Is Your Local Business Showing Up on Mobile Searches?

Early 2015, Google announced that because people are using mobile devices to find local businesses, that they will start using mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal.

Take a look at the comScore chart on the right. Notice how mobile global users surpassed desktop users in 2014.

With this upward trend of increased mobile searches year over year, it’s reached a point where business owners can’t ignore it anymore. Showing up on mobile searches is becoming extremely important for local businesses.

Stats about mobile searches:

• 48% of consumers start mobile research with a search engine. (Smart Insights)
• Google says 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site they had trouble accessing and 40% visit a competitor’s site instead. (MicKinsey & Company)
• 83% of mobile users say that a seamless experience across all devices is very important. (Wolfgang Jaegel)
• 57% of users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site. (CMS Report)

So, the question is, how do you as a small business owner get your site mobile friendly to have the best chances of showing up for local mobile searches?

Top 3 things you can do to increases your chances of showing up for mobile searches:

1. Responsive Website

I am still shocked to see websites that do not use “Responsive web design.” Responsive means that the site adjusts according to screen size. Whether it’s a desktop computer, a tablet or a mobile phone, the code detects the device type and adjusts the website accordingly. This makes it easier for the user to read the content, easily navigate the site, and take desired actions.

Be sure to make your website mobile-friendly. There are some free responsive WordPress themes out there that are very user-friendly and easy to use.

2. Make It Easy

Produce valuable content that makes it easy for your target audience to find you. Then make it simple for your customer to take an action on the website. If they are coming to purchase something, make it less than 3 clicks to add a product to their cart and, if they are coming to find a service, make it easy to learn about the service and contact you or find your local address.

3. Get a Local Presence

Do you have a Google business page? How about a Yelp page?  Create local business pages for yours and get your happy customers to write wonderful reviews about you and your business. These reviews have a direct impact on your local search rankings. So don’t be shy about asking your customers.

More and more people are using their mobile devices to perform searches, as a business owner are you ready?

Get your local business in front of your local target audience today.

Let Your Marketing People help.

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