If your business serves a local audience—whether you operate a storefront, a service area, or a hybrid model—Local SEO is no longer optional. It’s essential. With the majority of consumers using mobile devices to find local information quickly, your visibility in local search results directly impacts your foot traffic and revenue.
Think about it: when you’re in a new city and need a coffee shop or a hardware store, what do you do?
You pull out your smartphone, open Google, and type in “coffee shop near me” or “hardware store [city name].”
Your potential customers do the same.
If your business isn’t showing up in these local search results, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to attract new customers right when they’re ready to buy.
Below are 8 powerful statistics that prove why investing in Local SEO in 2025 can make or break your business.
1. Over 45% of Google searches have local intent
Nearly half of all Google searches are people looking for local information. These include searches like “best Italian restaurant near me” or “plumber in [city].”
Local SEO helps your business appear in these location-based results, especially within Google’s Local Pack—the map and business listing section that appears at the top of local queries.
2. 78% of mobile location-based searches lead to offline purchases
People searching locally on their phones are often ready to buy—and fast. Research shows that 78% of “near me” searches from mobile devices result in an offline purchase within 24 hours.
This is why it’s critical your website is mobile-friendly and your Google Business Profile (GBP) is optimized with current contact details, operating hours, and customer reviews.
3. 56% of local businesses haven’t claimed their Google Business Profile
Google offers a free listing service—Google Business Profile—which lets businesses control how they appear in local search and Google Maps.
Shockingly, over half of local businesses haven’t even claimed theirs. This is a major missed opportunity for visibility, especially since Google prioritizes verified profiles in local results.
4. Over 50% of users visit a store within a day of a local search
Local searches lead to fast action. More than 50% of users who discover a local business through Google will visit it within 24 hours.
To take advantage of this behavior, make sure your address, hours, and phone number are accurate across all online platforms, including your website, Google, and business directories.
5. 28% of local searches result in a purchase
More than 1 in 4 local searches directly lead to a transaction—either online or in-store.
That’s a huge conversion rate and proof that local searches are highly intent-driven. Having clear CTAs like “Book Now,” “Call Today,” or “Visit Us” can help convert this traffic into real customers.
6. 92% of users never go past the first page of search results
In 2025, Google’s search interface is more competitive than ever. With AI-generated summaries, featured snippets, and the Local Pack occupying most of page one, 92% of users won’t even scroll to page two.
If your business isn’t ranking on the first page for relevant local keywords, you’re effectively invisible to your audience.
7. 33% of mobile searchers are looking for a business’s physical location
One in three smartphone users searching for a business want to know where it is.
Make sure your NAP information (Name, Address, Phone) is accurate and consistent across all platforms. Adding LocalBusiness schema markup to your website also helps search engines better understand and display your location in search results.
8. The average mobile user spends over 4 hours a day on their phone
With consumers spending 4+ hours daily on their smartphones, there’s more opportunity than ever to capture attention through mobile-first strategies like:
- Fast, mobile-optimized websites
- Click-to-call buttons
- “Get Directions” links
- Prominent “Open Now” labels
Make the experience seamless for users who find your business while on the go.
Final Thoughts: Why Local SEO Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Local SEO is not just a tactic—it’s a long-term growth strategy. In 2025, where mobile usage is at an all-time high, search algorithms prioritize relevance and accuracy, and users expect instant information, optimizing for local search is crucial.
Here’s how to get started:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
- Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and fast
- Use location-specific keywords throughout your content
- Implement local schema markup
- Encourage and respond to customer reviews
- Maintain consistent business information across all platforms
The competition for local visibility is heating up. But with a strong Local SEO strategy, your business can rise to the top—literally.