People are using their mobile devices more to search for businesses when they are out and about, and Google keeps getting better at handling local searches.
That means you to need to focus on location-based content when you’re optimizing mobile and local SEO for your local business.
Near Me Searches for Local Services
“Near me searches” are queries that people do when they are looking for something close to them at that moment.
When they search on their phone, they might include qualifier terms like “near me” when they want to see the businesses closest to them.
In my graphic above, I typed “breakfast near me” and got the top three places for breakfast that were close to me at that moment.
On Google, a “near me” query will return the closest matching local businesses for your search terms in their Maps and Local listings.
Google shows you the Local 3-Pack map at the top of your results. Organic listings with links are shown below the map.
Local Marketing Continues to Dominate
Searches from mobile devices for local businesses continues to grow.
According to a 2022 report from SafariDigital, 97% of users searched online to find a local business.
That means you need to keep focusing on local marketing.
And it’s important for your business to appear on the local three-pack map and top organic search results for relevant searches. These are the businesses people choose first in their search results.
Improve local search results by:
- Optimizing and updating your Google Business Profile often.
- Making sure your NAP details (Name, Address, Phone) are consistent on all of your profiles and your website.
Focus on Local
Near me searches are about people needing something, and they need it now.
Make sure your business appears in their search results as the most trustworthy of local business options.
