We all know that local businesses have faced unprecedented and challenging times over the last three years and so need our support more than ever. Recent research revealed that over three-quarters (76%) of Brits would rely on the recommendations from their neighbours when looking for a local business, proving just how important recommendations are to a local businesses reputation and longevity.
Our research also found that over half (53%) of Brits also rely on community groups to determine the quality of a local business and over a third (37%) of people prefer to take recommendations from neighbours more so than searching for a local business online (30%) and promotional flyers (10%).
That’s where Xero and Nextdoor come in. Xero is one of the leading cloud-based accounting software companies in the UK for small and medium-sized businesses, with a mission to simplify the process of owning and running a small business through their online accounting software. Neighbours come to Nextdoor every day to find local businesses and share trusted recommendations, and Xero recognised that Nextdoor shared a similar vision in supporting local businesses to help communities thrive.
To reinforce their unwavering support for small businesses, Xero leveraged Nextdoor as a platform to enhance brand awareness and foster customer consideration.
In September 2023, Nextdoor launched Neighbourhood Faves - our local business awards - for the first time in the UK, which presented Xero with the perfect partnership opportunity. Neighbourhood Faves gives neighbours a way to celebrate and support the local businesses they love. Businesses are voted by real neighbours and the most-loved local businesses are crowned the title of Nextdoor Neighbourhood Fave.