Did you know that 91% of small business owners think they offer a convenient online experience, but only 21% of consumers agree?

Local Businesses: Is Your Online Presence Costing You Customers?

Marketing
February 18, 2025•2 min read

Are you losing customers without knowing it? A startling gap exists between how local businesses and customers view online experiences. GoDaddy's recent study reveals that while 91% of small business owners believe they offer a convenient online experience, only 21% of consumers agree.

This disconnect isn't just a number – it's your business's future. According to BrightLocal, 99% of consumers used the internet to find information about a local business in the last year. Even more telling, 78% search for local businesses online more than twice a week.

The truth is simple: your brick-and-mortar success now depends on your digital doorstep. HubSpot reports that 72% of consumers who search for local businesses visit stores within five miles of their location. This means your online presence directly impacts foot traffic.

Here are three simple ways to bridge this gap:

  1. Get Real Customer Feedback Create a simple online survey using free tools like Google Forms. Ask customers directly about their online experience with your business. Offer a small discount for completing it. According to SurveyMonkey, customers are 3x more likely to complete surveys when offered an incentive.

  2. Mobile-First Mindset Test your website on different phones. According to Google, 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site they had trouble accessing. More importantly, 40% will visit a competitor's site instead.

  3. Local Search Optimization Make sure your business shows up when people search locally. Update your Google Business Profile weekly with photos, posts, or special offers. Yelp reports that businesses who regularly update their profiles see 45% more customer connections.

Remember, a strong online presence doesn't require a fortune. Tools like Wix, Squarespace, and Google Business Profile are either free or cost very little. According to Deloitte, digitally advanced small businesses earn twice as much revenue per employee compared to businesses with basic digital tools.

Back to Blog