Online Business Listings
Any entrepreneur, small service provider, or independent retailer, can benefit from listing their company on an online business listing site.
These local citations act as badges of trust and can quickly enhance your online visibility and attract more customers.
Google specifically looks for businesses on local or industry business directories as a sign that you are indeed serious about what you do and how you operate.
So to increase visibility and to prove that you are “in it to win it” you need to get listed. Here are some popular business options:
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business): THE MOST OVERLOOKED BUSINESS LISTING!
This is a free listing tool provided by Google that allows businesses to create a detailed profile, including their address, contact information, business hours, and customer reviews.
It appears prominently in Google search results and maps, making it essential for local businesses. More than just a listing, GBP allows you as a owner/manager to:
- write business descriptions with keywords,
- upload photos of your retail store, etc.
- show-off short videos of your service team in action,
- highlight sales and announce events.
- promote specific products with direct links to your site
Yelp: Yelp is a popular online platform where users can find and review local businesses. Creating a business profile on Yelp can help generate customer reviews and ratings, making it easier for potential customers to find and trust your services.
Bing Places for Business: Similar to Google, Bing Places allows businesses to create a profile that appears in Bing search results and maps. It’s important to cover multiple search engines to maximize online visibility.
Yellow Pages: Online directories like Yellow Pages provide listings of businesses categorized by industry and location. Submitting your business to these directories can increase your chances of being found by potential customers searching for specific services.
Local Chamber of Commerce: Many towns and cities have a local Chamber of Commerce that maintains a business directory. Joining the chamber and getting listed in their directory can provide credibility and help attract local customers.
Social Media Platforms: Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn can be effective for promoting your services and engaging with potential customers.
Be sure to create your business profiles, share company updates, respond to inquiries, and encourage customers to leave reviews.
Industry-specific Directories: Depending on your niche, there might be industry-specific directories that cater to your target audience.
For example, there are directories specifically for contractors, plumbers, or cleaning services. Research and list your business on these directories to target relevant customers.
Niche Review Sites: Identify specialized review websites or platforms that focus on your industry. For example, Angi (formerly Angie’s List) is well-known for contractor reviews. Get listed and encourage customers to leave reviews on these platforms to build a positive reputation.
Some others: the Better Business Bureau, MerchantCircle, Foursquare City Guide, Citysearch, Hotfrog, Manta, CitySquares, eLocal USA, and Insider Pages.
Remember, consistency is crucial. Ensure your business information, such as the owner’s name, business name, address, and phone number (NAP), are accurate and consistent across all listings.
Regularly monitor and update your profiles to maintain relevance and respond to customer inquiries or reviews promptly.
NEXT PAGE → Google Business