1. Location, Location, Location
This old adage was used to express the belief that a business could be successful if in the right location simply because it was more accessible to potential customers. Thanks to mobile search, having a great location is no longer enough. Customers no longer have to go out hunting for local businesses because they’re right at their fingertips.
2. Evolution of Word of Mouth
Depending on what applications consumers are using to search, they can also see customer reviews and recommendations. Customers no longer have to take a risk on a new business when they can rely on the opinions found in local search results. This has meant that business owners have needed to shift their focus to managing their online reputations.
3. Digital Natives Dominate The Market
Generation Y, also known as Millennials or Digital Natives, have been raised to rely on the internet – so much so that it’s rare to come across one who doesn’t own a smartphone. When these individuals are looking for a local business, they’re not simply going to walk into one or talk to their neighbours – instead, they’re going to their phones.
4. Conversions Come Easy
Even if people don’t end up buying, they will usually follow up with local businesses – 3 out of 4 mobile searches generally trigger some kind of follow up action. Whether this action is to call the business or to make an appointment, 75% of the people performing mobile searches are going to reach out to you in some way.
5. Online Presence is Essential
Small business owners are no longer immune to the need to manage their businesses online. In the past, it was not uncommon for these businesses to have little to no online presence – 50% didn’t even have websites – but the same practices today will mean that you’re losing out on customers. If you don’t have a local internet presence, your competitors will.
At the end of the day, business owners who want to stay competitive need to shift their strategies to focus on localised SEO. Even if you don’t have an online store and/or only have one physical location, it’s important that mobile users can easily find you. If you’re yet to establish a localised SEO campaign, give the team at Zeemo a call – we’ll be happy to help.
