Small Businesses – Claim or Create Your Business Listings for Local Search Now!
Local search has never been more relevant or important for small businesses. With a little time and a small amount of effort, your small business can get found and become locally relevant.
Local Search and Mobile Search are on the rise
According to, “The Mobile Movement Study” conducted by Google/Ipsos OCS Media CT in April of 2011:
- 95% of smartphone users have looked for local information (Business or Service)
- 77% Contacted a business and 44% Purchased a product or service
Note: Above actions taken as a result of looking for local information
As a small business, local search is a great tool that can help get your product or service in front of targeted current and potential customers. It helps reminds customers that you are “still here,” while also showing new and potential ones the “Here I am” factor.
In late November of 2011, MarketingSherpa released “MarketingSherpa’s 2012 Search Marketing Benchmark Report SEO Edition.” Amongst the many key findings with applicability to small business, one that stands out for me:
Key Finding: Local Business Listing Tactics Are Underutilized
Local business listings and reviews now sit atop natural search results; therefore, it is critical to be found through local search. Despite this reality, only 37 percent of organizations surveyed claimed a local business listing on one or more search engines. Of those, most did not fully employ available listing tactics.
Source: p.6 – “2012 Search Marketing Benchmark Report – SEO Edition – Excerpt” by MarketingSherpa.
3 Online Directories you SHOULD be listed for Local Search
All of these places require some type of verification and account set up. Follow the instructions, use relevant keywords, content, and categories to maximize your company’s business profile to achieve optimal results and effectiveness.
Google Places – Free online directory and resource that allows you to connect your small business with relevant local customers, and get “on the map.” First you need to register to claim or create a page. Even if you don’t have a website, as long as you have a physical address you can create a “Places” page. Fill out as much information about your business as possible, use relevant category tags, photos, and video. I find this is an invaluable resource to use, because you also have the ability to analyze traffic, obtain reviews from customers, as well as create (free) offers that customers can view on your business listing! Another great feature is linking to Youtube video that appears on your “Places” page.
Bing Business Portal – Free Online directory and resource that allows you to “…claim, manage and verify your business listing on Bing Local.” You can customize your listing with keywords, categories and content. A nice feature is the ability to create a free “mobile site” or listing, and local deals (promotions, coupons, or rebates) that can be optimized for mobile. Although I find the interface a little quirky, I think it has some great potential.
Yahoo Local Listings – Free online directory and resource that lets you add basic information about your business, products and services. Ability to add up to 5 categories and enhance your listing with online advertising. I felt it was limited in scope compared to Google and Microsoft, and the push was for enhanced online advertising. That being said, it still is a free resource.
I hope you utilize these free resources and take advantage of local search directory listings for your small business; in today’s competitive environment, every little bit helps!
Thanks for taking the time to read my post, I hope that it helps you. Any comments are appreciated! – Bob
Bob Strassel Jr.