What is local intent in search queries?

Local intent in search queries refers to the user's desire or intention to find information, products, services, or businesses that are specific to a particular geographic location. When users include local qualifiers or modifiers in their search queries, it indicates that they are seeking results that are relevant to their immediate vicinity or a specific geographic area.

Examples of search queries with local intent include:

1. "Restaurants near me"
2. "Plumbers in [city]"
3. "Best coffee shop in [neighborhood]"
4. "Grocery stores open now"
5. "Things to do in [city]"
6. "Emergency locksmith near [location]"
7. "Events near [date] in [city]"
8. "[Service] near [landmark]"

In these examples, users are expressing their intent to find businesses, services, or information that are geographically close to them or within a specific location. They may be looking for nearby restaurants, local businesses, points of interest, events, or services that meet their needs in their immediate area.

Search engines like Google recognize queries with local intent and prioritize localized search results to meet the user's needs. This includes displaying the Local Pack, map listings, and relevant local businesses or services in the search results, as well as providing additional information such as business hours, directions, and reviews.

For businesses targeting local customers or operating in specific geographic areas, optimizing their online presence and content for local intent search queries is essential. This involves using local keywords, geographic modifiers, and location-specific information to improve visibility and relevance in local search results, ultimately attracting more local customers and driving foot traffic or conversions.