In today’s world, local businesses depend on having their information published in online business directories. These directories are an excellent free way to boost your brand visibility and drive traffic to your site.
However, it can be difficult to manage these listings manually. Using a service like Yext can save you time and effort.
Google My Business
Google My Business is a free service that helps businesses get discovered in search. It includes a profile page where you can add photos, hours of operation, directions and more.
In addition, it allows you to add reviews and make announcements. This allows customers to check out your company’s history and services before making a purchase or visiting you in person.
The description on your Google My Business listing can be up to 750 characters but you should try to make it as short and relevant as possible. This will ensure that you’re maximizing your chances of getting found in the first place.
A Google My Business listing is also home to the Knowledge Panel, where questions are posted by enquiring users. These can then be answered by the owner or a trusted employee of the business.
Bing Places
Bing Places is a service owned by Microsoft that helps your business get noticed online. It has billions of users and is the default search engine on millions of Windows devices.
A Bing Places listing is free to create, or you can claim one that already exists. Once you’ve set up your business’s Bing Places account, it’s important to verify that all the information is correct.
The process is simple – you simply provide the information requested and then choose how to verify it (phone, email, or post). Once this is done, you can start editing your Bing Places for Business listing to make sure it’s up-to-date. Once your listings are verified, you’ll be able to manage them from a single dashboard. It’s a great way to take control of your reputation on the web.
Yelp
Business Listings are a great way to get your business in front of consumers and boost sales. The Yellow Pages and Yelp are two popular directory listings that can help you reach local audiences.
Getting Your Company on Yelp is Easy:
The Yelp website and mobile app allow users to search for businesses near them. They can also write reviews about the companies they have visited and share their experiences.
It is important to make your Yelp profile complete, with up-to-date information about your business. Include your physical address, contact details, and a description of the services you offer.
You can also add a review widget to your website to encourage visitors to post their feedback. This will not only help you get more reviews, but it will also give you insights into your clients’ opinions about your products or services.
Facebook Business Page
Facebook Business Page is a free service that allows you to create a public profile for your company. This allows you to build relationships with your audience and promote your products and services.
In addition to a link to your website, your page will feature important details about your business. This can include your business address, contact information and hours of operation.
The most noticeable images on your page are your cover photo and profile photo, both of which should be high-quality pictures that convey your brand personality. They should be 1640 x 856 pixels.
To create a Facebook Business Page, log in to your account and click on “Pages” in the left-hand menu. You will see a page preview that will update in real time as you input information.
Local Directories
Local directories are an important part of a business’s online presence. They can help you stand out in search engine rankings and improve your click-through rates.
These listings are also a great way to boost your ad revenue by offering paid advertising. Businesses are more likely to pay for advertising if they think their listing will positively impact their ranking on the local search engines.
There are several types of local directories to choose from, depending on your specific needs. These include global services like Yelp or Yellow Pages, industry-specific directories, and local non-global directories.
