The world has gone digital, and so have your customers.
Gone are the days when people relied on word of mouth or flyers through the door to find a local service. These days, most of us reach for our phones when we need a cleaner, a dentist, or someone to fix the boiler.
But how exactly do customers find local services online? What are they really looking for? And where should your business be showing up?
At Reach Rocket Media, we took a deep dive into the latest trends and behaviours. The numbers speak for themselves — and they might just change the way you market your local business.
Online Search Is the First Stop for Most People
One of the clearest trends we’ve seen is this: when people need a service nearby, they search online first.
According to a BrightLocal survey, 98% of consumers used the internet to find local businesses in the past year. And over 75% of those searches led to a visit to a business within 24 hours.
That’s a huge opportunity.
It means that if someone searches “plumber near me” or “best coffee in town”, they’re ready to take action. They’re not just browsing — they’re looking to book, call, or visit.
If your business isn’t visible in those moments, you’re being left out.
Google Maps and Listings Are More Important Than You Think
Here’s something many local businesses underestimate.
It’s not just your website that needs attention. Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing customers see. It shows your address, phone number, opening hours, photos, and reviews — all before they even click your website.
According to Google’s own data, businesses with complete and verified listings are twice as likely to earn trust from potential customers. And people are 70% more likely to visit and 50% more likely to consider buying from those businesses.
So ask yourself — is your listing up to date? Does it have photos, recent reviews, and accurate info?
If not, you’re missing a simple but powerful tool to attract local leads.
“Near Me” Searches Have Skyrocketed
The phrase “near me” has completely changed the game for local search.
Over the past five years, “near me” searches have grown by more than 500%, especially on mobile. People don’t just search “optician” anymore — they type “optician near me open now” or “emergency dentist near me”.
These searches often lead to instant decisions.
If your business appears in the results with a strong profile, good reviews, and clear contact options, you’ve already got a head start.
What this means is simple. You don’t just need a website — you need a local strategy. One that tells Google, “Yes, I’m nearby, I’m open, and I can help right now.”
Reviews Influence Buying Decisions
What people say about your business online matters more than ever.
Around 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses before making a choice. And they’re not just scanning for star ratings. They’re reading individual comments, looking at how you respond, and checking for red flags.
Even just five recent reviews can increase the chances of someone calling you.
But here’s the catch. A lack of reviews can be as damaging as bad ones. If your last review was two years ago, people might assume you’ve shut down or gone quiet.
The good news is, happy customers are usually willing to leave a review — all they need is a little nudge.
Mobile Optimisation Isn’t Optional Anymore
More than 60% of local searches happen on mobile devices.
Think about how often you’ve looked for something nearby on your phone — maybe while you’re out, on a break, or in a rush. Your customers are doing the same.
People won’t stick around if your website doesn’t load quickly, doesn’t fit a mobile screen, or makes it hard to find your contact info. They’ll hit the back button and go to someone else.
So ask yourself:
- Can people call you directly from your website?
- Are your directions clickable on Google Maps?
- Does everything look clean and readable on a small screen?
If not, it’s time for an update.
Social Media Still Plays a Key Role
Social media may not be the first place people search, but it’s often where they go to check credibility.
They want to see what your business looks like, how you interact with customers, and your latest updates. For some, a lively Instagram or active Facebook page can be just the thing that tips the scale.
And let’s not forget discovery. Many people find new businesses through social media ads, shared posts, or local hashtags. If your competitors are doing this and you’re not, that’s a gap worth closing.
So, What Should Local Businesses Do?
Knowing how customers find you is one thing. Acting on it is what makes the difference.
Here’s where to start:
- Optimise your Google Business Profile
- Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and up to date
- Encourage customers to leave reviews
- Use local keywords on your site and listings
- Keep your social media active and aligned with your brand
You don’t have to go big on every channel. Focus on the ones where your audience is most likely to look for you.
If all this feels like a lot, you’re not alone. That’s where Reach Rocket Media comes in.
Reach Rocket Media Helps Local Businesses Get Found
We specialise in helping local businesses grow their digital presence without the jargon or overwhelm.
Whether you need to appear higher in local searches, fix your website, build a stronger Google listing, or get your first reviews, we’ve got a solution that fits.
We know local because we work with local businesses every day. And we believe you shouldn’t need a massive budget to compete online — just the right strategy and support.
Ready to Get Seen?
The data is clear. Your next customer is looking for you online.
Now is the time to make sure they can find you, trust you, and choose you.
If you’re ready to be more visible, more trusted, and more competitive online, let Reach Rocket Media give your digital presence the lift it needs.
Let’s get you noticed — where it matters most.
