As searching for information becomes more accessible both on the web and with smartphones, local customers are now more empowered than ever. With local searches on the rise, mobile users can now find nearly everything they need quickly, and the closest place to get it. In fact, according to statistics recently published by Google, 2019 saw a huge increase in “near me” searches.
Multi-location brands like yours must leverage local search marketing to stand out from your competitors and reach the widest audience for each of your locations.
What Google Told Us About Local Search in 2019
As a new year approaches, looking back on the shifts, trends and customer behaviors over the past 365 days can help inform your local search marketing strategy moving forward. Fortunately, Google conveniently outlined a handful of key themes and insights that shaped 2019 and foreshadow what may come in 2020.
Among these findings, were a number of insights that conveyed the growing importance and power of local search in recent years. Over the past two years, Google notes significant growth in mobile searches containing the following phrases:
- “Store open near me”
- “Where to buy” + “near me”
- “On sale” + “near me”
- “Insurance near me”
- “Bank near me”
- And “Repair near me”
This data clearly indicates that mobile users care about convenience considerably. For multi-location brands, the data also reveals local marketing opportunities. If you want your locations to succeed, you must be where the people are in their time of need.
For a more detailed glimpse into Google’s findings regarding local search in 2019 to help you prepare for your 2020 local search strategy, take a look at our infographic, “6 Compelling Insights that Prove the Power of Local Search.”
To learn how you can make your business stand from your competitors in search results, take advantage of a free local search audit and discover your brand’s most promising opportunities in local SEO to help guide your 2020 local search strategy.
