Do Customers Really Search for a Company Online Before Buying? Yes - and Here’s Why Online Presence Matters
Picture this: you’re considering trying a new restaurant, booking a personal trainer, or buying a handmade candle. What’s the first thing you do?
Chances are, you Google it.
And guess what? So do your customers.
In today’s digital world, a strong online presence isn’t optional – it’s expected. Whether you’re a small local business or a growing startup, your potential clients are looking you up before making a purchase. And what they find can make or break their decision.
The Stats Speak for Themselves
Let’s break it down:
- 81% of consumers conduct online research before making a major purchase. (Retailing Today)
- 87% read online reviews for local businesses. (BrightLocal)
- 76% of people check a company’s website before ever visiting or buying. (GE Capital Retail Bank)
- And 54% of social media users turn to platforms like Instagram or TikTok to research products. (GlobalWebIndex)
If your business has no website, a neglected social media presence, or poor reviews, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of customers.
Why Customers Check First
Consumers want to:
- See what your brand is about
- Verify legitimacy and trust
- Read real reviews and testimonials
- Explore your pricing and offerings
- Get a feel for your visual identity and professionalism
This pre-purchase behavior is now deeply ingrained. People want to feel confident before spending their time and money.
So What Can You Do About It?
Here’s where we come in. As a digital studio focused on marketing and web development, we help brands like yours:
✓ Build modern, mobile-friendly websites that convert
✓ Develop a cohesive brand presence across channels
✓ Strategize content that builds trust and drives action
✓ Boost visibility on Google and social media platforms
✓ Turn curious searchers into loyal customers
Want to Make a Killer First Impression?
Then your online presence needs more than just “being online.” It needs to be intentional, polished, and built to convert. Here’s what separates the businesses that get noticed from those that fade into the scroll:
- A homepage that speaks clearly and sells quietly. It’s not just about having a website, it’s about having the right structure, message, and flow. Visitors should instantly understand who you are, what you do, and how to take action. This isn’t something a generic template can do for you.
- A social feed that feels alive. If your last post was three months ago, it sends the wrong message. A consistent, branded presence across platforms reassures customers that you’re active, engaged, and legit. But consistency takes strategy – not just showing up, but showing up on brand.
- A frictionless way to get in touch. Missing call-to-actions, broken links, or hidden contact info? These are silent dealbreakers. A streamlined user journey from first click to inquiry doesn’t happen by accident. It takes thoughtful UX and conversion-driven design.
- Real, recent reviews that build trust. Anyone can say “we’re the best,” but customers want to hear it from other customers. Integrating testimonials in the right way (and in the right place) builds credibility if done well. If they’re outdated or hard to find, you might as well not have them.
- A consistent message across every touchpoint. From your color palette to your tone of voice, everything needs to align. Because when things feel off, like a slick Instagram but a clunky site, it creates doubt. And doubt kills conversions. A cohesive brand experience? That’s our specialty.
These are the things we help our clients do every single day. So yes, you can try to patch it all together but if you’re ready to actually stand out online, we’re here to make sure your first impression doesn’t just land, it lasts.
Final Thoughts
Consumers are doing their homework, and your online presence is your digital handshake. If your website is outdated or hard to find, or your social media looks inconsistent, you’re not putting your best foot forward.
Let us help you build a presence that sells, tells your story, and earns trust because in today’s world, your online presence is your business card.
