Take a moment to think about the last time you searched for a product or service you needed nearby.
How did you find what you were looking for?
You probably did a quick Google search on your phone or computer, browsed through the options, read some reviews, and got in your car or gave them a call.
This is why local SEO is important for small business visibility.
With 86% of consumers relying on the Internet to find local businesses, and almost a third of them searching for local businesses at least once a week, you MUST have a visible presence in Google’s search results to attract new customers.
But if you’re STILL not convinced, or just want to understand more about why local SEO is important, keep reading!
The Importance of Local SEO
If you have a small business, it’s time to prioritize incorporating local SEO keywords into your website and overall digital marketing strategy (you’ll thank us later!) When someone searches within a particular state, city, zip code, or “near me” phrase, that’s where you want to show up as a top option.
The importance of local SEO cannot be overstated. Nearly half (46%) of all Google searches are looking for local information. And with search engine users in general, 97% of them have searched online to find a local business. That’s a lot of people that could potentially discover your small business through local SEO!
Let’s get into the specifics ofwhy local SEO is important for small business marketing:
Helps to Attract Local Customers
Boost your in-store foot traffic with the power of local SEO! Having an SEO-optimized website is a great start, but make sure to include local SEO. This way, you can help those locals find you.
Driving new leads to your small business in person is especially important if you rely on more than just online sales. With this, they can usually link your address straight to Google Maps and get driving directions to your location.
Works as a Cost-Effective Marketing Tool
Forget about paying for online directories or local listings! When you use local SEO for Google searches, the leads come to you organically over time. Ensure you fill out all your contact information, including address and phone number, on your Google Business Profile and social media pages. Include photos of the experience customers can expect, and respond to all customer reviews to show you care. This way, when you appear on search engine results, potential customers already know what they can expect from your business (amazing things!).
Finds Potential Customers at the Buying Stage
When someone is searching for a local business, they usually already know what they’re looking for and what they need. Using local SEO puts you at the front of the line to help them with the desired product or service. They’re much more likely to buy when they’re already at this stage of the sales funnel.
They can either buy directly from your site, find your location to buy in person, or reach out to you with the intent to buy. That’s when you can seal the deal!
Boosts Sales and Conversion Rates
It’s only natural that your sales will increase when you attract more visitors to your business via search engines. Not only are you getting those leads from your standard SEO keywords, but now you’ll also get the added benefit of local searches. Expect to see more contact form submissions, phone calls, and subscriptions to your email list.
As we mentioned earlier, these local buyers are generally already on the pathway to make a purchase—no convincing needed! Being able to see improvements in conversion rates is a major reason why local SEO is important for small business marketing.
Creates More Targeted Web Traffic
The last thing you want is an increased bounce rate from leads clicking on your website and immediately leaving. The whole point of having SEO keywords is to get your small business information in front of the right audience. When you incorporate local SEO, you’ll continue to weed out irrelevant traffic and ensure you boost your brand’s visibility to locals.
How Long Does Local SEO Take?
Once you optimize your website with local SEO keywords, don’t expect to see results overnight. You might see some movement in rankings on Google Maps within weeks, but to land on Google’s first page, especially for competitive keywords, often takes several months to a year.
This timeline depends on factors like industry competition and your website’s current SEO status. Keep in mind, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent effort is key, even after achieving your initial goals!
Find Your Local SEO Superheroes
If you aren’t already using local SEO for your small business, now is the time to start! Create a more targeted web traffic stream with local customers that are ready to make that purchase decision. Whether you want to increase foot traffic to your in-person location or connect with more locals for your online business, local SEO is the way to go!
So now that you know why local SEO is important for small business visibility and marketing—what’s the next step? You might not know where to begin when researching and incorporating those local SEO keywords.
That’s where we come in! Our team of SEO superheroes knows all things search engine optimization to drive those leads straight to your website. And if you’re looking for a local digital marketing agency in Miami, FL, you know where to find us.
Contact us to get your business to the top of potential customers’ lists!
