How to Find Local Businesses Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today's digital age, finding local businesses online has become an essential skill. Whether you're searching for a plumber, a new café, or a local mechanic, the internet offers a wealth of resources to help you connect with businesses in your community. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to finding local businesses in Australia using online search, directories, and review platforms.
1. Utilising Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is a free and powerful tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It's often the first place people look when searching for local services.
What is Google My Business?
GMB is essentially a business profile that appears in Google search results and Google Maps. It includes information such as the business name, address, phone number, website, opening hours, customer reviews, and photos. Businesses can update this information to ensure it's accurate and appealing to potential customers.
How to Use Google Search Effectively
To find local businesses using Google Search, follow these steps:
- Start with a specific search term: Instead of just searching for "restaurant," try "Italian restaurant in Sydney CBD." The more specific you are, the more relevant the results will be.
- Use location-based keywords: Include your suburb or city in your search query. For example, "best coffee shop in Fitzroy" will yield more targeted results than just "best coffee shop."
- Explore the local pack: The local pack is a set of three business listings that appear at the top of Google search results for local queries. These listings are pulled directly from Google My Business profiles.
- Click on "More places": Below the local pack, you'll often see a link that says "More places." Clicking this will take you to Google Maps, where you can see a more comprehensive list of local businesses.
Leveraging Google Maps
Google Maps is another invaluable tool for finding local businesses. Here's how to use it effectively:
- Search directly on Google Maps: Open Google Maps and type in the type of business you're looking for (e.g., "dentist").
- Zoom in on your area: Use the zoom function to focus on your specific suburb or neighbourhood.
- Explore the map: Google Maps will display pins representing local businesses. Click on a pin to view the business's GMB profile.
- Use filters: Google Maps allows you to filter search results by rating, opening hours, and other criteria. This can help you narrow down your options.
- Check Street View: Use Street View to get a visual sense of the business's location and surroundings. This can be helpful for finding parking or identifying the entrance.
2. Exploring Online Directories and Listings
Beyond Google, several online directories and listing sites can help you discover local businesses. These platforms often provide more detailed information than a simple Google search.
Popular Australian Online Directories
Yellow Pages: A classic directory that has transitioned to the online world. It offers comprehensive listings for businesses across Australia.
White Pages: Primarily focused on residential listings, but also includes business listings.
TrueLocal: A popular Australian directory with user reviews and ratings.
Yelp: A global directory with a strong presence in Australia, known for its extensive user reviews.
StartLocal: Another Australian directory focusing on connecting customers with local service providers.
How to Use Online Directories Effectively
- Search by category and location: Most directories allow you to search for businesses by category (e.g., "plumbers," "hairdressers") and location (e.g., "Melbourne," "Sydney").
- Read business descriptions: Pay attention to the business descriptions, which often provide details about their services, specialities, and unique selling points.
- Check for contact information: Ensure that the listing includes accurate contact information, including a phone number, email address, and website.
- Look for user reviews and ratings: Many directories include user reviews and ratings. These can provide valuable insights into the quality of the business's products or services. We'll cover reviews in more detail in the next section.
- Visit the business's website: If the listing includes a website link, click on it to learn more about the business. The website may provide additional information, such as pricing, portfolios, and customer testimonials.
Industry-Specific Directories
In addition to general directories, consider exploring industry-specific directories. For example:
For healthcare professionals: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website.
For legal professionals: Law Society websites for each state and territory.
For tradespeople: Hipages or ServiceSeeking.
These directories can help you find qualified and licensed professionals in specific fields.
3. Reading and Interpreting Online Reviews
Online reviews play a crucial role in shaping consumer decisions. Before choosing a local business, it's essential to read and interpret online reviews carefully.
Where to Find Online Reviews
Google My Business: As mentioned earlier, GMB profiles include customer reviews and ratings.
Online directories: Many directories, such as Yelp and TrueLocal, feature user reviews.
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms often have reviews or comments about local businesses.
Industry-specific review sites: Some industries have their own dedicated review sites (e.g., TripAdvisor for restaurants and hotels).
How to Evaluate Online Reviews
- Look for a pattern: Don't rely on a single review. Look for patterns in the reviews. If multiple customers mention the same positive or negative aspects of the business, it's more likely to be a reliable indicator.
- Consider the source: Be aware that some reviews may be biased or fake. Look for reviews from verified customers or reputable sources.
- Pay attention to the date: Recent reviews are generally more relevant than older reviews, as the business may have changed its practices or services over time.
- Read both positive and negative reviews: Don't just focus on the positive reviews. Read the negative reviews to understand potential drawbacks or issues.
- Look for responses from the business: See if the business has responded to any of the reviews, especially negative ones. This can give you an idea of how they handle customer feedback.
- Be wary of extreme reviews: Extremely positive or negative reviews may be less reliable. Look for reviews that provide specific details and examples.
Understanding Star Ratings
Star ratings provide a quick overview of customer satisfaction. However, it's important to look beyond the star rating and read the actual reviews to get a more complete picture. A business with a 4.5-star rating may still have some negative reviews, while a business with a 3.5-star rating may have many positive reviews with only minor criticisms.
4. Using Social Media for Local Discovery
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be valuable tools for discovering local businesses and connecting with your community.
How to Find Local Businesses on Social Media
- Search for local businesses: Use the search function on each platform to search for businesses in your area. For example, search for "cafes in Newtown" on Facebook or Instagram.
- Follow local hashtags: Many communities have their own local hashtags (e.g., #SydneyEats, #MelbourneCoffee). Follow these hashtags to discover new businesses and events.
- Join local groups: Facebook groups dedicated to local communities can be a great way to find recommendations and learn about new businesses.
- Check location tags: When browsing photos or posts, pay attention to location tags. This can help you discover businesses that you might not have found otherwise.
- Engage with local businesses: Follow local businesses on social media and engage with their content. This can help you stay up-to-date on their latest offerings and promotions.
Benefits of Using Social Media
Discover hidden gems: Social media can help you find businesses that may not be listed in traditional directories.
See real-time updates: Businesses often use social media to announce new products, promotions, and events.
Interact with the business: Social media allows you to communicate directly with the business and ask questions.
See customer photos and videos: Social media provides a visual representation of the business's products or services.
When choosing a provider, consider what Searched offers and how it aligns with your needs. You can also learn more about Searched on our about page.
5. Verifying Business Information
Before engaging with a local business, it's essential to verify their information to ensure they are legitimate and reputable.
What Information to Verify
Business name and address: Confirm that the business name and address match across different platforms (e.g., Google My Business, website, directory listings).
Contact information: Ensure that the phone number and email address are valid and responsive.
ABN/ACN: Check if the business has a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). You can verify this information on the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) website.
Licences and certifications: Depending on the industry, the business may need to hold specific licences or certifications. Verify that they have the necessary credentials.
Online reviews and ratings: As mentioned earlier, read and interpret online reviews carefully.
How to Verify Business Information
Visit the business's website: Look for an "About Us" page or contact information page.
Check the ASIC website: Search for the business's ABN or ACN on the ASIC website.
Contact relevant regulatory bodies: If the business requires specific licences or certifications, contact the relevant regulatory body to verify their credentials.
- Read online reviews and ratings: Pay attention to any red flags or inconsistencies in the reviews.
By following these steps, you can confidently find and connect with local businesses online in Australia. Remember to use a combination of search engines, online directories, social media, and review platforms to get a comprehensive overview of your options. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions on our website.