1. Start with the Carolina Beach service area, not a population assumption
Carolina Beach is recorded as a municipality in New Hanover County. A firm considering Local Service Ads should distinguish the town from the county, surrounding service areas and any broader metropolitan coverage it actually serves. The Census population estimate can help define the place being discussed, but it cannot show how many people search for a lawyer, how many firms advertise or how many inquiries an ad would produce. Geographic settings should therefore follow the firm’s real acceptance rules: which locations it serves, where it can consult, and which matters it wants to receive.
Recommended approach
Review Carolina Beach, New Hanover County and any additional service areas separately. Decide whether the program should focus on the municipality, include the county, or use a broader area. Do not expand coverage merely because a larger area appears to offer more potential; compare that choice with travel, licensure, consultation capacity and case fit.
