Benefits of Local SEO (Near Me)

Have you ever searched: “Car repair near me”, “good lawyer in (insert city)”; or “Chinese restaurant nearby”? If so, welcome to the world of Local Search Engine Optimization – or local SEO!

If you have a brick-and-mortar location or business model serving your local community, local SEO is going to be very important to your digital marketing performance. So we’re going to talk about the benefits of local SEO and help you capture more of that audience. But, if your primary audience isn’t local… You can click away now. There are plenty of other valuable SEO resources within our Sanctuary Academy (I won’t be offended!). 

If you’re still here, we’re going to start with some good news… Google (and other search engines) WANTS to show your site to local searchers! They know users are far more likely to engage with a shop or service that’s 5 miles away than 500 – and they want the searchers’ experience on their platform to be positive, it’s just good business for them. 

Knowing that, what are the main benefits you can expect from a strong local SEO strategy? (I think you’re going to like these!)

Google’s Consumer Insights has reported a huge increase in “near me tonight/today” searches in recent years (and only growing with more mobile and voice searches!). So, by optimizing for location-specific keywords and search terms like “near me,” your business becomes more discoverable to people actively seeking what you offer in your area. 

1. Local SEO Increases Online Visibility in Search Results

A strong local SEO strategy also improves your chances of appearing in more places. Google’s Local Pack and Google Maps results are prominent placements in search engine result pages. By optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) with accurate information, compelling visuals, and reviews, you not only enhance credibility but also make it easier for users to find and visit your physical location. This visibility on maps and mobile searches translates directly into increased foot traffic and in-person engagement!

2. Local SEO Improves Conversion Rate and Captures More Calls and Inquiries

Local SEO helps boost conversion rates and generate more leads by connecting your business with local customers who are ready to take action. Optimized listings and local service website content ensure your contact information—like phone numbers and clickable call buttons—is easily accessible right in the search results, making it effortless for potential customers to reach out. This visibility translates directly into more inquiries, calls, and appointment bookings (yay – revenue!).

Because local searchers typically have high intent, they’re more likely to convert quickly. They’re not just browsing—they’re actively searching for a nearby solution and are often ready to buy. Plus, by keeping your business visible in the local landscape, you stay top-of-mind even after the first purchase, increasing the chances of earning repeat business from satisfied customers in your area.

3. Local SEO Builds Trust and Authority from the Local Community

Local SEO plays a key role in building trust and authority within your local community. This is especially for service-based businesses and those in sensitive industries like finance, healthcare, or legal services (those affected by Your Money Your Life guidelines). When your business consistently appears in local search results, maps, and directories, it becomes a familiar and trusted name in your area. This repeated exposure reinforces your credibility and positions your brand as a reliable, go-to provider.

Additionally, local SEO helps generate and showcase customer reviews, which are crucial for establishing trust. Positive feedback not only influences potential customers’ decisions but also signals to search engines that your business is reputable. Over time, maintaining strong local visibility and a solid reputation helps your business stay relevant, grow loyal relationships, and remain competitive as community needs and expectations evolve. (It may even help you build partnerships with related service providers that can turn into mutually beneficial backlinks – but I digress).  

And More!

• Instead of casting a wide net, local SEO focuses your efforts on users within your geographic area – you know this audience best and what will resonate with them!
• Compared to print ads, billboards, or radio spots, local SEO brings in targeted traffic at a fraction of the cost. Once you’re ranking well, clicks and visits don’t cost you extra like with paid ads.
• Possibly my favorite benefit of local SEO – While big brands often dominate national search results, with local SEO, you can outrank them in your immediate area! It levels the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses.

Get Started on Local SEO

Remember, Google is ranking local search results on Proximity, Relevance, and Prominence to the searcher. If you want to enjoy the benefits a strong local SEO strategy can bring, you must keep these three factors in mind.

It takes careful planning and ongoing effort to accomplish these results. So you should get started!