What do the stats say about using SEO & GEO?

Helena Rothwell • June 4, 2025

Someone mentioned statistics to this little kitty....


In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Geotargeting (GEO) are two of the most powerful strategies businesses can use to increase online visibility, attract relevant audiences, and drive conversions. But how effective are they really? Let’s look at the hard data that proves why SEO and GEO-targeting should be central to your marketing strategy.



📈 SEO: The Numbers Behind Organic Search Growth


SEO isn’t just about ranking higher on Google—it’s about ensuring visibility to your target market and driving sustainable growth. Consider the following key statistics:

68% of online experiences begin with a search engine. (BrightEdge, 2024)

53.3% of all web traffic comes from organic search. (Ahrefs, 2024)

SEO leads have a 14.6% close rate, compared to only 1.7% from outbound marketing. (Search Engine Journal, 2024)

✅ Websites that appear on the first page of Google capture over 90% of search traffic. (Backlinko, 2024)


💡 What This Means: The data confirms that SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic. Instead of relying solely on ads or social media, businesses need optimised content and technical SEO to rank higher and increase customer trust.



🌍 GEO Targeting: Why Local SEO Matters More Than Ever

Geo-targeting allows businesses to reach audiences in specific locations, making it particularly valuable for brick-and-mortar stores, regional services, and local businesses.


The numbers don’t lie:

📌 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. (HubSpot, 2024)

📌 76% of people who search for a local business on their phone visit one within 24 hours. (Google, 2024)

📌 Near me searches have increased by over 500% in the past five years. (Think With Google, 2024)

📌 Businesses that optimise for local SEO generate over 80% more foot traffic compared to those that don’t. (Moz, 2024)


💡 What This Means: Ignoring geo-targeting means missing out on huge opportunities for local visibility. Whether your audience is searching for “SEO agency in Dublin” or “best coffee shop near me”, businesses must optimise their website for local searches to capture high-intent customers.



🔗 SEO & GEO Synergy: The Best of Both Worlds


Using SEO and GEO together is the ultimate strategy for high-converting traffic, as proven by these insights:


📢 Companies combining SEO with GEO targeting see a 67% boost in conversion rates compared to those using SEO alone. (Search Engine Land, 2024)

📍 Locally optimised content generates 32% more engagement and social shares. (SEMRush, 2024)

Websites that incorporate GEO keywords in title tags and meta descriptions rank 42% higher on mobile searches. (Google Search Central, 2024)

💡 What This Means: Instead of just targeting generic keywords like "best marketing consultant," businesses should pair SEO optimisation with geo-specific terms like "best marketing consultant in London" to maximise reach and conversions.



🛠 How to Implement SEO & GEO Effectively


Ready to leverage the power of SEO and GEO targeting? Follow these proven strategies:


🚀 SEO Best Practices:

✔ Conduct keyword research tailored to your business niche.

✔ Optimise title tags, meta descriptions, and heading structures.

✔ Improve site speed and ensure a mobile-friendly experience.

✔ Build high-quality backlinks to increase domain authority.

📍 GEO Targeting Best Practices:

✔ Claim your Google My Business listing and keep details updated.

✔ Use geo-targeted keywords in headings and descriptions.

✔ Develop location-specific landing pages with valuable content.

✔ Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number) across directories.



🎯 Final Thoughts: SEO & GEO Are Essential for Business Success


As the statistics show, SEO drives long-term growth, while GEO targeting brings local audiences straight to your door. By combining both strategies, businesses can maximise visibility, engagement, and conversions—essential for digital success in today’s competitive market.



💡 Need help optimising your SEO and GEO strategy? Right Hand Consulting.ie specialises in boosting businesses through powerful digital marketing solutions. Let’s take your brand to the next level—contact us today!

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