Local search advertising will rebound after sharply diminishing this spring

During the pandemic, consumers made fewer local searches, and local search advertising dropped dramatically.

Some formats, such as local inventory ads and Google Map Ads, dropped between 75% and 100% in Q2, and they have still not fully recovered, according to Merkle data published in October.

Several factors should lead to a recovery in local search in 2021. First, the mobile search market should be strong. We expect US mobile search ad spending to increase by 22.4% to $44.32 billion. Second, as lockdowns lift and consumers begin shopping again, they will look for alternatives—most likely nearby (or online).

Read more:

• The pandemic promises search ad spending short-term pain but long-term gain
• Where do US consumers begin their product searches?
• Podcast: What to expect for mobile ads in 2021