For twenty-first-century consumers, the internet is the quickest and most reliable way to discovering small local businesses. People head to popular apps such as TripAdvisor and Yelp to search for local businesses whatever product or service they are looking for. In fact, they are often more likely to use an app than a web browser when searching for information and evaluating a local business. As a small business owner, it is your job to make sure people find you. Using some of the existing search apps is actually more beneficial for small businesses than developing their own business app. Not taking advantage of these tools would be a huge oversight.
If you’re running a small business, you should definitely get familiar with the most useful apps and learn how to create listings on them. The tricky part is, with so many websites and apps for discovering small local businesses, it is hard to tell which ones are the most helpful. We have narrowed down the list to 10 apps we consider a good choice, and here they are.
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Sites and apps for discovering small local businesses
1 Angie’s List
One of the most helpful and widely used sites where customers review local businesses is Angie’s List. Customer reviews provide helpful information about many local companies’ prices and customer service. The site’s visitors can easily find out which companies have the most satisfied customers and which ones are not doing their job so well. Popular services people can search for include roofing, painting, plumbing, landscaping, house cleaning, remodeling, electrical, etc.
2 Unpakt
Unpakt specializes in the field of relocation. It is a popular tool people use to plan their move, compare and book moving companies, and manage their entire relocation process. Unpakt helps customers discover small local movers who are licensed, insured, and reputable and find the most affordable solution. If you are in the moving industry, we strongly recommend this website. A user-friendly company website, a good SEO strategy designed for moving businesses, and an Unpakt account are your basic moving company must-haves.
3 Thumbtack
Thumbtack is another site where people can discover and select a business to meet their needs. After the customer enters what kind of service they are looking for, Thumbtack notifies local businesses that fit the description. If your business is a good match, you can reach out to potential customers and offer a price estimate for your service.
4 Yahoo Local
Yahoo Local search helps people find almost anything in their local area by typing in the place and the service they are looking for in the search bar. The site then forms a list of businesses that match the search. Potential clients are just one click away from all the necessary information, such as the link to your small business website, address, and phone number. Additionally, they can find out more about your services and read your customer reviews.
5 Yelp
This is one of the most popular apps for discovering small local businesses on our list. Yelp also helps customers discover small local companies by providing a list of results that match their descriptions. Your business listing will contain basic information like your address and hours of operation. A wide range of small local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to plumbers and movers can promote their services on this app and connect with potential customers. Not only can you post information and photos but also respond to customer reviews using this app.
6 Whitepages
Next up we have Whitepages. The site features contact information and store locations for more than 25 million businesses. Their Business search section offers standard information, such as phone numbers, hours of operation, address, price lists, menus, and links to websites.
7 Google Maps
Google Maps puts your local business on the map. Not only does it give people directions to a specific location but it also helps them discover new local businesses in the area. With Google maps, visitors can come across your business and check your information while exploring your neighborhood or by typing in what service they are looking for. You can create your Google listing by using Google My Business. Then, you can customize your listing, add photos, respond to customer reviews, and give visitors a virtual tour of your business.
8 HomeAdvisor
HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List are the leading digital marketplace for a wide array of home services, including remodeling, plumbing, carpeting, landscaping, fencing, painting, household cleaning, and organization. HomeAdvisor helps homeowners improve and upgrade their living space by connecting them with the right professionals. With this app, potential customers can learn about average project costs, discover local home professionals, and book appointments. If your company offers home improvement, maintenance, or repair services, this is the app for you. HomeAdvisor has 30+ million users and millions of reviews from people who have used their services in the past.
9 Houzz
Houzz is similar to HomeAdvisor. Its users are people who are looking for a construction team, a designer, or home décor ideas. After they click Find Professionals, a page where they can search for a suitable service provider opens. They can limit their search to local businesses by entering their postal code. Finally, a list of businesses that match the search in that specific area appears. All businesses come with a description, photos, and customer reviews.
10 TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a great place for discovering small local businesses in the travel industry. It is a website and app that offers free listings for hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Your listing will feature a map placement, a photo, a 500-character description, basic business information (address, phone number, hours, etc.), as well as customer reviews. In fact, it features more than 500 million customer reviews and ratings! You can also easily compare your business to others of its type in your area. If you own a restaurant, hotel, or a similar business, you will find this app very helpful.
