The 2026 Wilmington Home Services Digital Leak Report
We scanned 65 home service businesses across 4 trades. We checked whether their contact forms actually deliver, whether their phone number is one tap away, and whether AI assistants recommend them when someone asks who to call. Nobody had measured this before, so we measured it. Every method is on the methodology page and every business can correct their own entry.
What the scan turned up
A failed delivery check means the form’s endpoint did not respond the way a working endpoint responds, or the form emails instead of posting. It does not prove a specific message was lost. We did not submit test leads into anyone’s system.
Where the leaks are concentrated
| Trade | Businesses scanned | Form failure rate | Median AI appearance | Most recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| roofing | 20 | 0% | 8% | -- |
| electrical | 17 | 6% | 11% | -- |
| hvac | 15 | 20% | 7% | -- |
| plumbing | 13 | 0% | 0% | -- |
A leak is a lead that arrives and does not get to anyone. A form that emails into a spam folder. A phone number you have to pinch to zoom to dial. A quote nobody follows up on. Individually they are small. Multiplied by a month of ad spend they are the difference between a good year and a flat one.
Every published business, grouped by trade
Something here wrong? It happens, and we would rather fix it than defend it. Email erin@thecoastalcollaborative.com with the business name and what is off, and we will recheck it and update this page. If you would rather not be listed at all, say so and we will remove you the same day, no argument.