Local SEO is a subcategory of search engine optimization (SEO) which aims to make local businesses more visible in local search engine results. The results that appear in local search results typically respond to a “near me” intended query, suggesting that the searcher is seeking for something “in [LOCATION/CITY/STATE NAME]” or that the search engine has determined that the search is geographically restricted.

Businesses that use local SEO tactics can improve their visibility in these local search results for keywords relating to their industry, goods, and services.

Benefits of Local SEO for Small Businesses

Currently, local searches make up close to 50% of all Google searches. The likelihood that Google will include nearby local businesses is still strong, even when performing a routine daily search.

What relevance does this have for small businesses? In fact, from 2017 to 2019, Google saw a 900% increase in searches for the phrase “near me today/tonight.” Google started to offer more results for geographically-related queries based on proximity, relevance, and prominence.

Therefore, you’re more likely to be discovered online by potential customers if your business is close to where someone is searching, offers the services or goods they might be interested in, and has optimised local business listings.

12 Important Benefits of Local SEO for Small Businesses

Let’s now review some of the most significant benefits of improving your small business’s local SEO.

1. Increase your Audience – The fundamental goal of SEO is to market your business. The biggest benefit of doing it correctly is that you’ll attract more customers. The main goal of SEO is to raise your business’s ranking on search engines. This in turn draws more people to your company’s web presence, some of whom might end up as customers.
2. Identify Potential Customers Looking for Your Product – It’s likely that people are already looking for your commodity or service. You can get in touch with these potential customers who are still doing their investigation thanks to local SEO. When carried out properly, SEO improves the ranking of your website and puts your business in front of the right customers, which boosts sales.
3. Boost Web Traffic – Increasing traffic or virtual footfall to your online profile or website is the aim of SEO. Despite the fact that not all traffic will result in sales, it is reasonable to say that the more the better. Your chances of selling your products increase with the number of visitors to your website. Additionally, boosting organic traffic helps to promote your business.
4. Increase Your Reach to the Target Audience – You have a better chance of reaching your target audience since SEO uses appropriate keywords to promote your brand. In essence, this means that customers seeking for a certain item or service will find your business and be sent to your website or online store.
5. Increase Conversion Rate – It is impossible to underestimate the value of local SEO for small businesses in terms of raising conversion rates. This is because SEO draws targeted individuals who are already interested in your products. As a result, there is an increase in conversion rate and the likelihood of making a sale.
6. Avoid the Competition – Take two businesses that operate in the same region and sell the same product. On the other hand, one has a strong local SEO presence, and the other still just uses conventional marketing techniques. Which do you think customers will swarm to in this age of digital connectivity? With the right SEO tactics, your business may obtain a lasting competitive advantage that puts you well ahead of the competition.
7. Develop a User-friendly, accessible Website – For most search engines, improved SEO translates to a better user experience on your website. For instance, Google is quite fussy about the kind of material that is provided on websites in order for them to be ranked better in Google searches. This results in a user-friendly website that has all the data required for SEO rankings. A user-friendly design also draws more customers, which boosts sales.
8. Reduce Customer acquisition cost – SEO offers a considerable cost benefit over other marketing initiatives like advertising. It practically costs nothing if you can do it yourself. However, you should seek the help of a small company SEO agency if you lack confidence in your website’s code or algorithms. This is a good decision for the growth of your brand.
9. Get Rankings for the Long Term – SEO results last a very long period, unlike traditional marketing, where advertisements only have a small impact. To maximise your local SEO, you must maintain all of your information current, but if you rank in the SERPs, you are probably going to stay there for a while. You will get long-term search engine rankings if you continue to put up all of your work, albeit it is not always guaranteed.
10. Scale brand Awareness – If someone searches for a certain item using keywords, they will almost surely discover your business at the top of the results page. As more clients become aware of the advantages, your brand’s awareness will increase. This suggests they’ll be more likely to go to your website or expressly look for you in the future.
11. Continuous Business Growth – Local SEO campaigns are always aimed at improving both search engine visibility and traffic. Sales and marketing lead quality therefore increase. A self-sustaining business growth cycle results from improved sales attracting more interested customers. Therefore, investing time and money in local SEO tactics is a crucial success indicator if you want to grow your small business.
12. Results from SEO Can Be Measured – In today’s business and marketing environment, data wins every time. Two of the most crucial ways to advance your business are to have reliable information and analyse it for insightful conclusions. Local SEO for small companies collects crucial data on the functionality of your website and gives you a clear picture of how you may improve. As a consequence, SEO provides you with accurate information that might help you increase your revenue.