98%

Percentage of people
who use the internet to find information about a local business.
BrightLocal, 2023

76%

Percentage of people who regularly read online reviews when browsing for local businesses.

BrightLocal, 2023

87%

Percentage of people who would not consider a business with an average rating below 3 stars.
BrightLocal, 2023

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the practice of optimizing both your website and local directories such as Google Business Profiles, Bing Places, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and others to help increase brand visibility and reputation for local businesses.

Who is Local SEO good for?

Businesses that rely on local foot traffic from their geographic area - retail stores, agencies, banks/credit unions, gas stations, car dealerships, etc.
Businesses serving customers at the customer's personal location - plumbers, landscapers, painters, contractors, garage door repair, etc.
Businesses that rely on business from specific geographies - tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, event venues, etc.
Businesses that have a high number of searches for their brand name or customer recommendations - agencies, chains & franchises, hospitals & medical offices, spas, dentists, etc.

Local SEO

Wondering if you should be paying attention to local SEO? With customer usage like this, you can't afford not to!

How Important is Local SEO?

Each year local SEO thought leaders survey the industry and consumers to monitor trends.

According to a survey conducted in 2022 from BrightLocal, a leading Local SEO research platform:

99% of consumers used the internet to find a local business within the last year (up from 93% in 2020).
3% of consumers state they would use a local business with two or fewer stars.
The industries in which consumers care most about reviews are 1) Care Services, 2) Healthcare, 3) Service Businesses/Tradespersons, 4) Automotive, 5) Financial / Legal.
88% of people stated that they would write a positive review if the business went above and beyond in its service.
62% of consumers believe they have seen a fake review in the past year. Top reasons they believe reviews are fake are 1) over-the-top praise, 2) many of the reviews are similar in language, and 3) the review is staying anonymous or using an obvious pseudonym.

How Can Local Search Help Your Business?

Drive More Foot Traffic

Because proximity is a major ranking factor, businesses can easily reach potential customers in the close vicinity and encourage them to visit. You can take this one step further with Local Search Ads.

Highlight Products & Services in Search Results

Utilize Google Services to highlight what you offer directly next to your competitors. Or, use Google Products to give detailed product descriptions with trackable links to your website.

Searchers are Provided Easy Access to Contact Information

Your address, phone number(s), business hours, holiday closures, and email address will be easily accessible for potential customers to contact you or visit with the click of a button.

Improve Online Reputation

Get your customers involved in your marketing by encouraging reviews and listening to feedack. Not only will this help sell future customers on your services but it will also increase your online visibility.

Share Upcoming Deals, Promotions & Events

Google Posts provides businesses multiple options for highlighting events, updates, deals, and announcements directly within Google. Add a trackable link to drive more visits to your website.

Customers can Book or Message You Directly from Google

Google booking partners allow customers to make appointments directly through Google seamlessly. And, Google messaging makes it easy for searchers to contact you directly through Google.

Display Your Connection with Customer Values

Easily identify as women-owned, black-owned, and veteran-owned or highlight what safety measures you are taking for COVID. Connect with your customers in a way that makes them feel supported.

Let Your Customers Know You Are Listening

Respond to customer reviews and questions as the business owner to help current and potential customers know you are listening and have their best interests in mind.

Highlight Business Expertise in the Search Results

Use descriptions, reviews, and the date you opened to allow potential customers to easily see your knowledgable expertise compared to your local competitors.

Answer Commonly Asked Questions

Populate and answer common questions directly within your Google Business Profile to help guide your customers to why you are the best choice for their business needs.