As a consumer, one of the first things I do when deciding on a new service company is to look them up online. I will Google the business, and check out their website and social media pages. Then I’ll head over to the Better Business Bureau and look at their rating. I’ll also peruse review sites like Yelp or Angie’s List before making a decision. I assume the majority of consumers are like me, so it still surprises me that some HVAC companies lack any sort of online presence.

It happens more often than you would think — no website, no social media pages, just a blank void in the age where information is readily available at our fingertips. And, if customers are researching a company, but can’t find them online, I’d imagine they just move onto the next one on their list – because, when researching information for articles in The NEWS, if the company lacks an online presence, I’m quick to move on to a company that does.

Imagine how many leads these companies are missing out on? Website and social media pages can be extremely effective marketing tools for service companies. They lend instant credibility, especially if there are photos of the business and fleet vehicles displayed prominently along with the company’s contact information.

Websites, especially social media pages, can also increase customer engagement and interaction, which, in turn, could lead to new business through word of mouth.

Yes, websites take work, and they must be managed and updated constantly, but in the end, it’s worth it.