In 2024, if you’re not prioritizing local SEO, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools for driving foot traffic and conversions.
- With 46% of all Google searches having local intent, businesses that optimize for local SEO are positioned to win big.
- This isn’t just about showing up in search results—78% of mobile local searches lead to an offline purchase, often within 24 hours.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re the key to unlocking growth in a hyper-competitive digital landscape. For home service businesses and small businesses alike, this data shows exactly where to focus efforts to dominate your market. Let’s dive into the most impactful local SEO statistics for 2024 and what they mean for your marketing strategy.
1. Google Dominates Local Search
Let’s start with the most important platform: Google.
- 46% of all Google searches are local, meaning nearly half of all searches are from users looking for something in their immediate area .
- 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day .
Actionable Tip: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate, add high-quality photos, and encourage customers to leave reviews. Home service businesses can benefit tremendously by including service area details and regularly posting updates.
2. The Power of Mobile Searches
With mobile use on the rise, local search is more powerful than ever.
- 78% of mobile local searches result in an offline purchase, with many of those happening within hours .
- 28% of searches for something nearby result in a purchase .
Actionable Tip: Ensure your website is mobile-optimized, with fast load times, easy navigation, and clear calls-to-action. If you’re a home service business, make it simple for users to call you or schedule an appointment directly from their mobile device.
3. Voice Search Is Here to Stay
The rise of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant has made voice search an important component of local SEO.
- 58% of consumers have used voice search to find local business information in the past year .
- Nearly 1 in 3 users perform voice searches daily .
Actionable Tip: Optimize your content for voice search by using natural language and targeting conversational keywords. For example, instead of targeting “best plumber in Houston,” consider long-tail phrases like “who’s the best plumber near me for emergency repairs?”
4. Online Reviews Are the New Word of Mouth
Online reviews are more influential than ever in 2024, especially for local businesses.
- 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations .
- 72% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more .
Actionable Tip: Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and other platforms. Respond to both positive and negative reviews in a timely, professional manner. Home service businesses can benefit from review management platforms that automatically request feedback after each service.
5. Local Listings Drive Conversions
Listings on local directories, including Google, Yelp, and specialized sites, are crucial for discovery.
- 73% of consumers lose trust in a business if they find incorrect information on online directories .
- Consistency in your name, address, and phone number (NAP) across online directories increases local search rankings .
Actionable Tip: Audit your local listings regularly to ensure your business information is accurate and consistent across all platforms. This can significantly impact your visibility in local search results and improve consumer trust.
6. Local Ads are Worth the Investment
Paid search ads tailored to local intent can make a big difference.
- 67% of clicks on Google Ads are from searchers looking to purchase locally .
- 75% of people searching for local services are more likely to contact a business if they find paid search ads helpful .
Actionable Tip: Invest in Google Ads with location extensions, ensuring your ads are shown to users within your service area. Local service ads are particularly effective for home service businesses, as they feature trusted providers and include verification badges.
7. Near Me Searches Are Exploding
People are increasingly using “near me” searches to find businesses in their immediate vicinity.
- “Near me” searches have increased by 500% over the last few years and continue to grow .
- 82% of smartphone shoppers conduct “near me” searches, showing intent to visit or engage with a business in their area .
Actionable Tip: Optimize your content and website for “near me” searches by including location-based keywords in your titles, meta descriptions, and throughout your site’s content. Make sure your Google Business Profile is regularly updated to reflect your service areas.
8. Mobile-Friendly Websites Win
If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re already losing potential customers.
- 61% of mobile searchers are more likely to contact a local business if they have a mobile-friendly site .
- 57% of users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site .
Actionable Tip: Prioritize mobile optimization by ensuring your site is fast, easy to navigate, and provides key information like contact details and appointment booking options within a few taps.
9. Local Pack Results Are a Game Changer
The local pack (the map and three local business results you see in Google search) remains prime digital real estate for local businesses.
- 33% of clicks go to the local pack results in Google searches .
- Local businesses with more reviews and higher ratings appear more frequently in the local pack .
Actionable Tip: Focus on boosting your review count and improving your ratings to increase your chances of appearing in the local pack. Encourage customers to leave reviews, and respond to them to show engagement and care.
10. The Role of Social Media in Local SEO
Your social media presence also influences your local SEO.
- 40% of consumers use social media to research local businesses before making a decision .
- Social signals, such as likes, shares, and mentions, can boost your visibility in local search rankings .
Actionable Tip: Create locally relevant content for your social media profiles. Home service businesses can share customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes videos, or local partnerships. Make sure your business information, including location and contact details, is up to date on social platforms.
Why Local SEO is Critical for Your Business in 2024
Local SEO isn’t just an option for businesses in 2024—it’s an absolute must. With nearly half of all Google searches carrying local intent and more consumers relying on mobile and voice search than ever before, the opportunity to capture local leads is immense. The statistics speak for themselves: businesses that invest in local SEO strategies, like optimizing Google Business Profiles, collecting positive reviews, and maintaining accurate local listings, will dominate their local markets.
For home service businesses, the data is even clearer: your customers are searching for you right now, often on their mobile devices, looking for services near them. Make sure you’re showing up when and where they’re searching. Use these local SEO statistics for 2024 as your guide to success, and watch your business grow.