Stunning statistic, right? I thought so and you should too. Here are some additional mobile stats if you need the extra nudge:
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- 95% of smartphone users have searched for local information
- 61% of users call a business after searching; 59% visit the location
- 90% of these people act within 24 hours
(source: Google “The Mobile Movement: Understanding Smartphone Users,” 2011)
Ok, now that we all see how important this is – let’s talk about how to make sure that your mobile website is optimized for local search.
- Your site should redirect mobile viewers to the mobile version of your site seamlessly.
- Make sure you provide your address and make sure it’s easy to find on the site.
- Have more than one location? Provide a store locator.
- Provide directions or include a map. Or both.
- Use GPS features if possible.
Because local is so important make sure you’ve set up your Google Places profile as thoroughly as possible and any other local listings that are available to you. One thing to mention is that you should try to keep your name, address, and phone number the same across all listings if possible. This just makes for consistency across the web and helps to not confuse search engines as to who you are.
Oh, and don’t forget to make sure you have your phone number on your mobile site. Have it set up as “click-to-call” for, you know, that 61% that will call.