Listing your business on online directories and review sites can be a great way to showcase your company and attract new customers. With so many options available, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the listing process step-by-step to help you effectively promote your business online.
Research Relevant Listing Sites
The first step is identifying the best online directories, review sites, and other listing platforms for your specific business. Consider where your target audience goes to find and research businesses like yours.
Some top options to consider include:
Local Business Listings
For service area businesses, local listings are key. Be sure to list your business on:
- Google My Business – This listing puts you on Google Search and Maps to help customers find you.
- Facebook – Create a business page allowing local customers to find you easily.
- Local Chamber of Commerce directories – Most have an online business directory.
- Local newspaper or magazine listings – Many have websites and listings.
- Industry association directories – Use their guide if your industry has an association.
National & Niche Listings
Depending on your business type, consider national and niche directories like:
- Better Business Bureau: A widely used source for checking out businesses.
- Industry-specific directories: Search for any niche sites for your type of business.
- Product review sites: If you sell products, these sites allow customer reviews.
- Business social networks: LinkedIn, Alignable and others enable profiles.
Crowdsourced Review Sites
Review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List allow customers to rate and review businesses. Claim and manage your listings on these high-traffic sites.
Gather Key Information
Before you begin listing your business, gather all the necessary details in one place:
- Business name, address, phone number and website
- Description of services or products offered
- The founding date and company history highlights
- Owner and critical employee names and titles
- Operating hours
- Payment options accepted
- Photos and videos
- Menus, prices or service brochures
- Awards, certifications, special recognitions
- Key brand messaging and value proposition
Optimise Listing Content
With your business info gathered, it’s time to optimise each listing:
Complete and Consistent Details
Ensure your NAP (name, address, phone number) is complete and consistent across listings. This helps customers find you and aids SEO.
Compelling Descriptions
Your business description is critical for conveying your brand and value proposition. Tailor it for each site’s word count limits.
High-Quality Photos and Videos
Show customers what you offer with photos of your space, products, services and staff. Add engaging videos if possible.
Calls to Action
End each listing with a CTA like “Visit our website to schedule today!” to turn lookups into sales.
Track Listings Over Time
Check back regularly to keep listings up-to-date, answer new questions/reviews and refresh content.
Claim and Manage Listings
Don’t let incorrect third-party listings undermine your brand. Claiming them allows you to:
- Verify and optimise your business information
- Add photos, descriptions and CTAs
- Respond to customer reviews and questions.
- Flag or remove incorrect data
- Control the conversation about your brand.
Staying on top of your listings helps maximise reach and control the customer experience.
Promote Your Listings
With your listings complete, promote them across platforms like:
- Your website and blog
- Email newsletter and email signature
- Social media channels
- Printed marketing materials
- Television and radio ads
- In-store displays and signage
Remind customers everywhere to search, find and select your business.
Analyse Performance and Results
Measure listing performance to optimise over time:
- Review website referral traffic and online reviews.
- Track which listings drive the most calls, emails and sales.
- Update content on low-performing listings.
- Add more listings in relevant categories or niches.
- Remove outdated, incorrect or underperforming listings.
Adjust and expand your listings to maximise results.
The Key Benefits of Listing Your Business Online
Listing your business on the optimal directory, review, and social sites offers many advantages:
Increased Visibility
Listings allow you to showcase your brand wherever customers search for businesses like yours. Populating multiple sites expands visibility.
Improved Search Engine Reach
Listings boost local SEO, helping you rank higher on Google and other search engines. More findability equals more website traffic.
Customer Trust and Credibility
Many listings show customer reviews and ratings. Positive sentiment builds trust and credibility for potential customers.
24/7 Availability and Access
Listings provide business details like hours and contact info even when your business is closed for easy access.
Competitive Differentiation
Quality listings help you stand out from competitors with robust profiles and positive reviews.
Listing your business online takes time but delivers immense value. Following this guide will help maximise your brand exposure and connect with more of your ideal customers. Don’t leave it to chance – showcase your business online today!
FAQ About Listing Your Business
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions business owners have about getting listed online:
How much does it cost to list my business online?
Many listing options are unrestricted! Some directories charge a fee for premium listings with enhanced visibility and metrics. Choose paid options strategically based on expected return.
How long does the listing process take?
With your info ready, most listings take 15-30 minutes. Allow extra time for detailed profiles with ample text/media. Maintaining listings requires an ongoing time investment.
Are there listing or review sites I should avoid?
Avoid low-authority sites with limited traffic, poor UI and spammy ads—Prioritise widely-used mainstream directories like Google, Facebook and industry-specific options.
Should I list my business in every directory I find?
Quality over quantity. Start with the most reputable and popular options for your target audience. Expand strategically over time and remove poor-performing listings.
How often should I update my listings?
Review all listings monthly and update details whenever business info changes. Refresh content like descriptions every six months. Add new photos and videos periodically to keep content engaging.
How do I manage negative online reviews?
Negative feedback is inevitable occasionally. Respond professionally and neutrally, address issues raised and offer to make it right. This shows customers you genuinely care.
Listings provide huge visibility benefits but require time and effort to maximise results. Follow these best practices and refresh your listings regularly to showcase an accurate, positive brand image everywhere your customers search.