• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Services
    • Web Design
    • WordPress Websites
    • Hosting and Support
      • Website Encryption
  • Portfolio
    • Testimonials
  • About
  • Blog
    • Online Tools
    • Online Marketing
    • Community
    • Local Business
    • Social Media
  • Contact

Webdancers

We build engaging websites that help your customers find you.

July 24, 2015 by Greg Falken Leave a Comment

All About Local Business

Main StreetWhat does “local business” mean to you? I think that the defining characteristic of a local business is that they expect to have personal relationships with their customers. It isn’t about the size of the business or even if they operate outside of the area where they are located. I consider our county’s largest private employer, Black Oak Casino, to be a local business, whereas I wouldn’t say the same for UV Skinz, which is a manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of UV resistant clothing.

Shopper’s expectations are rising for local business websites

A new survey by Yodle of 6,000 US adults shows that most consumers want to support local and small businesses but they also expect those businesses to be digitally sophisticated.

While consumers understand that they may have to pay somewhat more at local businesses, they also believe that the shopping experience will be better overall. A majority of those surveyed believe that local businesses are more trustworthy and deliver better quality than big box stores.

However, consumers also want local business to price their products aggressively, offer special deals and loyalty programs, and improve their websites. When asked which website features would influence their perception of a local business, the following features were rated either “expected” or “sets business apart”:

  • Special offers for returning customers – 88%
  • Online reviews about the business – 76%
  • Ability to book/request an appointment online – 61%
  • Ability to pay online – 62%
  • Ability to leave a review about the business – 62%

Speaking of reviews, the survey contradicts the popular notion that most people leave a review only when they have a negative experience. In answer to the question, “why did you post a review of a local business?”

  • Positive experiences – 80%
  • Negative experiences – 49%
  • Discovered a new business or hidden gem – 28%
  • Habit/routine – 7%

Fully 89% said that they “would leave a review if asked”. This suggests that business owners can gain the benefits of online reviews simply by making the request and directing their customers to the appropriate page on Yelp, Facebook or Google+.

When it comes to communications, consumers prefer email, suggesting that businesses should build their customer email lists and take advantage of email communications. Those surveyed preferred receiving the following forms of communication:

  • Email – 69%
  • Phone – 14%
  • Text – 7%
  • Social Media – 7%
  • US Mail – 3%

For more statistics, along with colorful charts and graphs, see Survey: Consumers Prefer to Shop Local but Expect Digital Sophistication, on the Screenwerk blog.

The full survey report can be downloaded from Yodle (registration required).


This article originally published in the Webdancers Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Illustration courtesy of Main Street Technologies.

Filed Under: Local Business

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

webdancersWe build elegant and effective websites for local businesses that connect with customers. Contact us for a free consultation.

Contact Us

I have never been more impressed with anyone in the tech business as I am with Greg Falken of Webdancers. Greg took on a monumental task when designing a website for me. My organization is unique and requires an individualized website that stands out from the rest. Not only did Greg make our site look different from standard sites, but he did it with a level of professionalism that is rarely seen in today’s market.
Dr. Kirsten SteinFounderAthena's Advanced Academy

Like what you see here? Get more.

Our weekly newsletter brings you news you can use from the world of tech, online communications and our own home town.

Newsletter archive

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter

Contact Us

Webdancers

18935 Horizon Ct.
Tuolumne, CA 95379
(mail only)

209-591-8505
info@webdancers.com
Let's Encrypt

Recent Blog Posts

  • What’s a “Classic Text Widget”? August 6, 2017
  • 3 Words for 2017 January 1, 2017
  • Google is pushing for a more secure web November 7, 2016
  • WordPress Update to 4.6 August 28, 2016

@webdancers

Copyright © 1995–2018 Webdancers · Built on WordPress and the Genesis Framework · Privacy policy
Home page photo by Naotake Murayama · Log in