Local Search Boosts Site Traffic
What Is Local Search
What is Local SEO and what makes it different from any other kind of SEO search on the web? SEO for local search is a term that was created by Google as very specific search engine optimization (SEO) technique. Although other search engines employ similar techniques to the Google local search, they are rather weak and not important enough for SEO.
The following are the three most popular definitions of local search that give us a conceptual image of Google’s approach for Local SEO. We use these definitions as a starting point for our local search campaigns.
If your business has a fixed address and provides service to clientele who will physically go to that address; your business is a Local business as defined by Google Local Search. A business that services customers (or clients or patients) at their physical location will attract people within a specific geographical area. In business, this is known as service area. This “local” concept is significant since this market segment targets all online marketing for local search.
What Businesses Are Included In Local Search?
Local search targeted businesses include landscapers, plumbers, nails salons, exercise clubs, coffee shops, delicatessens, pet shops, bike shops, electricians, attorneys, dentists, and physicians. The more local a business can define itself, the more customers it will attract because their location is convenient for providing services and products.
Local search does not limit the definition to physical locations where customers will shop. Many companies provide services at their clients’ locations. These business, particularly the trades services industries, are also included in the local search.
In the image below, Google shows the 3 Pack for a search for “pet shops Chicago.” Note: This search was conducted from an Internet Provider (IP) address in the Chicago area.

How Does Google Interpret Local Search?
In the image below, Google shows the 3 Pack for a search for “pet shops Chicago.” Note: This search was conducted from an Internet Provider (IP) address in the Chicago area.

Google has a very specific way of interpreting “local search”. All search engines, including Google, try to show the most relevant results for every search query. The Google alorithm will analyze the search in an attempt to find and “local intent”. This will help Google filter the search, so if the Google search engine program calculates that there is local intention, it will feed back local search listings in the search engine results pages (SERPs). Example, if someone keys in “pet shop” and a modifier for a city or any geographical target for search, alocal search page will triger. This might be a Google map listing, if the search term is popular so it will show the top 3 listings in a special area at the top of the search engine results page. This is called the “3 Pack”, the “Local Search Pack”, or the “Google Maps Pack.”
Does Your Business Have Multiple Locations?
Multiple locations are handled slightly differently than a single location companies. Since all search is local we create a locally optimized marketing campaign for each location. This gives your business the best opportunity for traffic, inquiries, and conversions for every location.
Need A Local Search Expert
We can help you target Local Search when planning your SEO campaign. In fact, this is one of our specialties. We’ve helped other companies get excellent results in the local search listing, why not you?
To find out how we can best work together, schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation. We also recommend you complete the Discovery questionnaire so we have as much information as possible for an efficient and meaningful conversation.
Resources for this page: Local Search information.
