Consumers are increasingly turning to their phones to find what they need nearby. A staggering 1.5 billion "near me" searches are conducted globally each month, with a whopping 85% happening on mobile devices. This local search trend extends to buying decisions.
Over 80% of smartphone shoppers actively use "near me" searches, and the results are impactful.
More than 75% of location-based mobile searches translate into actual purchases. Local businesses have a prime opportunity to capture this local search traffic. Nearly half (46%) of all Google searches are for local businesses, and a dominant presence in the Google Local 3-Pack is crucial.
93% of local business searches on Google include this key element, and it captures a significant share of clicks – 44% of users engage with the Local 3-Pack results.
Building trust with potential customers is paramount. Only 10% of people trust paid search results. This highlights the importance of organic local SEO efforts to ensure your business appears prominently in these valuable searches.
In today's digital world, where smartphones rule local searches, ranking high in the Google Maps Pack is a must for your business. The Google Maps Pack is the holy grail of local SEO – those top three business listings you see prominently displayed on Google Maps searches.
This prime real estate showcases your company directly in front of potential customers actively looking for what you offer. This targeted traffic is gold for any local business, and it's all within reach with strategic website optimisation.
By optimising your website for the Google Maps Pack, you'll not only increase your visibility but also boost your credibility. A high ranking places your business among the trusted and verified, complete with customer reviews and ratings that build trust and encourage clicks.
The Maps Pack is used by people looking to contact service providers in their area.
It's a win-win for attracting qualified leads, driving sales, and outranking the competition – all thanks to the power of local SEO.
Over 70% of organic clicks for local searches go to the Map Pack listings. [Source: SEMrush study on importance of #1 Google spot] This highlights the Map Pack's dominance in attracting clicks from local searches.
Nearly one-third of all mobile searches have local intent. [Source: Search Engine Journal on Google Local Pack] Mobile devices are the go-to tool for local searches, emphasising the importance of the Map Pack in this ever-growing mobile search landscape.
The Map Pack enjoys click-through rates as high as 30-40%. This emphasises the value of ranking highly within the Map Pack, as the top position translates to a significant increase in website visits and potential customers.
Local SEO positions your business directly in front of a targeted and interested audience by ensuring you appear in search results when they're looking for local services or products.
Enhance your presence in local directories and on maps, making it easier for customers to find you when they're searching for businesses like yours in the area.
Appear prominently in local search results to gain the trust and credibility of potential customers, showing them you're a reliable choice in their community.
Targeting local search terms is often less competitive and more cost-effective, offering small businesses an affordable way to connect with potential customers nearby.
Dominate Local Search: Secure the Top Spot on Google Maps
Leverage our expert's insights to earn the top spot on Google Maps."
See your position throughout Google Maps
Appear at the top of the Maps Pack
Elevate your business's visibility among local customers actively searching for your products or services.
Achieve higher placements in search engine results for keywords that highlight your business's location.
Attract more visitors to your site who are specifically looking for options within your local area.
Enhance your visibility and discoverability on essential maps and directory platforms.
Strengthen your competitive edge to attract local customers away from other businesses in your area.
Increase your chances of being found by mobile users searching for nearby business solutions.
Google Maps SEO refers to optimising your online presence to improve your ranking in the Google Maps pack. This local pack appears at the top of the organic search results for local business searches.
So any searches that include 'near me' or 'in Christchurch' etc will have the Maps Pack right at the top of the results
Studies show a significant portion of users click on businesses within the pack before exploring other search results.
The Maps Pack gets around 45% of traffic for any localised or 'near me' search
Appearing in the Maps Pack means increased visibility and more leads from local customers.
There are several ways to improve your Map Pack ranking. Optimising your Google Business Profile with accurate information, positive reviews, and engaging content is crucial.
Creating optimised and aligned content for your website for the areas you want to rank in is also very important
Most business owners find it too technical and time consuming to optimise their website and Google Business Profile so will engage with an SEO agency such as Overt Digital Media
In short, yes!
While both aim for better search visibility, Google Maps SEO and regular SEO target different aspects.
Regular SEO focuses on ranking your website organically for general keyword searches. Google Maps SEO, however, prioritises local search signals to improve your ranking within the Google Maps pack for location-specific searches.
This involves optimising your Google Business Profile, building local citations, and encouraging positive reviews, all crucial for attracting customers actively searching for businesses in your area.
Results can vary depending on competition in your area and the effort you put into optimisation.
However, while there are no guarantees, with consistent effort, you can expect to see improvement in your ranking within a few weeks and be in the top 3 within a few months
Claiming your GBP is a crucial first step, but optimisation is key. Optimising your Google Business Profile includes ensuring accurate and consistent business information (NAP - Name, Address, Phone number) across the web, adding high-quality photos, compelling descriptions with relevant keywords, and encouraging customer reviews.
Yes! Our digital marketing agency specialises in helping small and medium businesses leverage Google Maps SEO to get found by more local customers. We can help you claim and optimise your GBP, manage your online reputation, and develop a local SEO strategy.
Negative reviews happen, but how you respond is crucial. Responding promptly and professionally to negative reviews demonstrates customer service and can even win back unhappy customers.
Yes! Google My Business Insights provides valuable data on how customers find and interact with your listing. You can track metrics like views, clicks, and calls generated through your profile.
We're here to help your business stand out in your neighbourhood with our full-service package.
Think of it as giving your business a megaphone so when local customers are looking for what you offer, you're the first name they see and hear.
Our approach is simple but effective
We make sure when people in your area go online to find services or products like yours, your business pops up on Google, including places like Google Maps. No jargon, just results.
We find the best words and phrases that match what you offer and what people in your area are searching for.
Set up special pages on your website that catch the eye of Google and potential customers.
Make sure your website speaks the local language, figuratively, making it more likely for your neighbours to find you.
Dress up your Google My Business profile for success, making it attractive and informative.
Share news and updates about your business in places that matter, helping draw in more local attention.
Spread the word about your business across the web in a way that’s respectful and by the book.
We’ll start by making you the talk of the town within a 5-kilometer radius, attracting nearby customers first. Then, as more people start noticing you, we'll expand your reach, bringing even more customers your way.
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