When it comes to home repair companies, locals businesses are in demand, according to a new survey online marketing company Yodle.
“Yodle Insights: What Consumers Want from Local Businesses” found that local home repair firms accounted for 56% of this sector's business over the last 12 months and 48% of consumers plan to use local home repair firms more often over the next year.
The online survey was conducted in April through the firm Research Now. There were 6,058 random respondents that were evenly split in terms of gender with the great share (40%) between the ages of 35-54.
Yodle defines a local company as one that is locally owned and operated with less than five locations. While 77% of the respondents note that national chains offer more competitive prices, 72% said that they are willing to pay more for the improved quality of the service. More important, 96% of respondents said they enjoy the personalized service that they get from local companies.
On the other hand, 67% of respondents would like to see local home improvements companies improve their websites. Consumers would also like to see more special offers in the next 12 months and want the ability to book appointments as well as pay for them online.
Online reviews are valued by consumers, with 40% expecting to see a review. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they're willing to leave a review, and 41% said that when they go onto a site they expect to write a review. But, only 7% of the respondents said have been asked to leave a review of a local home improvement business.
