New research analysis of 2,260 dealerships across 20 cities establishes Chicago agency as automotive SEO authority

SearchLab Digital today announced the release of its groundbreaking 2025 Google Business Profile Report: Auto Edition, the largest study of its kind examining 2,260 dealership profiles across 20 major U.S. cities. The comprehensive research reveals that auto dealers ranking #10 in Google's search results would need to spend nearly $3 million on PPC annually to make up the traffic gap with dealers ranking #1, positioning SearchLab as the definitive authority in automotive local SEO strategy and optimization.

"For the first time ever, the automotive industry has hard data that proves the effectiveness of SEO," said Greg Gifford, COO of SearchLab Digital and one of the world's leading Local SEO experts. "Quick wins can be tempting, but our data proves that the fundamentals of SEO still matter. The difference between ranking #1 and #10 is execution, and we're now equipped with the definitive roadmap to help dealers bridge that $2.94 million gap. This research doesn't just identify problems – it provides the blueprint for automotive success in the digital age."

Key Study Findings:

• Dealers in the #1 spot show up for more than twice as many searches as those in the #10 spot
• Dealers at #10 need to spend approximately $245,000 monthly ($2.94 million annually) in paid ads to match organic visibility of dealers at #1
• Dealerships average 2,195 reviews with a 4.3-star rating, but Position #1 dealers consistently earn more new reviews each month
• 47% of auto dealerships still lack separate Service & Parts Google Business Profiles
• Only 17% of auto dealerships use all 10 available categories, a critical local ranking factor

The study's methodology leveraged cutting-edge technology from Places Scout for live search data collection, enriched with backlink and visibility analysis from Ahrefs, and cross-referenced with Whitespark's Local Search Ranking Factors. This multi-layered approach provides the most comprehensive analysis ever conducted in the automotive local search space, demonstrating SearchLab's commitment to industry-leading research and innovation.

Mark Bealin, CEO of SearchLab Digital, explained the strategic significance: "We put this study together because we have so much data at our fingertips, and we know our clients benefit when we can turn that into clear insights. The goal is not just to gather numbers, it is to help dealers make better decisions that drive real results. This research gives our clients an edge."

SearchLab Digital is trusted by automotive dealers and local businesses nationwide seeking to maximize their digital visibility and ROI. The agency's boutique approach, low client-to-consultant ratios, and commitment to transparency have established long-term partnerships with organizations looking to dominate local search results and drive measurable business growth.

Leading automotive dealers and local businesses have embraced SearchLab's data-driven methodology to accelerate digital operations, reduce complexity in their marketing efforts, enhance customer acquisition, and maximize technology ROI. The agency's comprehensive approach delivers measurable results through strategic optimization of Google Business Profiles, SEO, and PPC campaigns that integrate seamlessly with existing business operations.

"In an era where every car buyer starts online, these missed optimizations directly translate into lost leads, fewer phone calls, and empty showroom floors," added Gifford. "Dealers who prioritize Google Business Profile optimization are building lasting visibility and trust; those who don't are effectively paying a penalty in lost traffic and sales opportunities."

To learn more about SearchLab Digital's automotive expertise and access the complete study findings, visit searchlabdigital.com/gbp-auto-study.

About SearchLab Digital

SearchLab Digital (searchlabdigital.com) is a nationally recognized digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and PPC solutions for local businesses and automotive dealers. Founded in 2017, the Chicago-based agency has grown to 50+ experts with additional offices in Texas and Florida. SearchLab is a 4× Inc. 5000 honoree, U.S. Search Awards winner, and Microsoft's 2022 Global Emerging Partner of the Year. With a boutique approach, low client-to-consultant ratios, and commitment to transparency, SearchLab delivers customized solutions that help businesses dominate local search results and drive measurable growth.

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