Business Listings are a great way to increase your presence online. It is also a very efficient way to generate new business leads and build brand awareness. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these listings are only as good as the information you provide. So, it’s important to do some research before signing up to be part of a directory.
Setup
One of the best places to start is with a Google+ page for your local business. You can also nab a free business card or two. The big three have their fair share of slush, so a little elbow grease and a modicum of common sense goes a long way. Fortunately, your local Google+ page is in your pocket, or at least your iPhone, which you can use to its hilt. Hopefully the secret is a lock, but if not, that is your cue to go all out on this front. Besides, who knows, a business card may be a useful ally in your corner office. After all, no one wants to be the punchy neighbor all the time. Luckily, the aforementioned office is a hive of high-potential employees, making it an ideal place to test out your wares.
Verification
The verification process is a process that helps Google make sure that business listings are real. It also ensures that a business is following all guidelines.
Business owners can be verified by either email or by phone. Verification by email is faster and easier to accomplish. Businesses that have less online presence may have to use the phone or mail verification methods.
In order to verify, businesses must first log into their GMB account and select the “Get Verified” button. Once the GMB manager has verified the business, they will receive a verification code. This code can then be entered into the GMB dashboard.
The next step in the verification process is to upload a government-issued ID. If your business has more than 10 locations, you can use bulk verification to make the process more efficient.
Answering FAQs
When answering FAQs for business listings, make sure to answer in a direct manner. This will help you drive more visitors to your site and increase your sales. Using the correct vocabulary and terms is also important, as well as using images, videos, and links that are appropriate for your audience.
If you’re unsure of what to answer, consider using a search engine to find common questions. Google has an Autosuggest tool that can help you find the answers to your most frequently asked questions.
When creating your FAQs for business listings, consider how to keep your page from becoming overwhelming. Keeping it short and simple will ensure that customers can quickly find the information they’re looking for.
Use keywords in your title, and use natural language when possible. These words are known to boost your search engine ranking.
Managing citations
A citation is an online listing of a business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). It’s a vital part of a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps people find local businesses. In addition, it can affect the rankings of a website in a Google search. There are a few ways to build and manage citations for your business.
One of the best ways to build citations for your business is by using an automated listing management system. These services help businesses maintain the accuracy of their citations and provide advanced data. They also allow you to publish your citations faster.
Unlike a DIY approach, a listing distribution service is more reliable. They are able to automate the process of importing and publishing information from other directory sites. This makes managing citations easier and quicker than the manual methods.