New UK research shows 80% of people avoid paper based directories when looking for tradespeople
Parnell, Auckland ---- New independent research carried out
by Local Traders in the UK has shown that more than 60% of people use online
services to find tradespeople than traditional directories, and as many as 80%
won?t use a paper based phone directory to aide their search.
Results
from research conducted at the start of December has shown that the majority of
people are turning to the internet and online services when they need to find
tradespeople to carry out work on their homes.
2000 people living in the
UK were surveyed in the recently conducted independent research, carried out on
behalf of localtraders.com.
Managing Director Craig Powell has commented
that this supports the growing trend for people to go online when looking for
services.
?This shows our industry has got a great future ahead because
more and more people are turning to the Internet to find quality tradespeople
and to find the solution to their problems.
?The trend for choosing
online services to find tradespeople is only likely to continue as the young
people who use the internet so much as a part of their daily life become first
time buyers and set up their own homes.
?I was surprised at how low the
figures for people finding tradespeople through friend and family
recommendations were, but believe this is likely to result from the busy
lifestyles many people now lead, along with the convenience that internet
directories provide,? he said.
Findings of the research include:
-
More than twice as many people under the age of 50 use directory sites over
paper based directories such as Yellow Pages when searching for a
tradesperson.
- Only 20% of people surveyed use directories such as
Yellow Pages.
- Only 45% of people surveyed use recommendations when
looking for a tradesperson.
- Men are more likely to choose online
services to locate tradespeople than women.
- The majority of 18-24 year
olds will use an online service to find a tradesperson.
Managing director
of New Zealand?s fastest growing locally owned
business directory Gopher.co.nz, John
Campbell, says the UK based research just adds to the overwhelming evidence that
companies must be listed on the Internet if they want to stay in
business.
?This bodes well for our customers because it demonstrates
they?ve made the right decision ? a decision for the future.
?Remember
the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while
expecting a different result. If you want 2011 to be a fantastic year, you have
to take action ? you have to do something.
?We understand that time
demands, and not knowing where to even start, are big constraints. That?s why
our business model here at Gopher is designed to take away all that pain ? we
get you online quickly, easily and cost effectively.
?If you want more
customers in 2011, Gopher is a logical place to start. It?s our job to get you
into greater profitability. You say ?yes?, and the
Gopher team will handle the rest,? said
John.
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