Comprehensive local SEO comes with many benefits, from increased traffic and conversion rate to establishing trust and authority. 42% of search engine queries are local searches with location keywords like near me, close by, today, and tonight. Search engines like Google are more likely to show local businesses nearby based on relevance, proximity, and prominence.
Here are five reasons why local SEO is essential:
1. Increases Visibility among Local Customers
Search engine optimization aims to make the website and business easy to find. Local SEO can result in a better ranking for specific keywords and searches. Appearing at the top of search engine result pages increases organic traffic to the website. Local search engine optimization can also attract more customers for brick-and-mortar companies with a walk-in premise. The business will appear in searches involving location keywords.
Optimizing the website for local customers and appearing on Google Maps and three-pack listings increases the chances of a purchase. About 78% of customers searching for local businesses visit a nearby shop to make a purchase. Dominating search engine result pages and Google Maps naturally increases the chance of capturing new leads for the company. SEO also involves developing a robust online presence and visibility across all major online platforms.
2. Drives More Qualified Search Traffic
Every business has a responsibility to funnel search traffic toward the key Call to Action. The goal is to attract traffic that’s likely to contact the business. Local search engine optimization is one way to target nearby customers who can visit the company. Google will give priority to search traffic locally and delivers more qualified traffic with a high chance of converting. Attracting qualified traffic is one of the primary goals of search engine optimization.
Google is likely to show a business when the search is within a geographic area of the customer. Google automatically qualifies local traffic to deliver the most relevant results. Organic traffic from local searches is likely to provide customers who are ready to buy or make an inquiry.
3. Provides a Cost-Effective Marketing Solution
From Google Business Profile to social media marketing, local search engine optimization doesn’t always involve a price tag. Effective SEO calls for experienced experts and strategists, but the market also boasts many free tools. Companies can leverage solutions like Google Business Profile to create optimized profile descriptions findable online and ranked on search results. Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube also offer free opportunities.
Managing website listings and maintaining the top spot on search engine result pages takes time and effort. Hiring a reputable SEO firm will probably deliver the best results, but businesses can make the most of existing free tools. SEO services are also scalable, so the company can work with reasonable budgets to leverage pro tools while maximizing what’s available for free. Local SEO delivers the best return on investment than other online and offline marketing and advertising solutions.
4. Makes the Business More Competitive
People need to find services locally, so businesses invest in local search engine optimization to attract more nearby customers. Companies that don’t invest in SEO remain disadvantaged because their potential customers can not find them. The marketing team should ensure effective local optimization to stay competitive with other businesses within the niche. The goal is to appear at the top of local searches for specific business keywords.
Companies constantly seek a competitive edge to stay ahead, and optimizing the business for local customers is one way to succeed. Businesses that don’t invest in local search engine optimization may not appear on the first page of results. Even if the search is from their Geolocation, there’s no way for Google to rank the site if it lacks location-specific elements. Not appearing on top of search results gives market control to competitors with better SEO.
5. Drives Sales through Mobile Searches
About 63%Â of searches on Google come from mobile devices, and many of them are looking for local services. It’s vital to create a website fully optimized for modern Android and iOS smartphones, tablets, and iPads. Local SEO involves targeting traffic from customers on the go. A good SEO strategy should result in a sleek, mobile-friendly design with a memorable user experience. Engines like Google also rank local businesses first for searches made using mobile devices.
Mobile traffic drives sales for modern businesses, and local search engine optimization increases the chances of topping mobile searches. The web design should be responsive and adaptable to the different sized screens. Businesses should also develop a robust profile and add the company to Google Maps to leverage directions and other features. Companies that offer local SEO services also focus on building the best websites for mobile because the two benefit each other.
Local SEO Options
SEO is not difficult but does take consistent work that requires research, patience, and constant improvements. Any business can do their own local SEO strategy by following Google’s E.A.T. methodology. Expertise, authority and trust are key to higher ranking on the SERPs(search engine results).  Relevent content, quality linking and consistent contact info are the key pillers.