Local businesses can benefit from having an online presence, even if they don’t sell their products or services online. According to some statistics, 81% of shoppers choose to research a business online before making a purchase, and 93% of people read online reviews before making a decision. Having a website and a social media profile can help local businesses attract more customers, build trust and loyalty, and increase their revenue. However, not all local businesses are taking advantage of the opportunities that online marketing offers. Only 71% of small businesses have their own website1, and many of them spend less than $500 on it . Moreover, only 50% of local businesses have claimed their Google My Business listing, which can help them rank higher in local search results. Local businesses that want to stay competitive and grow in the digital age should invest more in their online presence and engage with their customers online. 

Source: 1. thrivemyway.com; 2. wordstream.com; 3. statista.com

Service providers such as electricians, plumbers, lawyers, beauticians, and others can also benefit from having an online presence in South Africa. According to some statistics, there are 41.19 million active internet users in South Africa, and 28 million of them use social media. Moreover, 62% of internet users search online for local services, and 81% of them read online reviews before choosing a service provider. Therefore, service providers that want to reach more potential customers and increase their reputation should have a website and a social media profile that showcase their services, prices, testimonials, and contact details. They should also encourage their customers to leave reviews and ratings on platforms such as Google My Business, Facebook, or Yelp. By doing so, they can improve their visibility in local search results, build trust and loyalty with their customers, and grow their business. 

Source: 1. statista.com; 2. talkwalker.com; 3. datareportal.com