Finding a local business

Finding a local business has never been easier, or more confusing. A single search brings up ads, map pins, directories, review sites and social media posts, each with its own way of deciding who appears first. The guides in this section help you cut through that noise and build a shortlist of businesses you've actually checked.

The guides in this section

• How to find a good local business: writing a brief, where to search, building a shortlist and the questions to ask on the first call.
• How to check an ABN: using the free ABN Lookup tool, reading the result and knowing what it doesn't tell you.
• How to read online reviews: looking past the stars, spotting fake reviews and what the law says.
• Local directories and search, explained: how maps, directories and search results decide who comes first, and what paid placement means.

Why checking matters

Most local businesses are honest, skilled and keen to do a good job. Checking isn't about suspicion; it's about making a decision with good information. A few minutes spent confirming who a business is, whether it's licensed for your job and what other customers say can save you a great deal of time, money and stress.

It also helps good businesses stand out. A tradesperson who quotes a valid ABN and licence number, gives a clear written quote and has a steady record of honest reviews deserves your attention more than one who simply paid to be at the top of the page.

Three free checks anyone can do

1. ABN Lookup

The Australian Business Register's ABN Lookup is free and needs no login. It shows whether an ABN is active or cancelled, the legal entity name, any registered business names, GST status, and the state and postcode of the main business location. The ABR says it's updated hourly, though it relies on what businesses report. Check that the name on your quote appears on the record. See checking an ABN.

2. A licence check

For building, electrical, plumbing, gas and some other work, a licence is usually required, and every state has a public register. In NSW, the government's online licence check lets you search by name or licence number. See checking licences in our hiring section.

3. Reviews across platforms

Reviews on two or three platforms, read with care, tell you about punctuality, communication and how problems are handled. The ACCC says fake or misleading reviews are illegal, but they still exist, so look for patterns rather than trusting one rating. See reading online reviews.

Where people find local businesses

There's no single best source. Recommendations from people you trust are still valuable, especially when they're for a similar job. Maps and search engines are quick and show reviews and hours. General and industry directories widen your options. Lead platforms can save time but share your details with several businesses. And sometimes the best lead is a van you saw working on a neighbour's house.

The trick is to treat every source as a lead, then apply the same checks to each name.

The defunct directory at this address

This web address was once home to a general local business directory, with lists of categories leading to business listings. That directory is long gone. Search My Local now publishes independent guides instead, with no listings, rankings or paid reviews.

A simple routine for any local business

Whatever the job, the same short routine works:

1. Write a brief of what you need, where and when.
2. Find three to six names from people you trust, maps, directories and associations.
3. Check each one: ABN, any licence and a spread of reviews.
4. Ask the same questions of each business and get written quotes.
5. Compare like with like using our quote checker.
6. Agree everything in writing, pay safely and keep your records.

Keep notes as you go

A simple note for each business on your shortlist makes the next stage much easier. Record where you found it, its ABN and licence number, a one-line summary of its reviews and anything you want to ask. When the quotes arrive, you'll have everything in one place.

About these guides

Search My Local is independent. We aren't a directory, a government agency or a regulator, and no business pays to appear in our guides. We write every guide in our own words and list the official sources we relied on, such as the Australian Business Register, the ACCC, Scamwatch and state government agencies. Rules change and differ between states, so always check the current rules where you live.

How long checking takes

For most businesses, the basic checks take five to ten minutes: a minute or two for the ABN, a couple of minutes for a licence search and a few minutes skimming reviews across two platforms. For a small, low-cost job you might do less; for a renovation or anything involving a large deposit, it's worth doing more, including asking for references from recent customers and confirming insurance details in writing. The time you spend should match what's at stake.

Where to go next

When you have a shortlist, our hiring section covers quotes, licences, contracts and paying safely. Our rights section explains consumer guarantees, door-to-door sales, fake reviews and how to resolve disputes.