Shop Local Helps Indie Stores Rank on Page 1 of Google in 62% of States

NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 26, 2024 — Shop Local, an e-commerce platform, reported that it's helping indie stores rank on page one of Google in 62% of states for wedding gift purchases. The findings are based on a recent study that Shop Local conducted regarding wedding registry purchasing. 

Study Findings:

• For 31 state searches, Shop Local Stores appeared on page one of Google. This represents 62% of all states. When just calculating the states in which Shop Local has clients (49), the percentage grows to 63%. 
• In South Carolina, seven Shop Local Stores placed on page one of Google.
• In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania, six Shop Local Stores earned a page one spot.
• In Georgia, five Shop Local Stores earned a first-page placement.
• In many searches, stores using Shop Local software are ranking higher than big-box stores such as Walmart and Target.
• Shop Local has a higher quantity of clients appearing on page one Google results than any other software provider. 

How the Study Was Conducted: 

• Shop Local Googled "wedding registry" and the state’s name. 
• Shop Local researched results for 49 states. (Shop Local has clients in 49 states; Shop Local doesn't have clients in Alaska) 

Search Results:
State / Number of Shop Local Stores on Page 1 of Google:

• South Carolina: 7
• Louisiana: 6
• Mississippi: 6
• Pennsylvania: 6
• Georgia: 5
• Alabama: 4
• Florida: 4
• Missouri: 4
• Oklahoma: 4
• New Jersey: 3
• North Carolina: 3
• Tennessee: 3
• Texas: 3
• Virginia: 3
• Arkansas: 2
• Colorado: 2
• Connecticut: 2
• Delaware: 2
• Indiana: 2
• Kentucky: 2
• New York: 2
• Ohio: 2
• Wyoming: 2
• Arizona: 1
• Illinois: 1
• Maryland: 1
• Michigan: 1
• Nebraska: 1
• South Dakota: 1
• Washington: 1
• Wisconsin: 1

*Please note: Google results may vary.  This research was performed on December 26, 2024.

South Carolina Example:
These Shop Local clients appeared on page one of Google: 

1. Jeffrey Bannon in Charleston (appears twice)
2. Home & Garden Classics in Spartanburg & Mt. Pleasant
3. The Wacky Rabbit in Myrtle Beach
4. Stafford's of Spartanburg in Spartanburg (appears twice)
5. The Cook's Station in Greenville

What Can One Learn From This Study?
By using Shop Local's software, indie stores may have the best chance of ranking highly in Google. Their store is likely to be found by more customers. 

A Few Common Questions:
How does Shop Local get its clients to rank so highly in Google? 
Shop Local uses a variety of strategies to increase a store's Google ranking, from properly coding a page to increasing the number of backlinks pointing at the client's site. 

Do Shop Local retailers pay extra for the high Google ranking?
No, stores do not pay extra for their page one page Google ranking. Shop Local provides free tools and features that help make it possible. 

Why does ranking highly in Google matter?
Many shoppers start their purchasing on Google. When one can rank well in Google, it increases the likelihood the store will receive the sale.

Why does an indie store beating a big-box store in Google matter?
An indie store often lacks the advantage of having many locations like a big box store, and it lacks access to capital like a VC-backed entity. When Shop Local helps a small indie outrank bigger competitors, that shows the value we're providing to our clients. We're helping modest Main Street stores beat out companies with 100 locations and millions in funding.

Why is appearing on page one of Google important?
The first page of Google may capture 71% of web traffic, while the second page may receive just 6% of website clicks.* Source: https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2020/08/19/get-on-first-page-google

Please click the PDF link or icon to view the full report. 

Learn more about Shop Local Registry Software:
https://www.shoplocal.org/wedding-and-gift-registry-software.cfm

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Disclaimer:
The results and findings presented in this post are based on research conducted on December 26, 2024. These findings reflect the specific search results observed on that date and may not represent ongoing or future trends. Ranking of individual stores on Google may vary over time and across different locations, search terms, and other factors. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of similar results for all users of Shop Local or any other platform. Additionally, the comparisons made to big-box stores and other registry services are based on specific searches and rankings at the time of the study. Individual results may differ.

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Google gift registry software wedding registry software bridgeinthenews

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