Google Small Business Trends 2019

Local search is increasingly important for small businesses across the United States.

Google released an infographic last week highlighting the importance of local search in PPC campaigns.

According to the report, search interest in 'mom and pop shops' has hit a three-year high, and searches with the terms 'local' and 'near me' have increased 350-fold in the last ten years.

The figures show how important creating an online presence is, if you are a small business in 2019.

Let's break down the figures and see how local search can help if you are running PPC campaigns as a small business owner.

Most popular local search categories 2019

The most searched for categories of brick-and-mortar stores on Google break down as follows:

  1. Restaurant
  2. Diner
  3. Pharmacy
  4. Coffee
  5. Pizza

In addition, search interest in local shops hit a record high last year, with 'local coffee shops' taking the top of the list.

Other local shops that proved popular included:

  • local flower shops
  • local print shops
  • local tire shops

When it comes to the geographic breakdown of local search in the United States, the top states include:

  1. West Virginia
  2. New Hampshire
  3. Pennsylvania
  4. Rhode Island
  5. South Carolina

How Google can help small businesses advertise

Google offers several online resources designed to help small businesses advertise their products or services online.

A year ago, the search giant launched Grow With Google, partnering with the American Library Association (ALA) to help libraries across the United States train small business owners with digital advertising skills.

Business owners can also check out Google for Small Business which provides individual plans for businesses based on their specific needs.

You can read Google's full report here.

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