A consumer survey found 77% of respondents use Google Maps to find nearby businesses — way more than Facebook (38%) or Yelp (35%).
Interestingly, while these searches are assumed to happen while people are out and about, 59% of local searches on smartphones happen from home, not “on the go”.
Other fun facts from the same study:
- 81% of “near me” searches are on smartphones.
- After a local search, 56% of users visit the business in person, 36 % call the business and 13% use email or an online form.
- Among in-person visits, 54% happen “right away” or same day; the rest happen within a few days.
- The survey sample was over 1,000 U.S. adults, balanced by age and gender.
These stats show local search is mobile-first, high-intent and most of it happens from home, not while commuting or walking around.
What Is Local SEO and Google Maps?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the strategies and practices used to increase visibility for geographically relevant searches — for example, “bakery near me”, “plumber in [city]”, or “pet grooming nearby”. Unlike broader SEO, local SEO is all about ranking in local contexts.
Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool. For many users it’s the starting point for local discovery. It surfaces nearby businesses, shows ratings, photos, reviews, hours, directions and contact info. Since so many local searches start there, Google Maps is like a localized search engine in itself.
When your business shows up well on Google Maps (especially in the “local pack” — the map + top 3 listings that show up in Google results), you get visibility, credibility and an easier path to conversions.
How do I get on Google Maps?
Here’s a step by step approach to increase your chances of ranking well on Google Maps:
Claim & Verify Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
You need to prove ownership of the listing so you can edit and manage it.
Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is Accurate & Consistent
Your business name, address and phone number should match exactly across your website, social profiles and directories.
Complete Your Profile
Include categories, services offered, business hours, description, attributes and high-quality photos.
Encourage & Respond to Reviews
More reviews (and responses) help with rankings and tone. Read about how to get more online reviews.
Add Posts, Updates & Offers
Use Google Posts to share promotions, events or updates — these help with engagement and freshness signals.
Optimize Local Content on Your Website
Use service area pages, city targeted pages, schema markup and embed a Google Map.
Ensure Local Citations & Directory Listings Are Clean
Be listed (with identical NAP) on relevant local directories, industry directories and review platforms.
Track Performance & Iterate
Use Google Analytics, Google Search Console and GBP Insights to monitor results and improve over time.
Why Is This Stat Important to Search Agencies?
For SEO like us at EcoSEO or digital marketing agencies, 77 % of Respondents Used Google Maps for “Near Me” Searches figure isn’t just another data point — it’s a clear signal of how people actually search. It shows that “near me” intent is dominating local search behavior, which means businesses that optimize for local visibility have a huge advantage.
For agencies, this insight can shape smarter local SEO strategies, ad targeting, and even how they guide clients on Google Business optimization.
Here’s why it matters:
- Proof of customer behavior: Most local searches happen on Maps, not random platforms.
- Service justification: Agencies can show clients why investing in local SEO is important.
- ROI attribution: Since over half of users who search locally visit in person shortly after, agencies can tie work directly to real-world conversions.
- Resource prioritization: Focusing on Google Maps provides the best return.
- Competitive advantage: Many businesses neglect their Maps presence, leaving opportunities open.
- Scalability: Local SEO strategies work for single location and multi location businesses.
In short: if you’re not showing up on Google Maps, you’re losing customers to competitors.
FAQs About Google Maps & Local Search
Why do so many users search from home rather than while out and about?
Many users prepare in advance — they check options from home before heading out. The majority of “near me” searches actually happen at home, not on the move.
Does the “77 % Google Maps” statistic include the app only, or Google Search too?
It refers to Google Maps usage, whether accessed via the app or through Google Search’s map results.
How reliable is this survey data?
The survey was conducted with just over 1,000 U.S. adults, balanced by age and gender. While it provides strong insights, results may vary by region and demographic.
Will this behavior differ in other countries or markets?
Yes. In some countries other platforms or apps may be more popular. But Google Maps is the leading local search tool in most markets worldwide.
How long will it take to see results from Google Maps?
Some changes (like filling out your profile and adding photos) can show results fast. But ranking for competitive terms may take weeks or months of consistent work.
How do agencies measure offline impact of Maps SEO?
Google Business Profile Insights (for calls, clicks and direction requests), call tracking numbers, analytics with UTM tags and in-store surveys asking how customers found the business.
