Unlocking the Power of Local Search: How to Ensure Your Business Gets Found Online

Local search is no longer an afterthought for businesses as the internet continues to shape the way consumers discover and engage with local products and services. The ubiquity of smartphones and the widespread availability of free Wi-Fi have made it easier for people to search for businesses in their local area on the go. As a result, local search has become a critical component of any digital marketing strategy.

According to a report by Search Engine Land, 46% of all Google searches are for local information. This is a significant number and it’s only getting bigger. As of 2021, Google still holds the majority of the market share when it comes to search engines, with over 90% of global search queries being conducted through Google.

In the United States, the number of people who use search engines to find local products and services is also on the rise. Back in July of 2006, there were 109 million people in the US who used search engines to find local products and services. Fast forward to 2023 and that number is likely much higher.

So where do people search for local businesses? As previously mentioned, Google is the go-to search engine for local searches, with 30% of all local searches starting on Google. Yahoo also has a local search directory, and it’s important for businesses to ensure that they’re listed on both directories.

When people search for local businesses on Google, they’re often presented with a map that shows the locations of businesses that match their search query. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to ensure that their listing is accurate and up-to-date. The listing should include the business’s name, address, phone number, and website. This information should also be consistent across all directories and listings to avoid confusion for potential customers.

There are many different places where businesses can list their local business for free, and there are also paid options to upgrade listings to ensure that they appear at the top of search results. It’s important for businesses to regularly monitor their listings and make any necessary updates to ensure that potential customers are getting the correct information.

Local search is a crucial component of any digital marketing strategy for businesses that operate in a physical location. As the number of local searches continues to grow, it’s more important than ever for businesses to ensure that they’re listed on relevant directories and that their information is accurate and up-to-date.