LOCAL SEARCH: A PRIMER

What is Local Search
& Why Should You Care?

A local search is any search where a search engine presumes the searcher is interested in location-relevant results. Optimizing for this marketing channel is essential for businesses serving local customers – small brick and mortar stores, restaurants, service providers, franchises, retail chains, financial services, and even enterprise brands.

Over the past 6-7 years, searches including “near me” have dramatically increased (see graph below). But not every local search contains geographic keywords or “near-me” modifiers, so that only represents a fraction of the local search picture. In fact, based on the search type, and Google’s knowledge of your location, product and service-based searches like “dentists, therapists, and auto repair shops” can deliver localized results without a geographic term.

google near me search trend crop

How many local searches are there? While they’re usually reticent on the subject, historically, Google has said:

0
20% of all desktop search queries demonstrate local intent
0
50% of all search queries are on a mobile device
0
50% of all mobile search queries demonstrate local intent

That’s hundreds of billions of searches each year. But here’s what matters most:

0
80% of local search queries lead to a conversion within a day

LOCAL SEARCH: A PRIMER

What is Local
Search & Why Should You Care?

A local search is any search where a search engine presumes the searcher is interested in location-relevant results. Optimizing for this marketing channel is essential for businesses serving local customers – small brick and mortar stores, restaurants, service providers, franchises, retail chains, financial services, and even enterprise brands.

Over the past 6-7 years, searches including “near me” have dramatically increased (see graph below). But not every local search contains geographic keywords or “near-me” modifiers, so that only represents a fraction of the local search picture. In fact, based on the search type, and Google’s knowledge of your location, product and service-based searches like “dentists, therapists, and auto repair shops” can deliver localized results without a geographic term.

google near me search trend crop

How many local searches are there? While they’re usually reticent on the subject, historically, Google has said:

0
20% of all desktop search queries
demonstrate local intent
0
50% of all search queries are
on a mobile device
0
50% of all mobile search queries
demonstrate local intent

That’s hundreds of billions of searches each year. But here’s what matters most:

0
80% of local search queries lead
to a conversion within a day

Local Search 2022 & BEYOND

3 Big Changes: It's Time
to Re-evaluate Local Search

1. Google's Biggest Local Update

In December 2021, Google rolled out an algorithm update that is likely one of the most significant to local search in several years. Dubbed the “Vicinity Update” by the SEO industry, it's a rebalancing of various local search factors with a criteria adjustment for ranking in the Map Pack. The impact was assumed by many to be inconsequential, but it was dramatic, and probably the biggest local search update since Hawk in 2017.

Here are three important takeaways:

  • This update is focused on local results and surrounding zip codes, making it more difficult for businesses to rank in areas farther away from their physical location.
  • For local businesses, this means less competition and a greater chance of ranking in relevant local searches.
  • Another key change in this update is using keywords in Google Business Profile listing names (a common listing name spam tactic) has been devalued — eliminating the advantage of adding keywords to the Google Business Profile (GBP) listing.

Local Search 2022 & BEYOND

3 Big Changes: It's Time to Re-evaluate Local Search

1. Google's Biggest Local Update

In December 2021, Google rolled out an algorithm update that is likely one of the most significant to local search in several years. Dubbed the “Vicinity Update” by the SEO industry, it's a rebalancing of various local search factors with a criteria adjustment for ranking in the Map Pack. The impact was assumed by many to be inconsequential, but it was dramatic, and probably the biggest local search update since Hawk in 2017.

Here are three important takeaways:

  • This update is focused on local results and surrounding zip codes, making it more difficult for businesses to rank in areas farther away from their physical location.
  • For local businesses, this means less competition and a greater chance of ranking in relevant local searches.
  • Another key change in this update is using keywords in Google Business Profile listing names (a common listing name spam tactic) has been devalued — eliminating the advantage of adding keywords to the Google Business Profile (GBP) listing.
2. Local Demand Generation

For businesses that rely on local customers to survive, local search is critical (especially in a down economy). In fact, it is the only way to gain traction in ``near me`` and other local searches on Google. Moreover, the local 3-Pack is at the top of the organic results and gets about 44-61% of all clicks (depending on the search criteria). If 80% of local searches lead to a conversion within a day, and 90% of those people never make it past the first page, then getting into one of those spots can amplify your business.

0
The 3-Pack gets about 44-61% of all clicks
(depending on the search criteria)
3. Customers Prefer Google Maps

Google Maps is the preferred navigation app for 67% of consumers. And there's one thing that determines Google Maps rankings more than anything else; relevant, high authority domains pointing back to your website. The number of backlinks is also a big factor. But in 2022, you have to build both a large volume of relevant backlinks AND they must be high quality, (preferably domain authority 50 or above). Unfortunately, high authority backlinks are often overlooked by small businesses.

0
86% of people rely on Google Maps
to find the location of a business
2. Local Demand Generation

For businesses that rely on local customers to survive, local search is critical (especially in a down economy). In fact, it is the only way to gain traction in ``near me`` and other local searches on Google. Moreover, the local 3-Pack is at the top of the organic results and gets about 44-61% of all clicks (depending on the search criteria). If 80% of local searches lead to a conversion within a day, and 90% of those people never make it past the first page, then getting into one of those spots can amplify your business.

0
The 3-Pack gets 44-61% of all clicks
(depending on the search criteria)
3. Customers Prefer Google Maps

Google Maps is the preferred navigation app for 67% of consumers. And there's one thing that determines Google Maps rankings more than anything else; relevant, high authority domains pointing back to your website. The number of backlinks is also a big factor. But in 2022, you have to build both a large volume of relevant backlinks AND they must be high quality, (preferably domain authority 50 or above). Unfortunately, high authority backlinks are often overlooked by small businesses.

0
86% of people rely on Google Maps
to find the location of a business

GUARANTEED RESULTS | $1 TRIAL OFFER

Local Search 2.0: Better
Aligned & More Effective

Our new local search packages will amplify your search visibility — and it won’t break the bank. It includes a more effective set of deliverables — better aligned with today’s local search algorithms. And that’s important, because local search is not the same as it was five years ago, three years ago, or even one year ago. For example:

  • There’s been a steady increase in the importance of reviews
  • There’s been a decrease in the importance of citations
  • There’s been an increase in the importance of quality (vs quantity) backlinks
  • There’s been an increase in the importance of website performance
  • There’s been a significant increase in the importance of GBP signals

With all the changes to algorithms and ranking factors over the years, updating your local search strategy makes sense. Whether you’re a small business or a multi-state franchise, we have a solution to fit your needs (get details on our plans below).

$1 TRIAL OFFER
GUARANTEED RESULTS

Local Search 2.0: Better Aligned & More Effective

Our new local search packages will amplify your search visibility — and it won’t break the bank. It includes a more effective set of deliverables — better aligned with today’s local search algorithms. And that’s important, because local search is not the same as it was five years ago, three years ago, or even one year ago. For example:

  • There’s been a steady increase in the importance of reviews
  • There’s been a decrease in the importance of citations
  • There’s been an increase in the importance of quality (vs quantity) backlinks
  • There’s been an increase in the importance of website performance
  • There’s been a significant increase in the importance of GBP signals

With all the changes to algorithms and ranking factors over the years, updating your local search strategy makes sense. Whether you’re a small business or a multi-state franchise, we have a solution to fit your needs (get details on our plans below).

UPGRADE & DOMINATE YOUR CATEGORY

Local Search Partnership Plans

We begin with a local search audit and review of the competition, followed by a discussion of the businesses challenges, goals, and objectives. Because every business is unique, and in varying stages of the local search journey, we structured our plans in tiers with different service levels.

Here’s the best part: we’re only going to charge you $1 for your first month. And if you’re not happy with the results, just cancel the service – no strings, no contract, no cancelation fees.

UPGRADE & DOMINATE
YOUR CATEGORY

Local Search Partnership Plans

We begin with a local search audit and review of the competition, followed by a discussion of the businesses challenges, goals, and objectives. Because every business is unique, and in varying stages of the local search journey, we structured our plans in tiers with different service levels.

Here’s the best part: we’re only going to charge you $1 for your first month. And if you’re not happy with the results, just cancel the service – no strings, no contract, no cancelation fees.

Advisory + Linking

You want to amplify rankings

$1 Trial - then $650 / Month


Audit + Strategy + Linking

Local Search 2.0

You want to lead your category

$950 / Month


Strategy + Links + Reviews + CRO

Fully Managed

You want to maximize growth

$1750 / Month


Local Search 2.0 + GBP Mgmt

Advisory + Linking

You want to amplify rankings

$1 Trial - then $650 / Month


Audit + Strategy + Linking

  • Audit & Local Search Strategy
  • Dedicated Local SEO Expert
  • Dymic SEO Dashboard Setup
  • Keyword Gap Analysis
  • High Quality / Authority Linking

Local Search 2.0

You want to lead your category

$950 / Month


Strategy + Links + Reviews + CRO

  • Audit & Local Search Strategy
  • Dedicated Local SEO Expert
  • Dymic SEO Dashboard Setup
  • Keyword Gap Analysis
  • High Quality / Authority Linking
  • Review Management
  • Competitive Analysis & Strategy
  • Strategic Citation Management
  • Google Analytics Tracking & Insights
  • Google Business Profile Optimization

Fully Managed

You want to maximize growth

$1750 / Month


Local Search 2.0 + GBP Mgmt

  • Audit & Local Search Strategy
  • Dedicated Local SEO Expert
  • Dymic SEO Dashboard Setup
  • Keyword Gap Analysis
  • High Quality / Authority Linking
  • Review Management
  • Competitive Analysis & Strategy
  • Strategic Citation Management
  • Google Analytics Tracking & Insights
  • Google Business Profile Optimization
  • Local Page Conversion Optimization
  • Onsite Optimization
  • Guest Blog Posts / DA50 + Backlinks
  • Google Business Profile Management

Audit & Local Search Strategy

Dedicated Local SEO Expert

Dymic SEO Dashboard Setup

Keyword Gap Analysis

High Quality / Authority Linking

Review Management

Competitive Analysis & Strategy

Strategic Citation Management

Google Analytics Tracking & Insights

Google Business Profile Optimization

Local Page Conversion Optimization

Onsite Optimization

Guest Blog Posts / DA50 + Backlinks

Google Business Profile Management

HELPING LOCAL BUSINESSES GROW

Local Search Case Studies

Our SEO team has helped grow local businesses across a variety of industry sectors; from healthcare to automotive, legal to home services, and more. Since local searches are the strongest purchase signal, improving a business’s visibility can make a big difference – and sometimes, it’s life changing. Here are just a few of the many local search clients we’ve helped throughout the years.

HELPING LOCAL
BUSINESSES GROW

Local Search
Case Studies

Our SEO team has helped grow local businesses across a variety of industry sectors; from healthcare to automotive, legal to home services, and more. Since local searches are the strongest purchase signal, improving a business’s visibility can make a big difference – and sometimes, it’s life changing. Here are just a few of the many local search clients we’ve helped throughout the years.

Case Study #1: Physician Group
Case Study & Testimonial

Lifeline Medical Associates

``I have worked with countless agencies and marketing service providers in the past 20 years, and the sheer professionalism, clear communication and responsiveness to our account is unparalleled. We have seen immediate results from their efforts and we know that it will only get even better from here. They are a true joy to work with and genuinely care about giving exceptional client service. Thanks, Dymic, for making my professional life easier and for making the clients look like rock stars!``

0
First month: 8,984 organic visitors
0
Last full month: 16875 organic visitors
lma case study may20 aug22
Case Study #2: Photography Business
Case Study & Testimonial

Caroline Malouf Photography

``Dymic has worked with me to address my needs as an artist and a business from our first meeting. The people that work there - from design to SEO - are true professionals you can actually trust. I've worked with Randall in SEO the most. It's amazing how quickly he responds to my emails and calls. He really knows his stuff and has brought my rankings up. I was lost in Google, and now you can find me on the first two pages.``

0
First month: 207 organic visitors
0
Last full month: 3,082 organic visitors
caroline malouf study2 jan20 aug22
Case Study #3: Law Firm
Case Study & Testimonial

Savin & Bursk Law Firm

``Our website was dated, we had no yelp page or local listings or any real significance online. Since launching our campaign with this marketing company, or firm has over tripled in size. We just purchased a second office building to meet our growing needs and now staff 9 attorneys and about 20 legal staff. If you’re a law firm, or small business and eager to grow exponentially, I highly recommend reaching out to Dymic.``

0
First month: 37 organic visitors
0
Last full month: 1,483 organic visitors
savin bursk study nov20 apr22
Case Study #1: Physician Group
Case Study & Testimonial

Lifeline Medical Associates

``I have worked with countless agencies and marketing service providers in the past 20 years, and the sheer professionalism, clear communication and responsiveness to our account is unparalleled. We have seen immediate results from their efforts and we know that it will only get even better from here. They are a true joy to work with and genuinely care about giving exceptional client service. Thanks, Dymic, for making my professional life easier and for making the clients look like rock stars!``

0
First month: 8,984 organic visitors
0
Last full month: 16875 organic visitors
lma case study may20 aug22
Case Study #2: Photography Business
Case Study & Testimonial

Caroline Malouf Photography

``Dymic has worked with me to address my needs as an artist and a business from our first meeting. The people that work there - from design to SEO - are true professionals you can actually trust. I've worked with Randall in SEO the most. It's amazing how quickly he responds to my emails and calls. He really knows his stuff and has brought my rankings up. I was lost in Google, and now you can find me on the first two pages.``

0
First month: 207 organic visitors
0
Last full month: 3,082 organic visitors
caroline malouf study2 jan20 aug22
Case Study #3: Law Firm
Case Study & Testimonial

Savin & Bursk
Law Firm

``Our website was dated, we had no yelp page or local listings or any real significance online. Since launching our campaign with this marketing company, or firm has over tripled in size. We just purchased a second office building to meet our growing needs and now staff 9 attorneys and about 20 legal staff. If you’re a law firm, or small business and eager to grow exponentially, I highly recommend reaching out to Dymic.``

0
First month: 37 organic visitors
0
Last full month: 1,483 organic visitors
savin bursk study nov20 apr22

Ready to Start?

If local search is responsible for the majority of your leads, then it should get a corresponding percentage of your time, effort, and budget. You have everything to gain, and only $1 to lose.

Ready to Start?

If local search is responsible for the majority of your leads, then it should get a corresponding percentage of your time, effort, and budget. You have everything to gain, and only $1 to lose.

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