This means your business could be showing up in directories and collecting reviews unbeknownst to you (now, that’s a scary thought!). Many business directories today (a) pull from other larger directories, (b) automatically create listings, or (c) allow anyone to add a listing. Studies show that people don’t just disengage with a business that has inaccurate or incomplete information they lose trust in that business. Your business listing could be your first encounter with a customer before they even make it to your website. Getting listed on local directories allows potential customers to discover you when searching for the services, categories, and amenities you provide. Here’s why it’s so important to keep up with your directory listings: Local listings help potential customers discover youĬonsumers need a way to find your business online. Online business directories are no longer a “nice to have ” with the sheer number of directories that exist today and the amount of trust consumers place in customer reviews, local listings are a must. Many small business owners know about online business directories but aren’t quite clear on how advantageous they are for marketing and customer acquisition.
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The rest of this post goes over the importance of online business listings, which ones you should set up and claim, and how to optimize your local listings for maximum visibility. They each have reviews, but only one business is actively managing those reviews. You can see here the difference between a claimed and unclaimed listing on Google My Business. When you claim your listing, you can edit your information and respond to reviews, ensuring your business is putting its best foot forward. It’s important to note, however, that for many of these platforms, adding a listing is different from claiming a listing. Listing your business on these search engines, maps, social media platforms, review sites, and directories can significantly enhance your online visibility and overall growth.
Here is a list of business directories and local listing sites to which you can add your business: If you’re not registered on more than a few sites from the below business directory list, you’re missing out on opportunities to get found by potential customers.
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In this article, you’ll learn the benefits of online business listings, the most effective free listing sites like Google My Business and Yelp, and how to maximize your visibility and appeal using your local listing.īusiness directories aren’t just a digital version of the Yellow Pages where users have to drag the book out of the cabinet and flip through thousands of pages to find what they’re looking for they’re comprehensive platforms that enable potential customers to instantly identify, learn about, and contact businesses relevant to them.