A business that does not show up online might as well not exist for the 70 to 80 percent of consumers who research businesses on their phones before visiting.
The data reinforces the urgency: 98 percent of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business.
A digital presence audit evaluates five areas: website quality, search engine visibility, Google Business Profile optimization, online review profile, and social media presence. Most local businesses score between 55 and 75 out of 100, leaving 25 to 45 percent of potential customer discovery on the table.
AI assistants like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are now recommending local businesses. Businesses with strong online presence, multiple positive reviews, and content that appears across indexed publications are more likely to be cited in AI-generated recommendations.
Sioux Falls-based LocalSurge combines web design, SEO, and AI automation to help local businesses attract and convert more customers online.
Content creation anchors a digital presence over time. Businesses that publish regular, helpful content on their website build search authority that compounds. A blog post published today can generate traffic for years if it targets the right keywords.
Measuring digital presence requires tracking organic search traffic, Google Maps impressions, review volume and rating, social media engagement, and most importantly, inbound customer inquiries. These metrics connect online visibility to revenue.
LocalSurge offers free consultations for local businesses looking to evaluate their website, SEO, and online reputation.