People always ask us for the most basic explanation of local listings management and its benefits. So we will take the time to explain it like we would to a five-year-old!
So here we go!
Do you know what a phone book is? It’s a big book with lots of phone numbers in it. If you need to find someone’s phone number, you can look it up in the phone book.
Well, nowadays, people don’t use phone books as much anymore. Instead, they use the internet to find phone numbers and other business information.
Local Listings Management is like ensuring that a business’s phone number, address, and other important information is correct and up-to-date on the internet. In this way, people can find the company more quickly when they search for it online.
So, just like you need to make sure your name, address, and phone number are correct in your school directory, businesses need to make sure their information is right on the internet so people can find them.
How does this work?
Local Listings Management ensures that a business’s information is accurate and consistent across various online platforms that display business information, such as search engines, social media platforms, review sites, and directory websites.
This information includes the business name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, and other details that customers may need to know. For example, if someone searches for a restaurant on Google, they should be able to see that restaurant’s correct address, phone number, and website in the search results.
Having accurate and consistent information is essential because it helps customers find the business more efficiently, leading to more customers and sales. It also allows companies to appear more trustworthy and legitimate to potential customers.
Local Listings Management can be time-consuming and complicated, especially for businesses with multiple locations. That’s why many companies use software tools or hire other companies, called agencies, to manage their local listings.
By regularly monitoring and updating a business’s information across various online platforms, Local Listings Management can help improve a business’s online presence and attract more customers.
Can you give me an example that I can relate to?
Well, think of it this way – have you ever played a game of hide and seek with your friends? You know how you want to ensure nobody can find you when you’re hiding, right? So, you try to find the best hiding spot, like behind a tree or under a bush.
Businesses are playing the opposite game – they want to ensure people can find them easily. So instead of hiding, they want to be seen. That’s why they must provide correct and up-to-date business information online.
Just like when you’re playing hide and seek, if someone can’t find you, they might give up and stop looking. But if you’re easy to find, they can come and see you and play with you. The same thing goes for businesses – if people can’t find the company online, they might give up and go to a different business instead. But if they can find them easily, they’ll be more likely to visit them and become customers.
Local Listings Management is like having a really good map that helps people find a business.
If a business has correct and up-to-date information on the map (like the right address and phone number), more people can easily find them. This can help the business get more customers, make more money, and be more popular.
It’s kind of like when you have a really cool toy that all your friends want to play with. If your friends know where you live (like the business’s correct address on the map), they can come over and play with you anytime they want!
We specialize in local listings management. Ask us how we can help your business location stand out on Google and other directories.
We often get asked, “Why Isn’t My Business Showing up on Google Maps and Search?” To understand why you need to understand how that happens in the first place.
Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile Manager, is a platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence on Google, including on Google Search and Google Maps. With Google Business Profile Manager, location-based companies can create and manage a free business listing that appears when people search for their business on Google. The listing can include important information such as the business’s address, phone number, hours of operation, and more. Google Business Profile Manager also helps people track and respond to customer reviews and post updates and offers to engage with their customers.
So why isn’t my business showing up on Google Business Profile Manager?
There are a few reasons your business might not appear on Google Business Profile Manager. One possible explanation is that your business isn’t claimed on the platform. To appear on Google Business Profile Manager, you must first claim your business listing by verifying that you are the owner or authorized representative of the business.
To qualify for a Business Profile on Google, a business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours. Another possible reason is that your business might not be eligible to appear on Google Business Profile Manager. This platform is primarily for local businesses that serve customers at a specific location. Therefore, if your business is not local or has no physical location, it may not be eligible to appear on Google Business Profile Manager.
Finally, it’s also possible that your business is not appearing in search results because it needs to rank higher. For example, suppose your business is eligible to appear on Google Business Profile Manager but needs to show up in search results. You may need to optimize your business listing and improve your online presence to improve your platform visibility.
What’s the best way to get my business to appear on Google Maps and Search?
The best way to get your business to appear on Google Business Profile Manager is to claim and verify your business listing on the platform. Claiming your location involves providing information about your business, such as your business name, address, and phone number, and then verifying that you are the owner or authorized representative of the company. You can do this by following these steps:
Enter the name and address of your business, and select the correct business category from the drop-down menu.
Choose whether you want to verify your business by phone or by mail. If you choose to verify by phone, you will receive a call from Google with a verification code that you will need to enter to complete the process. If you choose to verify by mail, Google will send a postcard with a verification code to the address you provided for your business.
Once you have received your verification code, enter it on the Google Business Profile Manager website to claim your business listing.
Once you have claimed and verified your business listing on Google Business Profile Manager, you can manage your business information and respond to customer reviews on the platform. You can also use the platform to post updates and offers to engage with your customers and improve your visibility on Google.
What is the best way to optimize a Google listing for Maps and Search?
There are several ways to optimize your Google Business Profile listing to improve your visibility on the platform and attract more customers. Some of the best ways to do this include, after you claim your listing, are:
Add detailed and accurate information about your business, including your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and services or products offered. Being detailed will help customers find your business and understand what you have to offer.
Add high-quality photos of your business, products, or services. Visual content can help attract customers and give them a sense of what to expect when they visit your business.
Encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews can improve your visibility on the platform and help attract more customers.
Use the platform to post updates and offers, such as promotions or events, to engage with your customers and improve your visibility on Google.
Follow these steps to optimize your Google Business Profile listing, attract more customers, and improve your online presence.
Does having a presence on other directories help me rank higher on Google Maps and Search?
Having a presence on other directories, such as Yelp or Bing Places, can help improve your Google Business Profile Manager ranking. Why? Because search engines, including Google, use information from various sources when determining a business’s ranking in search results. Having a presence on multiple directories can provide search engines with more information about your business, which can help improve your ranking on Google Business Profile Manager.
In addition, having a presence on other directories can help improve the visibility of your business to potential customers. Many people use directories, such as Yelp or Bing Places, to find businesses in their area, and having a presence on these platforms can help attract more customers to your business.
Overall, having a presence in other directories can improve your ranking on Google Business Profile Manager and increase the visibility of your business to potential customers.
What are some of the outcomes I can expect by claiming my business on Google Maps and Search?
You can expect several outcomes by claiming your business on Google Business Profile Manager. Some of the most significant benefits include the following:
Improved visibility on Google. When you claim your business on Google Business Profile Manager, your business will appear in search results when people search for businesses like yours on Google. The result will be a complete online presence, more views of your listing and more customers who call, visit your website or have walk-in traffic.
Accurate and up-to-date business information helps you get found more easily. By claiming your business on Google Business Profile Manager, you can ensure that the information about your business, such as your business name, address, and phone number, is accurate and up-to-date.
Ability to respond to customer reviews. Google Business Profile Manager allows you to track and respond to customer reviews, which can help improve your reputation and attract more customers.
The ability to post updates and offers. With Google Business Profile Manager, you can post updates and offers, such as promotions or events, to engage with your customers and improve your visibility on Google.
Overall, claiming your business on Google Business Profile Manager can help improve your visibility on Google, provide accurate and up-to-date business information, and allow you to engage with your customers in new ways.
So the next time you think, “Why Isn’t My Business Showing up on Google Maps and Search?” remember that you’ve come to the right place!
To learn more about Google My Business and how to optimize your listing for Google Search and Map so your location is found, read our complete guide.
Is your business taking advantage of local listings and the power of a platform like Uberall?
Having a proper local listings management strategy is a little thing that can go a very long way for local business owners. And the potential for such a strategy to make a significant impact is real.
Why? Because local listings sit at the core of a small business’s visibility and can genuinely be one of the most powerful marketing tools when used thoughtfully.
So what exactly is a local listing?
A local listing is a directory where your business can appear. Some of these platforms are well-known and popular, such as Google Business Profile (in other words, Google Maps and Search), Bing, Facebook and Apple Maps. Customers can easily access your business name, address, phone number, photos, social links and other important information when your listing appears in search results.
In a recent episode of A Little Marketing, we spoke with Local Listings expert Devin Thomas. Devin shared his insights into all things local listings, including Google Business Profile Manager (formerly Google My Business), and how innovative software tools can help small business owners efficiently manage their listings.
Our chat with Devin revealed how impactful local listing management is for small businesses. Here’s what he had to say:
Devin Thomas of Uberall discusses the importance of using a local listing management platform.
The Importance of Local Listings Management
“More than half of searches, in general, are local,” says Devin. “This means that when someone is typing something into the search engine on Google or another search platform, they’re looking for something locally. So local listings are your key to ensuring that you appear in those searches.” Devin says your business visibility increases by 60% when registered with local listing directories.
Essentially, it’s all about consistency. “The more you’re there, it builds that psychological familiarity,” says Devin. “Customers trust consistency. You’re present on apps, maps, social media platforms, and many other online directories when you manage your local listings. So not only are you raising your business’ visibility by being present on these local listing platforms, you’re building up a consistent image for your customers.”
Another critical benefit of local listings: “It generates free and organic traffic to your website.”
Lastly, managing your local listings allows you to create an accurate brand image. If you’re not managing your local listing, your business might still be listed online on different directories but not with correct or accurate information. That’s why it’s crucial to verify your profile and manage your listing to control the narrative of how your business appears in searches.
So how can you manage your business’ local listings properly? Devin gives us an answer: Uberall.
Local Listings Management with Uberall
Uberall is a fantastic tool for local listing management. “There’s an importance of being visible across the board unilaterally; that’s where Uberall comes in,” says Devin, “[Uberall] makes sure that you’re present consistently.”
When you manage your local listings with Uberall, Uberall does the work for you. Have your business information changed, such as hours, address and other little details? Enter them into Uberall’s platform, and all changes get syndicated to all of the directories in your plan. That way, when a customer searches for you on 40-plus business directories, your hours are presented consistently across all of them. Because let’s be honest, there is nothing more frustrating than inaccurate business hours online!
Google Business Optimization
Getting the most out of your local listings is about building consistency across the board. If you want to get the most out of your local listings as a marketing tactic, the best thing you can do as a small business owner is to optimize your Google Business Listing. So why is Google Business optimization so important? “It’s important to stay engaged – an effortless but vital way to impact search rankings and build trust with Google positively,” says Devin.
So how can you do this? Devin says that constantly updating your profile on Google is critical. Add photos, update social links, create Google posts – anything you can do to boost your engagement. Keep adding new content, and keep engaging with your customers via reviews. Your business’ visibility will thank you.
Local Listings Management Resources
Need help setting up and managing your local listings? Optimize your Google Business Listing with a directory strategy that delivers customers, managed and optimized by our experts. Click here for a 2-month free trial!
For more free information on local listing management and all that it can do for your small business, listen to our episode with Devin here on YouTube!
Did you know that you can generate more income from your local listings? Simply by having and managing a local listing, you can boost revenue!
Of course, having a local listing is excellent for overall exposure for your business, but you can also use this strategy to generate more income!
If you don’t already have local listings for your business, check out our step-by-step guide on how to get set up. If you already have local listings – such as a Google Business Profile Manager (formerly Google My Business) – our tips below will help you optimize your local listing to get the most out of your Google listing ROI.
Here are five ways that you use Google Business Profile Manager to generate sales:
1. Messages
Did you know that customers can get in touch with you via your Google Business Profile? Turn on the “Chat” button on your Google Business Profile Manager to allow customers to send messages to you. By using this feature, you can answer questions and tell your business story. Messaging attracts new customers to your business and gives your business more authenticity. In addition, messages allow for more engagement with customers, which can help boost traffic to your store.
For example, if a customer is wondering if your business offers a specific service, they might message you to inquire about that service. If you respond promptly and the customer is satisfied with the answer, they’re more likely to come in and visit your business – rather than do business with another company.
It’s vital that you answer all customer messages promptly. Not only will Google deactivate the message feature for your business if you don’t respond quickly, but customers can also see the average time your business responds to messages. In addition, reacting fast boosts trust and engagement between your business and the customer.
Pointy connects your in-store inventory to your Google Business Profile so that customers can see what products you have in stock. It’s an efficient way to let customers know what you sell. For example, let’s say that you sell beauty products. If a local consumer is searching for a specific moisturizer in stock, Pointy can show them that your business carries that product – and that it’s available. This feature also keeps track of your live inventory, making things convenient for you and your customers.
3. Google Posts with Specific CTA
Another great way to increase income with your Google Business Profile Manager is via Google Posts. You can add a post to your Google Profile with a CTA. For example, this CTA could include phrases such as, Get Started, Sign up here, Visit us today, Call now, Subscribe, and others.
Add CTAs to a post about a new menu item, a post promoting your social media pages, or just an update with basic information encouraging customers to visit your business. Adding a CTA to your Google posts is a great way to generate leads – and hopefully more foot traffic to your business.
4. Website Traffic
With a Google Business Profile, cross-promotion is easy! Link your business’ website to your listing to encourage customers to visit your website. 56% of customer actions on a Google Business listing are website visits. More web traffic can result in more sales via your website and more brand awareness – which is always good for revenue.
5. Drive Foot Traffic
Last but certainly not least, you can use your local listing to drive more foot traffic into your business. Maintaining a listing with plenty of accurate and up-to-date information will attract more in-person traffic. And more in-person traffic means more revenue!
Optimize your Google Business Profile Listing to Increase Revenue!
Ready to take your Google Business Profile Manager to the next level and generate more income from your local listings? With local listings management, you can optimize your listings to attract more customers and complete more sales. And our team of digital marketing experts can help you get set up! Contact us today for a free local listing management consultation.
Is your business using one of the most effective local marketing tools available – a local listings strategy? If not – you should be!
Having a local listing is key to drawing local attention to your business. A local listing gives your business credibility and makes it easier for local consumers to discover your business and learn more about it. And more search engine attention for your business means more foot traffic – and increased revenue! For example, 72% of consumers that did a local online search ended up visiting a store within five miles.
Local Listings Strategy In Action
For example, let’s say you’re in the mood for sushi. Unless you already have a “go-to” sushi spot, you’ll probably use a search engine to type in “sushi near me” or some variation of that phrase. What will show up on the search engine are various sushi restaurants nearby. The stronger the local listing, the higher it will rank. And there’s a good chance you’ll get sushi from one of the first few listings that showed up in the search. This means that setting up a listing – such as a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) – is key to bringing in more traffic.
But to reap the benefits of having a local listing, you must be sure you have a strategy. Simply registering your business on Google isn’t enough. An excellent local listing strategy is necessary if you want to be found locally, gain new customers, increase foot traffic, and boost revenue.
What is a Local Listings Strategy?
A local listing is an online profile of your business and business information. For example, on Google, you can set up a Google Business Profile, which makes it easier for customers to find your business when doing a simple Google Search. Your Google Business Profile will have information such as your business name, what your company does, business address, business phone number, photos, reviews, and any other information relevant to your business. Think of it like a mini website for your business, with all the necessary business information available on Google.
So essentially, a local listing strategy is the strategy behind your listing or listings to boost local SEO. Good local SEO increases your business’s visibility within local searches. When a local consumer searches for something relevant to your business, an excellent local listing strategy will rank you higher in the search results.
The Benefits of a Good Local Listing Strategy
An excellent local listing strategy can get you far. Here are a few key benefits of having a good local listings strategy:
Low-cost exposure.
If you know how to manage your local listings, then it’s essentially free. However, if you want to ensure that your local listing performs the best it possibly can, then a digital marketing expert can help. Hiring an expert to help you gain exposure with local listings is still one of the most cost-effective digital marketing avenues you can take.
It’s an effective SEO strategy.
It’s no secret that SEO is one of the best ways to draw organic attention to your business. And local SEO is enormous for bringing local attention. So, a solid local listing strategy is a surefire way to boost local SEO.
Brand Awareness.
With an excellent local listing strategy, you can cross-promote your website and social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.
What Does a Good Local Listing Strategy Look Like?
Your local listings strategy should meet a few criteria. First and foremost, it should be accurate. You risk losing credibility with customers if you have inaccurate information in your listing. Your store hours, address, services, and all other information must be correct.
Your local listing should always be up-to-date as well. For example, if you update your menu, be sure to update it on the listing.
To bring more local traffic to your business, Google Maps is a powerful tool. Local customers use Google Maps to search for a specific kind of business. For example, a customer might search “coffee shop near me” or “hardware store near me.” So if you can get your business to show up on a local Google Maps search, you will see a lot more in-person traffic.
Now you may wonder, “how do I get my business name on Google Maps?” Let us help you! Here’s a step-by-step guide for getting your business name on Google Maps.
Add Your Business to Google Business Profile Manager
The first step to getting your business name on Google Maps is to make sure you claim your business location on Google Business Profile Manager, formerly Google My Business. If you haven’t already added or claimed your business with Google Business Profile Manager/My Business, you’ll need to do so. Fortunately, it’s a simple process with only a few steps.
Before starting, note that your business may already exist in Google’s business directory – you have to claim it. Locations that are newer or have recently changed locations will have to add their business to the directory manually.
Here are the steps for adding your business to Google Business Profile Manager (formerly Google My Business):
First, go to Google Business Profile.
Click on “Manage Now” in the top right corner.
Search your business name and address in the search box. If your business shows up, click on it. If not, manually add your business name.
Next, fill out the necessary business information that Google asks of you.
Select a “Category” that describes your business. This part is vital because it’s how Google will categorize your business for customer searches. So choose the category that’s most accurate from Google’s preset categories. (Later on, you’ll be able to add up to five more categories.)
Verify your business. Usually, Google will send you a postcard with a verification PIN. Though occasionally, companies have the option to receive a text or automated phone call with a PIN, which is much more convenient, so if you have the chance – do it.
Along with selecting the most relevant category, verifying your business is one of the most critical steps. Verification confirms the authenticity of your business information – making customers twice as likely to trust it.
Optimize Your Listing to Rank Better in Google Map Searches
Once you’ve verified your business, it’s time to start optimizing, which will help your business name show up better on Google Maps. Your business name will appear on Google Maps once you have a profile, but the more you optimize your listing, the more accurate it will be and the more it will show up for customers.
One of the best ways to optimize Google Maps is to add subcategories. Go to your profile and click on the info tab to add subcategories, fill out business hours and add other important information.
For more information on how to set up your Google Business Profile and further optimize it to rank better on Google Maps and Google search, check out this blog post!
And if you need extra help setting up, optimizing, or managing your listing, contact our team at 10|20 Marketing. Our team of digital marketing experts is ready to help your small business level up.
