We have been discussing a lot about local SEO in the past few weeks. And there is a reason for this. Ranking high in local searches is more important than ever. People are making searches with a specific intent: they need a product or a service. And they want to get it as soon as possible and with as little hassle as possible. This means one thing: they are looking for a business close nearby.
And this is why you need to invest in local SEO strategies and aim for the top spots of Google search results when people are looking for products and services close to their home. As paid traffic is increasingly expensive, small and medium sized businesses should do their best to take advantage of the chance to bring their site in front of people in their local area.
The Local SEO Statistics for 2020 Are In
We are not simply making wild guesses and bold statements when we say that local SEO is more important than ever. Statistics show that most users are looking for local businesses – and taking action, as well.
In this article, we will focus on some of the most relevant local SEO statistics. They prove that investing in content and strategies to make your website local search friendly pay off both on the short term and in the long run.
Here are some of the statistics that we find most useful and self-explanatory:
72% of Google Searches Result in a Store Visit on an 8 km Radius
This is extremely impressive. Over 7 in 10 consumers who perform a search are actually driving to a store near their home. And, most certainly, they are also making a purchase there. This is the clearest proof that local SEO efforts pay off.
67% of Consumers Prefer Ads Customised to Their Location
Over half of internet users are more likely to click on an ad that specifies their location. If they see a product they like, people want to know they can find them in a store close to their home or place of work. They are not really interested in a super amazing offer that is available in another city.
44% of Consumers Use Mapping Software to Find Businesses
This trend is encouraged by the fact that it is so easy to embed a map in a website or a Facebook page. However, some people go directly to Google Maps, and type in a business or product name to find suggestions close to home.
92% of Yelp Users Are Looking for a Local Business
Positive reviews are an integral part of a solid local SEO strategy. And, as this statistic proves, these reviews can help you in more ways than one. Yelp, the review website, is mostly sought by people who want to find a business they can trust in their local area.
56% of Local Business Do Not Have a Google My Business Listing
We advised you to create and verify your Google My Business listing some time ago. If you already did it – then you are one of less than half of the local businesses that did this. It means less competition for you, at least until everyone else realises how important GMB is.
46% of All Google Searches Have a Local Intent
As the Google AI algorithm gets more sophisticated, it is now capable of understanding the intent of each search. And nearly half of all Google searches have a local intent – that is, people are looking for businesses, products, services and facilities in their local area.
84% of “Near Me” Searches Are Performed on Mobile
Having a mobile friendly website is a basic prerequisite if you want to run a successful business. If your website is still not properly optimised, here is a wake up call. The vast majority of consumers looking for businesses and products together with the phrase “near me” perform this search on their mobile phone.
18% of Mobile Local Searches End with a Purchase on the Same Day
Here is a statistic linked to the one above. People have a clear intent when they perform a “near me” search. A fifth of searches finalise with a purchase. Just imagine: one in five people finding your business after a mobile search will become your customer.