46% of people search for…

Also, the value of acquiring reviews online.

There are 5.6 BILLION searches done on Google every day. That's a lot.

Out of all of those searches, 46% of them are aiming for local searches.

Here are a few of my latest in the last 24 hours:

• “whitewater park charlotte”

• “Maya Hawk parents” - any Stranger Things fans?

• “What’s the patriot way”

• “Where to buy dji mini se”

As you read through my queries, did you notice something?

Out of my searches, 2 of 4 were based around local (Charlotte and “where”). I fit the statistic.

Around 46% of all Google searches are around local intent.

What does that mean?

It means 2.5 billion searches a day are for something relating to local results.

Some examples of local search types:

• Searching for nearby restaurant.

• Searching for service company.

• Searching for local park.

• Searching for a store to purchase something.

There is a lot of potential for your business or service to show up in search results.

How do you know if you're showing up?

While there is an entire world and industry (SEO) around showing up in search results, I’m not going to cover that, or at least not today.

There’s a simple way to start showing up.

Claim & Control Your Google Business Profile

If you don’t already have one, click here and get started (or claim yours here).

Seriously, go do it. It’s THAT important.

Don’t worry this newsletter will be here when you finish.

Have access to your profile?

This is where the real work starts. Google Business Profiles are very powerful if used correctly, regardless of your business type. I’ve worked with 30-year-old companies that find a renewed success when focusing on their Google Business Profile.

The best thing to do? Get reviews.

Seriously. Just get reviews.

• Find ways the funnel email communication with customers to lead to a review.

• Ask in-person for reviews in your store.

• Hand out business cards with a QR code to your profile and ask for reviews.

• Do you mail things out? Drop those same business cards in the mail too!

Focusing on reviews for your business allows you to leverage the power of the 46% of Google searches. Your business will be valued higher in search results when it recognizes constant reviews flooding your profile.

Don’t forget these other important things on your profile.

When your claiming your profile, make it a point to update these other features:

• Hours of operation

• Phone number - this will give you monthly reports on calls you get from Google searches

• Website

• Company description -this will help with search results too.

• Add a company logo

• Add pictures of your place of business

The more info the better. As you have control of your business on Google, this will unlock more possibilities like better Google Ads and better results for searches on your profile.

If this guide helped you get your foot off the ground, that’s a great start. Even if you’re a busy business owner, this is too important not to do.

If you need any help or have questions about this, I would be happy to help. Comment below!