How Local Businesses Can Win Without Website Clicks
Did you know that 65% of Google searches in 2024 didn’t lead to a website click? (WordStream) For every 1,000 searches in the US, only 360 clicks reach non-Google websites—the rest stay in Google’s ecosystem or go nowhere. (Search Engine Land) This means your local business must stand out online to turn searches into customers. As a local business owner myself, I’ve seen how a strong online presence can bring more foot traffic and sales. With 97% of people learning about local businesses online first (BrightLocal), and 80% of local mobile searches leading to conversions like calls or visits (Sagapixel), optimizing your digital footprint is critical.
No one can be available 24/7, but tools like chatbots and callback systems can respond to customers instantly. A well-set-up website helps people find answers fast, building trust. Here are three simple steps to boost your local visibility:
Claim and Update Your Google Business Profile: Add photos, services, and hours. Respond to reviews weekly. Businesses with complete profiles are 2.7 times more reputable. (WebFX)
Add a Chatbot to Your Website: Use affordable tools like Tidio or ManyChat to answer common questions 24/7. This keeps customers engaged.
Encourage Online Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave Google reviews. 98% of people read them, and 73% trust businesses more with reviews. (BrightLocal)
Start these steps today to capture more local customers. A strong online presence isn’t just nice—it’s a must for growth in 2025.
