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Local business directory Find Us Local is offering tips and suggestions for small businesses who want to take advantage of the newest trends in local business marketing. Citing a recently released study, the local business listing service noted that nearly 80 percent of consumers research local businesses online before shopping, and local searches make up a growing proportion of those searches.
“This study highlights the importance of highly detailed local business directory listings for businesses that want to succeed in their geographical location,” said a spokesperson for the company. “This is especially important as the holidays approach, as about 75 percent of consumers who responded to the survey said they intend to do most of their holiday shopping with local merchants.”
While most businesses are included in local business directories, their listings typically only include the most basic information. The trouble with that, according to FindUsLocal.com, is that consumers are looking for more information than a business address and telephone number. This is especially true of the fastest growing segment of local searches, voice searches. When consumers use voice searches through Siri, Cortana and similar voice activated mobile apps, approximately 80 percent of their searches have “local intent,” an industry phrase used for consumer searches for nearby businesses.
“People who are out and about in town,” said the spokesperson, “may be looking for a place to grab a coffee, get a haircut, or buy a particular item. Those people aren’t planning purchases in the next few days or weeks, they want to buy now, and they generally want to know more than just an address or telephone number.”
As an example, Find Us Local noted that a typical mobile voice search might be “where can I find vegetarian egg rolls?”
The algorithm behind the search engine will interpret that voice command as a request to find a nearby restaurant that serves vegetarian egg rolls, the local search expert explained. And since such local searches typically result in a sale or visit within the next hour, nearby restaurants that are currently open will be featured first.
“Search engines get the data for their local search algorithms through a combination of local directory listings, customer reviews, and other references to a business found online. Local business directory listings are largely under the control of business owners. Businesses that want to shine in local voice search results should be sure to include as much detail as possible in their listings on local business directories. Including details like hours of operation, handicapped accessibility and customer reviews with top-selling items will boost the visibility of their business listing.
About FindUsLocal: FindUsLocal uses geolocation technology in visitor’s browsers to construct a home page focused on their city, town or community. Right there on the front page, they’ll find local weather, sports results for their favorite teams, and announcements of the top musical acts and events coming to their city. Smart business owners list their businesses on the site to be seen by those who are specifically looking for businesses in their local area.
Release ID: 241487