Most people discover a local business online before they ever pick up the phone. Being easy to find—and easy to verify—can make or break a project. I run a plaster repair contracting business, and over time I’ve noticed a consistent pattern. About 70% of our new customers come from online searches, while roughly 30% are repeat clients. Because we focus on smaller projects, every inquiry matters. And more than anything, customers are looking for reassurance before they reach out. That reassurance usually starts online. Why Consistent Listings Matter One of the simplest ways a business earns trust is through consistency. When a company’s name, address, and phone number appear the same across Google and business directories, it signals reliability—both to people and to search engines. When information doesn’t match, customers notice. It raises questions they shouldn’t have to ask. Accurate, consistent listings make a business easier to find and easier to trust. This isn’t about optimizati...
Explore how social media and networking shape consumer behavior and drive success for local businesses.