Digital Gold Rush — The Most Popular Services in America by State

Digital services are more crucial than ever, with businesses across the U.S. actively seeking expertise in Web Development, Marketing, SEO, and more.

By analyzing search trends, companies gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, industry shifts, and competitive landscapes.

Identifying emerging needs allows businesses to proactively develop services that align with market demands rather than reacting after trends have already taken hold.

Tailoring offerings based on real-time data also ensures that resources — whether for product development, marketing strategies, or workforce expansion — are allocated efficiently. 

This is why DesignRush analyzed over 5.5 million Google searches to determine the most in-demand digital services in the U.S. and the states leading the charge in digital investment.

Key Findings

• Total searches for digital services in the U.S. exceeded 5.5 million in 2024.
• November recorded the highest search volume (716,700) as businesses prepared for the new year.
• Marketing emerged as the most sought-after service in 24 states, while Web Development dominated in 22 states.
• SEO is gaining traction, particularly in Kentucky and Washington.
• The states with the highest search demand per capita were Colorado (88.6 searches per capita 100,000), Florida (75 searches per capita 100,000), and New Hampshire (63.8 searches per capita 100,000).

Where Demand Is Highest According to State

Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon saw the highest demand for Web Development, indicating a strong push for digital infrastructure.

This suggests that businesses in these states are prioritizing robust online platforms, potentially to support eCommerce, streamline operations, or enhance customer experiences.

Meanwhile, Florida and Wyoming showed a strong preference for Marketing, highlighting businesses’ focus on brand positioning and audience engagement.

This trend points to a competitive landscape where companies are investing in visibility, customer retention, and strategic growth to differentiate themselves in crowded or emerging markets.

Most Popular Business Services by Search Volume

Marketing accounted for 22.8% of total searches, making it the most in-demand service overall, with 444.1 total demand points.

Web Development followed closely behind with 421.5 demand points, while Web Design ranked third with 324.9.

The top 10 states made up over 45% of total digital service searches, demonstrating rapid digital adoption.

Meanwhile, SEO demand remained steady at 164.4 points, trailing behind other services.

Graphic Design, though less popular, saw strong demand in Oregon and Rhode Island, making up 8.1% of total searches.

On the other hand, Advertising surprisingly stood out in South Dakota, where it surpassed all other services. Low-demand states like Montana and Nebraska may see future growth as digital adoption spreads.

As more businesses recognize the value of digital services, these emerging markets present opportunities for agencies and service providers.

Web Development vs. Marketing

Web Development led in major business hubs like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, reflecting the importance given by businesses in these states to their digital infrastructures.

Meanwhile, Marketing dominated in states like Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey, where brand positioning is a top priority.

However, Marketing saw nearly 5% more demand than Web Development nationwide.

Nick Drewe, Founder & CEO at Wethrift, explains why Marketing often outperforms Web Development in certain states:

Meanwhile, ScalaHosting Hosting Services Expert Stef Fote predicts continued growth for Web Development in 2025.

While Marketing’s ability to drive quick ROI keeps it at the forefront, the steady growth of Web Development signals increasing investment in digital infrastructure to support evolving technologies and consumer expectations.

As businesses continue to balance visibility with functionality, both fields will remain essential in shaping a competitive digital presence.

Where Does SEO Demand Stand?

SEO demand peaked in Washington and Kentucky, showing businesses’ strong focus on search visibility.

Meanwhile, Digital Marketing ranked as the top service in New Hampshire, indicating a shift toward comprehensive online strategies.

However, despite its impact, SEO demand remained lower than Web Development and Marketing.

Itamar Haim, SEO Strategist at Elementor, explains why SEO demand appears lower:

SEO's growing integration into broader digital strategies demonstrates its foundational role in long-term success.

As it becomes more embedded in content and digital marketing efforts, businesses are increasingly recognizing its importance in driving organic growth, even if it’s no longer viewed as a standalone service.

DesignRush Methodology

DesignRush analyzed 5.5 million Google searches using Google Keyword Planner (GKP) to determine digital service demand across the U.S. in 2024. The study focused on seven key categories:

• Advertising
• Marketing
• Web Development
• Graphic Design
• Digital Marketing
• SEO
• Web Design

To gather data, DesignRush identified commonly searched phrases such as:

• "website designer near me"
• "marketing agency near me."
• "digital marketing agency near me" 
• "seo services near me" 
• "graphic designer near me" 

The search volume for each keyword was recorded and categorized to determine the overall interest levels in each service.

To ensure fair comparisons between states, search volumes were normalized per 100,000 people, allowing for a more accurate representation of demand while accounting for population differences between high-density and lower-density states.

Additionally, DesignRush analyzed seasonal trends by tracking search volume fluctuations throughout the year. The study found that November saw the highest surge in searches, likely due to businesses preparing for the new year.

As businesses continue refining their digital strategies, the growing demand for Web Development, Marketing, and SEO highlights the increasing importance of a strong online presence in the years to come.

Meanwhile, DesignRush recently celebrated Data Privacy Day by revealing the safest and most vulnerable U.S. states in terms of data protection.