Study Background
This study examined 240 contractor businesses across 8 Florida markets (Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Sarasota, and Gainesville) to assess how well their online presence supports customer acquisition.
Key Findings
62% of surveyed contractors had a website that did not load correctly on mobile devices. 41% had incomplete Google Business Profiles with missing service areas or hours. Only 28% actively managed review responses on Google.
Market Variation
Miami and Tampa contractors showed the highest digital marketing investment, with average monthly spend exceeding $1,800 per business. Smaller markets like Gainesville and Sarasota averaged under $600 per month, often with no dedicated SEO strategy.
Recommendations
Contractors in all Florida markets show significant opportunity to gain market share through basic local SEO: complete GBP optimization, mobile-responsive website, and consistent review response. The competitive floor is low enough that even modest investment can produce meaningful ranking improvements within 90 days.