Top 6 reasons why local SEO services for small businesses very important

The world has gone digital. It’s not going digital; it’s not some event that’s going to happen in the not-too-distant future – that future is now, and your business should be capitalising on it, no matter how big or small you are.

If you’re one of the 49% of small business owners who don’t have an SEO strategy then it’s time to seriously rethink your gameplan. SEO services are a surefire way to drive conversions and grow your business, with innumerable benefits for your brand’s exposure and how customers locate your brand.

Given that in 2021 alone 2.14 billion people bought products online, it’s easy to see why you should take your brick-and-mortar store or mobile service to the online realm.

But let’s take a further look at how local SEO services can specifically benefit your small business in a way that increases exposure, locates the right leads and drives conversions in a way you may not have thought possible:

1.   Your local market wants what you have to offer 

A whopping 80% of local product searches lead to conversions (i.e. further inquiries about what you have to offer). Of all the stats we’ve already – and will continue – to throw your way in this piece this is the one that says it all.

Have you ever looked up a product you’ve really wanted to pick up but want to grab it from a local supplier and ask for more information? Well, it’s highly likely that once you found a nearby place that sold the product you would simply go down and get the information you need before making the purchase. People search for products or services in their local area because they need – or at least want – that product in the immediate future, and will be more than happy to pick it up from a local supplier they can access without any delay.

This is one of the most important benefits of local SEO services: your local demographic genuinely wants what you have to offer – it’s as simple as showing them you’re there and ready to provide!

2.   It increases your local search rankings 

In 2020, 93% of consumers utilised a search engine to find a nearby business, with these search engines displaying a list of local businesses pertaining to their request.

Think about it: when was the last time you wanted to use a service that you don’t typically enlist? Was it a carpet cleaner? A restaurant? Or a store that sells uber cosy winter garments?

Whatever the reason, there’s a good chance the first place you searched was Google, and no doubt you found exactly what you were looking for. This is because SEO services greatly increase your chance of being seen in local SERPs (search engine results pages).

Through a detailed local SEO strategy, including features like updated Google My Business listings, local keyword strategy, high-quality advertising (images, a robust website etc.), and positive customer review responses, you can find your business at the very top of the search results when someone is looking for, say, “the best landscape gardeners in Fitzroy”.

If your business is one that thrives on local support you simply cannot continue to overlook enlisting a local search strategy – you’re only doing yourself and your brand a massive disservice if you don’t take advantage of this.

3.   It’s a cost-efficient option for small businesses 

When was the last time you ever saw the local florist advertise on a billboard or on your telly? You’re more likely to see Dan Andrews (Mr “I fell down the stairs”) face 100 times courtesy of your tax money before you ever see a local business advertising on the ever-so-reliable traditional and mainstream media.

And why is it that only big companies advertise via traditional media? Because it’s crazy expensive. Traditional advertising (television, billboards, magazines, etc.) has long been made for the big players, and not the small businesses looking to make waves in their local area and beyond.

Conversely, digital marketing, including elements like Google Ads, social media and keyword strategies are the far cheaper option. This is especially beneficial for small businesses, who may not require the wide circulation that traditional advertising methods provide.

What’s more – and returning back to digital exposure – your brand is far more likely to be seen by the audience that matters, as opposed to traditional advertising which just throws ads at anyone who will see them in the hope of making a buck.

This is because with local SEO services your experts will seek out the demographic that matters to your brand. For example, are you opening a stylish, ethically-sourced clothing store and looking to find a demographic of like minded fashionistas? Then your SEO experts (us) will be able to locate that target demographic and direct your advertising toward them whether it be via a holistic local strategy or a niche SEO or PPC targeted campaign.

4.   New customers will find you with ease 

If we go back about 15 years, people relied on word-of-mouth and the Yellow Pages to find local business listings. You know it, and we know it, too: it ain’t like that no more.

Today, the first place people go to find a new business is Google or – at the very least – social media. In the digital era, not advertising your new brick-and-mortar location or mobile business through search engines and socials is a quicksmart way to see your business go under and fast.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news but it’s simply the way it is – with so many consumers using search engines and social media to discover a new brand or product, this is a marketing strategy that a business owner looking to create early exposure cannot afford to ignore!

5.   Extend your reach beyond your local area 

Whilst SEO services are a local business’s dream strategy, they go far beyond limiting your exposure to your surrounding area. In fact, SEO services can help small businesses gain exposure far beyond their immediate area, ensuring your company branches out to surrounding suburbs, too!

This is amazing for businesses from cafes to clothing stores, electricians to plumbers and anything else you can think of, as you can take your business to new areas and to new demographics searching for your product.

Say, for example, you’ve just opened an ‘organic hair salon in Brunskick’ (by the way, Google it, of course, it’s our customer that is number 1). Naturally, you want to create an awesome local base where fans of your amazing work come in to receive a stellar treatment.

This is awesome and highly ideal, of course, but you can also expand your business beyond your local area by targeting surrounding suburbs like Thornbury, Coburg, Parkville and more!

This way, the potential for your business to grow into something outrageously successful is exponentially increased.

6.   Get ahead of the local competition 

If your industry is one that contains a lot of businesses foregoing this imperative service then don’t delay any longer – you’re in prime position to go far beyond your local competition.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: local SEO services are the ultimate way to get your brand out there and into people’s peripheries. The potential for brand exposure is exponential, with hundreds (if not thousands) of local consumers searching your industry and wanting what you have to offer.

A creative, intelligent and targeted SEO strategy is the ultimate way to reach your target demographic in the modern era. With so many people out there using Google and Google alone to find products, there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to utilise this service to get the jump on competitors!

Start your journey to local SEO success today 

So, that’s the breakdown, with one ultimate message: local SEO services are incredible for small businesses. With awesome benefits linked to massive brand exposure on an unprecedented level, there is no reason why you should delay commencing an SEO strategy any longer.

Digital Debut is one of Melbourne’s most reputable local SEO services providers. Our team comprises talented and highly experienced digital marketing experts who have a shared passion for seeing our clients perform at their absolute peak.

We value the opportunity to work alongside your brand in the hope of creating an awesome approach to your marketing endeavours. You have something that your local demographic wants, and SEO services – alongside a robust social media strategy and other digital features – is the ultimate way to get people talking about what you have to offer.

To find out more about our service, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our friendly team of digital professionals. We are committed to providing any new or existing clients with the highest standard of service, as we are dedicated to ensuring you and your business are well looked after in the digital sphere!

Simply send us a message with your details included and we will be shortly in contact to discuss how we can take your digital marketing strategy – and your brand – to new heights of success!