20% of Google Searches Have Local Intent
In May of 2012 Google had 11.3 Billion explicit searches – up 3% (Comscore) It’s be reported by Google that 20 percent of all searches across its properties are of local intent. And not surprisingly that figure jumps up to 40 percent when we’re talking about searches from mobile devices.

What is more interesting to note is that 60% of local searches that take place on Google result in a sale. So now more than ever, it is clear to see customers are searching online and buying offline and if your business isn’t found in the top 3 places in Google search results you are missing out on huge profits now and in the future.
Case Studies
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a busy working mom. She is looking to have her daughters teeth straightened and wants to find a local orthodontist. Will she:
a) Take here daughter out of school and drive around to 3 or 4 orthodontists to ‘check them out’ and have a free consultation. Along the way incurring fuel and parking costs and the loss of time from both school and work.
or
b) Search Google for an Orthodontist. View the top 3 websites, watch their videos, read their reviews, check them out on Facebook and schedule an initial consultation. All from the comfort from her home or office while enjoying a nice cup of tea.
Of course option b) wins every time.
Giovanni
Giovanni and his friends want to find a sports bar to watch the big game. Do they:
a) Walk aimlessly around the streets asking for directions and recommendations and miss the first half…
or
b) Take out the smartphones and search on Google for sports bar in their current location. They also check out foursquare for local deals and discover a sports bar nearby that has a 2-4-1 offer on bottled beer during the big game.
Again option b) wins every time and Giovanni and his friends enjoy their beers and the game while the bar owner is raking in healthy profits from his new found customers.
You customers are out there looking for your products and services online and from the mobile devices and if you’re not on page 1 of Google in the top three positions you are missing out on huge profits every single day.
So How Do You Get in the Top 3 Positions on Google?
– Firstly you need to claim your Google+ Local listing (formerly Google Maps and Google Places) and complete the page with your business name, address and contact details, opening times, method of payment, photos and videos.
– Secondly you need to have a website and ensure it is optimized for the keywords people are typing into Google to find your products and services.
– Thirdly you need to have a search engine optimization strategy that Google likes and will reward you with higher results on its pages.
– And fourthly you will need to get more social on the web on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Foursquare and Pinterest.
When you take action and consistent interaction you will start seeing results in your business as more customers find you a whole lot easier.
Blend Local Search Marketing Are Here to Help You!
We are passionate about helping local businesses succeed online and have a proven track record getting business in the UK and USA more customers and more profits. We can help you to!
We are currently offering serious business owners a complete overview of their business online that includes: a complete website analysis, profit keywords recommendations, social media influence/engagement and search engine optimization.
We pull no punches in our reports and tell you honestly, warts and all, the exact state of your online presence. You are free to take our recommendations and hand them to your webmaster to implement or enlist our help. Either way you are under no obligation but we believe our continued help and advice will work wonders for your business.
Blend Local Search Marketing Ltd.
Overseas House, 66-68 High Road, Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire, WD23 1GG
Tel: +44 203 114 5119
Can Local Businesses Afford Not To Be in The Google Top 3 Search Results?
Perry Stevens is the founder and CEO of Blend Local Search Marketing Ltd. He’s a tea drinker, cocoa grower and a frequent traveller.
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