Why Local SEO and Online Presence Are Crucial for Small Business
As the world of small business continues to evolve and shift increasingly online, having a strong digital presence is more crucial than ever. Gone are the days when a digital presence was a luxury only e-commerce businesses could afford. Today, local SEO and a solid online presence are essential for small businesses, including those with brick-and-mortar operations.
The Rise of Local SEO
Searches for “Local SEO” have increased by 850% in the past 12 years (2022-2023 data), demonstrating the growing importance of online visibility for local businesses. Moreover, 9 in 10 US consumers search online for local businesses at least once a week, with 35% searching at least once a day (2022 data). Google Search remains the leading way US consumers find out about local businesses, making it imperative for small businesses to rank well for relevant keywords.
Success Stories
A local dentistry business in California, saw a 24x increase in customers after shifting its focus to SEO from traditional advertising. This business now posts annual revenue of around $5.5 million. This success story highlights the potential of local SEO in driving significant new customer acquisitions.
The Importance of Google Maps
After Google Search, Google Maps is the next most significant source of information on local businesses. Searches for “Google Maps SEO” have increased by 55% in the last 6 years (2022-2023 data). Small businesses can leverage tools like Map Rank Tracker to monitor their rankings in Google Maps and gain insights into their competitors.
E-commerce and Digital Marketing Trends
The US is expected to see 17.3 million new digital buyers between 2024 and 2028, with 92% of them belonging to Gen Z (2022-2023 data). As a result, businesses are shifting their focus to digital marketing. By 2028, it’s forecasted that over 80% of all ad budgets will be dedicated to digital. Currently, over $750 billion per year is spent on digital ads. According to a study by the Connected Commerce Council, 80% of small businesses find that digital ads generate more revenue than offline ads.
Digital Marketing Agencies and Social Media
Search interest in “digital marketing” has grown by 550% over the last 12 years (2022-2023 data). In 2023, there were over 53,000 digital advertising agencies in the US alone, a 20% increase from 2022. Social media is also a critical focus for small businesses, with 80% using social media to reach customers and 45% depending on social media as a revenue driver. Social media ad spending is projected to rise to over $250 billion by the end of 2025.
The Imperative of a Digital Presence
Despite the growing importance of digital presence, 20% of small businesses in the UK still don’t have a website (2022 data). However, among those that do have a website, 85% say it “plays a big part” in their business. Small businesses that have websites grow twice as fast on average as those without websites. It’s clear that a digital presence is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small businesses in today’s digital age.
In conclusion, local SEO, digital marketing, and a solid online presence are non-negotiables for small businesses in today’s digital landscape. By investing in these areas, small businesses can unlock new customer acquisitions, drive revenue growth, and stay ahead of the competition. At Genuine Web, we can help your small business establish a strong digital presence and thrive in the online world.