Why should you claim your business’s online directory listings?

Claiming your online directory listings is easy!

If you own or manage a business, claiming your online directory listings is one of the simplest and most important things you can do is verify the information in your search engine business listings. The top primary business listing services are Google, Apple, and Bing. Ensuring that your location and contact information is correct on these three sites can have a major positive impact on your business.

Google is the most used search engine

Since Google is the most-used search engine, starting with your Google business listing makes sense. Google allows you to include much more than your street address, phone numbers, and a map to your location. You can also include pictures, reviews, and important information about your business, products, and services.

Verifying your Google listing is easy and secure.

To claim your business online directory listing, simply tell Google that your business belongs to you. Claiming your business listing is the first step in the verification process. Once you’ve claimed your listing, Google will verify that your claim on the listing is legitimate by calling or sending you a letter through the mail. Once Google has verified your ownership of your business, you can modify the details of your listing, update information, and add information that makes your business stand out. Another benefit of verifying your Google listing is the ability to respond to online reviews. Maintaining good, responsive online reviews for your business is important because customers and potential customers pay attention to them. Good reviews promote your business, but the way you respond to less enthusiastic reviews gives others a very good idea of how your business manages challenging situations.

What is Maps Connect?

Maps Connect is Apple’s business listing service. Maps Connect accepts listing information from businesses with a physical, customer-facing location. Maps Connect performs verification using the business telephone and a PIN. Apple also reviews verification information manually before a business listing is complete. You can also use Maps Connect to extend features to certain types of businesses, like restaurants and ride-sharing services. These extensions may allow customers to make reservations via the business’ mobile app. Depending on the size of your business and the number of annual visitors your site entertains, your business may also be able to take advantage of built-in special offer features for customers who are in the area. Businesses that have social media presence on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Yelp, as well as their own website to their Apple Maps Connect profile.

Bing Places is 3rd most important directory listing

The last major listing to set up for your business is a Bing Place Listing. Bing offers a free business listing that’s designed to help customers find your business and up-to-date information about hours, contacts, and services. Like the other two services, the listing process starts with you claiming your location. Once you’ve claimed your business listing, you can update your business profile. Your profile will include the business address and phone number, as well as photos, hours, products or services, and other helpful information. Like the other services, Bing will verify this information to ensure that your listing is secure.

If you cannot be found in Google, you might have a big problem on your hands

Setting up search engine business listings isn’t tough, but it can be time-consuming and frustrating if you’ve never done it before. The website professionals at Another Brad Idea can assist you by setting up your business listings and helping you through the verification process. Once your listings are active and validated, we can help you keep your listings up-to-date or show you how to manage them. Please contact us at (509) 792-3283 or fill out a contact request form, and we’ll be happy to help you create search engine business listings that help your customers find you fast!