow your medical business to become searchable to those who have a high chance of actually visiting your office.
- Lawyers and Law Firms
One of the benefits of local SEO is that search engine platforms like Google feature a call button that allows the searcher to easily contact a local business. Similar as to why it’s more reasonable to target local clients for medical services is because they have a high chance of actually availing your service or visiting your office.
If a law firm can properly incorporate local SEO into their webpage, it is possible to grace the top results of a particular search. In addition, the call button feature by Google can come in handy especially if the client has been in an accident. As a result, contacting local lawyers that offer free consultation would be a lot easier.
- General Contracting Services
Local SEO for contracting services means that you are extending your business services to local clients. As a result, there is a high chance that clicks are turned into sales because location would not be a hindrance to both your offline and online customers.
Some of the benefits of local SEO for contractors include an easy application process for your business to Google Search or Google Maps. As a result, finding quality leads will be a lot easier and targeted since local clients are more likely to turn into real customers.
- Plumbing Services
Similar to the implementation of local SEO by general contractors, plumbers can also benefit from this by allowing their local clients to find their business in an easier manner since it only targets local clients. This ensures that your plumbing business is enlisted in local listings. It is a highly effective marketing strategy because it uses your location to find clients within the same area as your business.
Local SEO can be proven beneficial to any type of industry. Even the editors of BBC News have realized the importance of local SEO in their business. By figuring out the most searched keywords, they are given an idea as to which stories are worth covering.
To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.