It’s no secret that Florida businesses can benefit from search engine optimization in 2024.
However, a hyper-local focus on specific cities and regions within Florida is what separates good marketing campaigns from great marketing campaigns.
At DataPins, we don’t expect you to take our word for this, which is why we will provide insightful data on the power of Local SEO for Florda-based businesses.
Key Florida Local SEO Statistics
- 78% of local searches lead to purchases
- 22% of zip code queries register search volume
- Local queries have increased 34x since 2011
- Over 50% of “Near Me” Searchers Visit The Location
- 62% of consumers disregard businesses with no online presence
- 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
- 46% of all Google searches include location
Google implemented the Pigeon update in 2014. Over the past ten years, how search engine optimization tactics work has shifted.
The update allows local businesses to reach more consumers in their immediate area. However, small companies have been slow to take advantage of it.
Business owners should reference these local SEO statistics in Florida when allocating their marketing budget.
This post aims to impress Florida business owners with the importance of local SEO and how it can benefit your bottom line.
1) 78% of local searches lead to purchases
According to at least one study, 78% of local searches (searches wherein the user specifies a geographic location) lead to purchases. Likewise, someone looking for a service or business near them on their computer or mobile device will purchase with that business 78% of the time.
Local searches commonly have purchasing intent, which is why local SEO is so powerful. You are essentially putting your business in front of pre-qualified leads who are ready to purchase. All you have to do is be available to them.
2) Only 22% of zip code queries register search volume
Marketing agencies have long been testing and promoting various Local SEO theories to attract new clients. One long-standing claim is that inserting zip codes within an SEO title increases its performance.
Unfortunately, a study found that only 22% of zip code + service queries register any search volume in keyword research tools.
While this doesn’t tell the full story – since over half of all search queries come from hidden terms – it casts doubt on the impact of zip codes within SEO titles.
While zip codes are more of a spam-like technique, using branded digital signaling like geo-coordinates from your recent Florida-based jobs is a great way to increase the local relevance of your web pages.
3) Local queries have increased 34 times since 2011
One of the most common phrases for local searches is “near me.” People are constantly using this phrase to find local businesses and services.
For example, someone might search for “pizza places near me” or “mechanics near me.” And according to Google, the frequency of “near me” searches has ballooned over the past few years.
Many people use “near me” searches to find local businesses and services. You have probably done one yourself!
4) Over 50% of “Near Me” Searchers Visit The Location
It’s all well and good to have your business visible online. But what percent of people who see your business on a local search will come in and visit your physical location?
Well, according to Florida local SEO statistics, more than 50%. So, over half of the people who find your business through a local search will visit your brick-and-mortar location.
Getting people’s foot in the door is essential for most businesses. This statistic shows that local SEO can help.
5) 62% of consumers disregard businesses with no online presence
What can happen if you don’t have an online presence or don’t optimize your site for local searches? According to one survey, 62% of consumers won’t even give a business the time of day if they cannot find information online.
The fact of the matter is that the internet is the way that people do consumer research. Suppose a consumer can’t get the answers to their questions about your business by looking it up online.
In that case, they will likely purchase with one of your local competitors.
Essentially, if you don’t optimize your site for local searches, you aren’t going to be visible to local consumers.
6) 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
Part of optimizing for local searches is getting reviews for your business. Here at Datapins, we provide an accessible software suite that helps you get more reviews and leverage your existing reviews to get more leads. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
The main point is that 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as in-person references.
More than that, most consumers need to read at least one online review before making a purchase decision. Online reviews are an essential part of your off-site optimization – meaning there are ways to get more web traffic outside your website. Getting reviews and managing them will generate more leads.
7) 86% of consumers report using Google Maps to find local businesses
Have you ever opened up the Google Maps app and typed in a category like restaurants, malls, or gas stations? We’re going to assume you answered “yes” to that question.
We’re confident in that assumption because 86% of consumers use Google Maps to find local businesses.
When you search for anything in Google Maps, it will show you the closest matching results. And with so many consumers using the app to perform these kinds of searches, it’s clear to see how important local SEO is.
For business owners, it’s a valuable tool that allows you to gain more leads through a service that people already use.
8) 46% of all Google searches include location
Google is a top global resource for information ranging from news to entertainment. However, despite its wide-ranging coverage, nearly half of all Google searches contain location information.
As a result, the number of local searches that occur on Google is revealing for Florida businesses.
When Florida consumers need services from a roofing company or HVAC contractor, they primarily go to Google to find them. Whether it’s the Local Map 3-Pack or traditional organic results, the companies ranking in these spots will generate the most business.
How To Use These Local SEO Statistics
The statistics outlined in this post reveal how Local SEO is one of the best investments a business owner can make. Whether operating from a large city like Orlando or a smaller town like Altamonte Springs, Local SEO for Floridians can be a game-changer for your small business.
Check out DataPins: The Map-Ranking App to automate your Florida Local SEO strategy.
