The Unbeatable Impact of Local SEO for Small Businesses
Pamela Salon
AVP for Sales and Marketing at Syntactics, Inc. | Digital Marketing | Web Design & Development | Custom Software | Virtual Assistant
Getting in front of customers is vital for small businesses, and local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services are key for getting the attention of potential customers in a given area. By partnering with a local SEO company, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) can significantly boost their online presence, leading to increased revenue.
According to Google, 70% of customers are most likely to go to businesses with complete Google Business Profiles (GBP), while 50% are more likely to make purchases. Meanwhile, in a recent Local SEO Ranking Factors survey, 32% of SEO experts said that the GBP is the top local ranking factor.
Therefore, nearby customers can easily find and engage with your business if you optimize for Google local rankings. Local SEO experts have in-depth knowledge of best practices to enhance your business’ online visibility.
Understanding Local SEO
Local Search Engine Optimization is a technique for improving an organization’s visibility on local searches. Though it uses similar strategies as traditional SEO, it focuses on customers within your local community.
Local SEO is ideal for SMEs, brick-and-mortar businesses, and multiple-location companies within a geographic area. This makes it more geo-specific in terms of search queries, targeting “open now” and “near me” searches.
124 SEO Statistics revealed that 28% of searches for something close by result in a successful purchase. The main goal of local SEO is to increase your business’ exposure to potential customers beyond your physical storefront, making it more accessible to local prospects online.
The Unbeatable Impact of Local SEO for Small Businesses
Investing in local SEO services offers small businesses plenty of benefits, including the following:
Increased Online Visibility and Foot Traffic
Higher Google local search rankings result in more foot traffic to your physical storefront or location. Upon entering a search query, Google’s algorithm shows users a list of top-ranking businesses that suit its intent. However, it considers several factors to provide users with the most relevant results.
Plenty of website traffic comes from Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Images. So, when a user clicks a search result on Google Maps or Images, they can get directions to a business, find their contact details, etc.
By harnessing local SEO strategies, your business has a higher chance of being found by prospective customers. In turn, they can use your GBP information to visit your physical location or contact you for more information.
However, it can also be challenging to attract new customers if you’re a new or small business. Fortunately, with the aid of an experienced local SEO company, you can surpass even the most established competitors and get in front of even more potential customers.
Building Trust and Credibility
A well-maintained Google Business Profile shows prospects that your business is legitimate and reliable, especially if it also contains outstandingly positive reviews and ratings.
SEO Statistics For 2024 revealed that prior to visiting a local business, nearly 64% of customers read Google reviews. As such, local SEO builds trust and credibility with potential customers.
To increase your positive reviews, you can encourage satisfied customers to write reviews in exchange for discounts or special offers. Also, you can provide quality customer service so they can leave rave reviews of your business.
Targeted Marketing and Customer Engagement
According to Powerful Digital Marketing Statistics, customers spend 50% more with businesses that make it a habit to respond to reviews. Whether they’re good or bad, responding to feedback shows that you’re listening and you care enough to invest time and effort into satisfying your customers.
Moreover, you can optimize your business website for localized terms to attract your target audience more effectively, resulting in better leads. Of course, generic keywords like “real estate developer” or “house and lot for sale” generate tons of searches, but they’re also highly competitive.
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But, if you use “real estate developer in Miami” or “house and lot for sale in London,” you can specifically attract people in those areas, narrowing down your target market. After all, 46% of searches have local intent, according to Must-Know Local SEO Statistics.
Thus, targeted local SEO strategies bring in more qualified leads who are likely to turn into loyal customers.
Cost-Effectiveness and High ROI
Local Search Engine Optimization enables businesses to compete effectively in a more specific marketplace. For instance, small businesses can partner with a local SEO company that offers useful services to achieve measurable results, such as:
Based on Compelling Local SEO Statistics, 40% of local SEO campaigns achieved an immense 500% Return-On-Investment (ROI) compared to 22% of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns. This makes it an effective solution for reaching a target audience that’s actively looking for small businesses.
Staying Competitive in the Digital Landscape
Navigating the global landscape can be a challenge for small businesses, as you’ll be competing with more established companies and larger corporations. Fortunately, local SEO can even the playing field and give your business a leg up in your industry, regardless of who you’re competing with.
After all, 62% of consumers will disregard a business if they can’t find it online, according to Website Statistics, Trends & Insights. By providing vital information about your business online, local customers can find you more easily.
Overcoming Common Local SEO Challenges
Though local Search Engine Optimization can significantly benefit your small business, it comes with a few challenges. You can easily manage these challenges by partnering with a local SEO company that has ample expertise in running effective campaigns.
Here are some of the common challenges to watch out for:
Irrelevant Keyword Usage
It’s crucial to conduct thorough keyword research early on to identify popular local search terms within your industry. Afterward, local SEO services can incorporate these keywords or phrases into your small business’ website content, landing pages, and other on-page elements.
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That way, it enhances your chances of appearing in local search results.
Google Business Profile Management and Optimization
As mentioned earlier, a Business Profile is one of the top Google ranking factors. Incomplete, outdated, and inconsistent information can affect your local rankings. Therefore, you can complete your GBP and optimize it with accurate information such as:
It’s crucial to pin your business’ exact location so customers can easily find it. It’s also ideal to encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to boost your business’ reputation.
On the other hand, when managing negative feedback, you can address them professionally and provide solutions to customer concerns.
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Measuring Your Return On Investment (ROI)
Local SEO requires continuous effort to maximize your small business’ online visibility. Analyzing and tracking your marketing campaigns’ results can be challenging and time-consuming.
However, by working with a local SEO company, you can understand the data better and improve your strategy for increased ROIs. As a result, you can focus your time on growing and expanding your business.
Partner With a Local SEO Company to Boost Your Campaigns for Optimal Impact!
Businesses of any size can effectively improve their online presence, especially when utilizing the right tools and strategies. Consider partnering with professional experts from a local SEO company in the Philippines to ramp up your campaigns and achieve maximum success.