What Are Online Business Listings?
Online business listings are general information about a business (such as contact information) listed on an online business directory. An online directory is a searchable website that displays company information organized by business categories. These directories have replaced the “Yellow Pages” phonebook of yesteryears and now store all of this information online. There are many directories where you can list your business and some of the top tier directory websites include Google My Business, Bing Places For Business, Facebook, Yahoo Local, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Merchant Circle and MapQuest to name a few.
Company information should be consistent everywhere it appears online. Inconsistency in company information causes confusion for search engines creating red flags, resulting in low search results for your company.
Why are online business listings important?
One person may search for a local business on Google, another my prefer Yelp or Facebook, while someone may still prefer the brand of YellowPages.com. Search engines use listings as indicators that your company truly exists and is trustworthy enough to rank your company high up in a search result for users who maybe searching for a company like yours. Search engines gather as much information online about your company and compile it into an online profile. The more times your company is mentioned OUTSIDE of your own website, the more likely search engines will consider your website as a legit company.
Can I manage my own online business listings?
Many online listings are free and are available to most business to either create or claim on their own. Although it seems like an easy marketing task, the reality is this can be a time intensive process.
The approach would be searching for different online listings, searching their website for a listing signup link, entering your business information and verifying your listing.
A lot of publishers will not accept you listing even after you spend the time setting it up. When you create your listing, you won’t have any idea when your verified listing will go live. It could take a couple days or even a couple months. There is no easy way to contact someone for help to find out more information.
This is primarily because most directories would prefer you purchase their premium listings instead of signing up for free listing. Most publishers try to up sell you and won’t show your business information or reviews unless you pay for the premium service.
We will claim, update and sync all your Geodata across all the top tier online directories with enhanced business listings.