SMB Marketing Secrets for Google My Business (GMB)

There are approximately around 40-60 billion searches occurring on Google in the US each month.

According to the Pew Research Center, 91% of adults use search engines to find information. Mostly young, college-educated people with 54% saying they use search more than once a day.     

46% of the searches on Google have local intent. In fact, they represent billions of high-value searches for local businesses and services. Local intent searches are typically have a much higher intent to purchase, and therefore, a higher conversion rate. The likelihood of that local search resulting in an in-store visit increases 35% when considering mobile users.

The Google Local 3-pack appears in 93% of searches with local intent. However, the three pack, was reduced down from the seven pack to accommodate mobile users.

35% of product searches start on Google. On average, people are more likely to make a purchase through Google in 5 days or less. This is probably due to the fact that Google searchers know exactly what they’re looking for.

Approximately, 8% of search queries are phrased as questions. This data was based off of the typical phrasing (Who, What Where, When, Why, How) as well as “am” and “is”.

“Near me” Google searches have doubled in the past year. Being visible on Google search with a higher ranking means it’s much more likely that people will stop into your store when searching for a local business. In conclusion, optimizing your local Google My Business listing is crucial to get customers who are ready to buy.

86% of people look up the location of a business on Google Maps. One of the most important things you can do for your smb marketing is to claim your Google Business Page. This is how Google will rank you and it’s how your customers will find you.
Typically, your business page accounts for 14% of your ranking power, so it’s important that you claim your business and get your information up to date.

Approximately, 72% of consumers that perform a local search visit a store within 5 miles of their current location.
Local searches have skyrocketed in the past few years. If a person is able to find your business on mobile, they’re much more likely to stop in and check out your business in person.  

Online reviews influence 67% of consumers. When consumers were asked how important reviews were when making a major purchase like an appliance, smartphone or car, more than half admitted that online reviews were very important.
Similarly, the data went on to reveal that a negative review can have detrimental effects on your business. In fact, four or more negative articles on your product could cost you up to 70% of potential customers.

18% of local mobile searches lead to a sale within one day. Being able to rank locally on Google can have a direct impact on your business.
Today, many people are searching for local businesses and are much more likely to visit the stores that come up in a Google search. Getting your business up and running on Google My Busines is critical to gaining prospective customers.  

50% of local mobile searches are looking for a local business address.
When searching for a local business on mobile, more than half of the people surveyed considered the local business address to be the most important piece of information they were looking for.

Typically, 58% of people search for a local business on their smartphone daily.
When searching for local business, customers are much more likely to convert to a business if the company addresses their needs or questions at the time of their search. Having a mobile site that comes up in a Google search is essential for optimizing your page and growing your customer base.  

About 50% of local searches on mobile lead visitors to a store within one day.
This is likely due to the fact that these searchers are in their final stages of making a purchase and ready to buy. After reviewing and researching, consumers are ready to move forward with a purchase. A local business that comes up in a search is more likely to reap the benefits of the final purchase.

Approximately, 61% of mobile searchers are more likely to contact a local business if they have a mobile-friendly site.
Mobile-friendly sites are not only easily found by mobile users, but they’re also more likely to convert customers. A site that is not mobile-friendly can hurt business and give away potential customers to your competitors. Today, customers are far less likely to deal with a business that has a poor website.

Smartphones and tablets are used by 60% of Americans to search for local products and services.
According to eMarketer, there were 81.1 billion local search queries conducted on a mobile phone. Americans are using mobile to search and research products before purchase, making mobile-friendly sites essential for converting customers.

According to Brightlocal, approximately 75%  of people age 35-54, read reviews on mobile browsers.
There has been a dip in the number of people using a desktop to read reviews. People over 55 are more likely to read reviews on a computer while people 35-54 are using mobile browsers.

Only about 64% of small businesses have an online presence. This presents a great opportunity for growth to businesses that operate in markets with competitors that are not yet online.