So the larger opportunity is to focus on the 96 percent. And most of that is within a 15 mile radius of one’s home (depending on urban vs. rural). So local results are important.

That said, your point is well taken for searches that reside further up the purchase funnel — i.e. I’m researching and comparing flat screen TVs… not looking to buy today.

That comes down to the eternal challenge of Google inferring the correct intent based on your query — ready to buy vs. researching.

Geo modifiers help of course (“flat screen, San Francisco”), as do more granular terms (actual make and model number), that imply a certain progression down the funnel.

certainly an interesting area as we all try to “crack the code”.

thanks for your comment
Mike

What Google needs to remember is that not every searcher is just looking to buy on the high street. What about purely online retailers and informational sites?