Each day, roughly 8.5 billion Google searches are made, and 46% of those searches have local intent. In other words, people are utilizing Google and other search engine sites to find a local solution to their inquiries. Companies all over the world can benefit from Local SEO, so allow us to answer a few frequently asked questions about this slice of the SEO pie that changed Internet searches for the better.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to rank higher in local search engine results. Unless your business is strictly e-commerce, you will want to target your local audience to visit your store, show them your products, or get them interested in your services. The goal of Local SEO is not necessarily to be the first link on page one of the search engine result pages, but rather for your business to be listed on the Local Pack, Local Finder, localized organic results, and Google Maps.
Allow us to highlight these four listings using a generic keyword phrase with local intent – Restaurants Near Me:
1. Local Pack appears at the top left of the search engine result page. It will display a picture and list the most important information such as the name of the company, hours of operation, address, and reviews. For Local Pack, your Google Business Profile (not your website) is the main factor that determines whether your company will be listed here. Without a Google Business Profile, your company will not show up in the Local Pack.
In the screenshot below, the Local Pack highlights three restaurants – IHOP, Capri Restaurant, and Waffle House. The order of these results primarily reflects proximity, relevance, and prominence.
2. Local Finder provides the searcher with more options simply by clicking “More Places” underneath the three that are listed in the Local Pack. Although the top three options normally enjoy the most clicks and website traffic, the results listed in the Local Finder are other competitive options that boast proximity, relevance, and prominence, as well.
3. Localized organic results appear as a list of blue links underneath the “square” that shows the Local Pack, Local Finder, and map. It’s not uncommon for people to scroll past the square to get to the blue links, as that is the most familiar way to find answers for many people. In our screenshot below, the first link reads “The 10 Best Restaurants in Cartersville – Updated 2022”. This may be a great option for someone who is looking for multiple options in one place.
4. Google Maps auto-populates next to the Local Pack to provide a visual of the locations of the local SEO results. If the searcher clicks on the map, it will open and show more options indicated by a red pin.
What companies benefit from Local SEO?
If your company is 100% e-commerce and can ship your products to anywhere in the world, it won’t benefit from Local SEO as much as a downtown coffee shop that is strictly brick-and-mortar. Companies that have an online shop and physical location can also benefit from this type of SEO. The goal of Local SEO is to attract people who are nearby to visit your store. Here are several examples of organizations or companies that could benefit from Local SEO:
- Churches
- Gyms
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Law Firms
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Service-Area Businesses
- (i.e., plumbers, pest exterminators, electricians, etc.)
Simply put, if your business has a brick-and-mortar store that offers services or sells products from the store itself, you need to implement Local SEO marketing techniques.
What are the benefits of Local SEO?
Building your customer base from the surrounding area is a phenomenal way to grow your business. Local customers can regularly visit your store or be reminded of your company simply by driving past it. Other benefits of implementing Local SEO include:
- Better visibility to a local audience
- Gain returning customers
- Improve organic searches
- Increase online visibility
- Increase web traffic resulting in more conversions
- Strengthen your reputation and leadership within the industry
M&R Marketing Can Implement Local SEO for Your Business!
Local SEO is not something you should opt-out of, as your competition is likely using it and getting leads that could be yours. Our marketing experts have extensive knowledge and skills to implement the best Local SEO tactics. Don’t wait another day to learn more about this important marketing approach. Call one of our account managers today to learn more: 478-621-4491
Stay tuned for our four-part series about Local SEO:
- What is Local SEO? Your Guide to Local SEO, Listings, and More
- Simple Ways to Improve Your Local SEO
- Every Google SERP Feature Explained
- Strategies to Rank Higher in Google Maps