Studies show that about 46% of all searches on Google are looking for local information. Many of the consumers doing these local searches will visit a local store within the next day.
Local SEO is an essential part of marketing when you have a brick-and-mortar shop for your business. It allows you to connect more with your target audience and increase the visibility of your business.
Do you want to learn more about the advantages of using local SEO strategies? Keep reading this guide for the top seven benefits of using local search engine optimization.
1. Better Online Visibility
One of the primary reasons you need local SEO as one of your digital marketing strategies is that it will give your business better online visibility. In today’s world, people want to get relevant information as quickly as possible.
Because of this, most people searching on Google will never look past the top five or 10 results for their search. If your business doesn’t rank in these positions, you will likely not get much traffic.
Many people looking for your exact products or services may not know you exist if you don’t rank within the first few positions on Google.
When you use local techniques for your SEO strategy, it helps you rank organically in the top results. This means your business will be more visible and more likely to be seen by your target audience.
2. Relevant Website Traffic
Using a local SEO marketing strategy will also provide you with much more relevant traffic to your website. While you may think all website traffic is beneficial for your SEO, this is not always the case.
For example, you may get a lot of people to visit your website, but if they are not interested in what you are selling, they will leave your website immediately. This increases your bounce rate, which can negatively impact your rankings.
However, local SEO allows you to target local customers looking for your services. When they visit your website, they will be more likely to visit your storefront and make a purchase! Having this relevant traffic will be much more beneficial!
3. Loyal Local Customers
When you prioritize local SEO, you will also create a loyal base of local customers. Local SEO makes it easier for your customers to find your business and easier to stop by and visit your location.
If you provide them with a great experience, they will continue to use your services as a loyal customer.
This can also help you build a community. Your business can connect with other locals that understand the importance of supporting the local economy. These may lead to more referrals and better business relationships.
4. Save on Ad Spending
When you are trying to rank for popular keywords, you will often spend a lot of money just to get a few clicks on your website. However, local SEO makes it easier to get organic traffic.
Not only is organic traffic much more valuable than traffic from ads, but it will also help you save on ad spending. Rather than paying for keywords to improve your visibility, you can organically build your rankings and gain more value than you would from a paid ad.
5. Better Conversion Rates
Local SEO can also help you improve your conversion rates and increase your sales. When you have more relevant traffic to your website, you reach people that are actually interested in what you have to offer.
This will result in more people making a conversion on your website or coming to your store prepared to make a purchase. If you need help growing your business and increasing your conversions and sales, local SEO is a necessary marketing strategy to try.
Plus the more traffic you have to your website, the more sales you are likely to have.
6. Gain More Reviews
Having reviews for your business is a necessary aspect of marketing. It provides customers with more information about your online reputation and can encourage people to choose your business over a competitor’s.
In fact, 91% of consumers from the ages of 18 to 34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Local SEO can help you gain more local reviews. This is because local SEO helps you attract more local customers. When you provide them with a great experience, you can give them an opportunity to provide feedback.
The more local reviews you have, the higher you will rank on Google as well.
7. Stand Out From Competitors
Finally, local SEO helps you stand out from your competitors. When you have many similar stores in the area that all sell the same thing, each store needs to compete for the same customers.
Most people looking for your products or services will choose the company that has a higher ranking on Google, as it allows the potential customer to learn more about the products and services available before visiting the actual store.
While local SEO may not provide you with increased foot traffic to your business, it will greatly increase the online traffic to your site and can help you attract more business.
Find the Best Local SEO Service Provider Today
Local SEO is a necessary strategy for businesses with a physical storefront. It can help you grow your business, connect with your customers, and more!
If you are looking for the best ways to boost local SEO for your business, Big Bold Thinkers can help! We provide digital marketing services and that can help your business stay at the forefront of digital innovation.
Subscribe to our blog today for more information on the importance of SEO services for business or contact our team to learn more about our SEO options.