It’s called the worldwide web for a reason, but that doesn’t mean that local internet business directories can’t boost your business. If you’re not already getting the support of your local population, you’re missing out on valuable business. Just being on the web is not enough. Take advantage of the big three local business listings – Google Maps, Yelp, and Yahoo! Local – and start reaping the rewards.
Before you start:
You’ll need some essential information to begin the process:
- Business Name
- Local Area
- Mailing Address
- Phone
- Web Address
- Hours (if applicable)
- Business Category and Sub Category
Keep in mind that if you work out of your home, you might want to use a local mail service for your mailing address. Mail Boxes Etc. is a common global service.
You also may want to consider purchasing a Skype subscription which allows you to make and receive phone calls on your computer and forward to your landline or cell phone. More information is online at Skype.
GOOGLE MAPS
Go to Google Maps and click on “Put your business on Google Maps”
You will need a google or gmail account to complete the process. If you don’t have one, simply click the “Create an account now” button and follow the instructions. The process of creating a new account takes only a few minutes. Once your account is created you can log in and enter all the necessary information about your business.
When your business information is submitted, Google will verify your business. You will be given a four digit PIN number for verification which you use to verify your business through the phone or through mail. The choice is yours, but phone verification is faster than mail. If you select that option, you receive a call in a few minutes and are prompted to enter the four digit PIN number and follow the instructions. Once verified your business will be listed within a few weeks.
If you go to Google Maps and search for your business and it already appears, you can edit and optimize the listing. Click on “More info” under the business name and then select “Business Owner?” You’ll be prompted to login with your google account and the process is the same outlined above.
I encourage the businesses I work with to post pictures, specials, encourage customer reviews and read/respond to feedback.
Once your business is listed on Google, you can:
- Help customers find your business on Google
- Show photos, respond to reviews, offer coupons and more
- Get insights to make better business decisions
YELP
Yelp.com is a social networking, user review, and local search web site. As of early 2010, Yelp has more than 31 million unique visitors per month. With Yelp, you can receive feedback about your business and use it to your advantage. Your goal is to get compliments and real recommendations that other potential customers can see. It’s easy to get started on Yelp.
You begin by registering your business on Yelp through its business profile directory. The next thing you do – and this is important – is review other companies and services you’ve used yourself, whether it’s your hairstylist, a restaurant, or some other local business you frequent. Only review businesses you feel positive about and can give an honest good review to. Excessive criticism won’t gain you any credibility.
Next, invite your colleagues and friends to comment on and review your business. Be selective and methodical about who you approach and how frequently you solicit reviews. If a flood of reviews come in all at once, Yelp may consider them spam and delete them. Keep in mind that if your reviewers also review other local businesses, Yelp is less likely to think you’re coercing people to get great reviews.
In order to build a good profile on Yelp, you need to stay active in your community and review other businesses. Make your listing more than just a boring list of your products, services, and business hours. Tell your customers you’re on Yelp and that you’d appreciate a review. Or provide incentives for them to leave their feedback (discounts, upgrades, etc.) If your business sends out an email newsletter, this can be a great place to advertise your Yelp profile. The more you use Yelp’s social networking features, the wider a group of people you’ll connect with, and the better you’ll be boosting your presence on Yelp.
YAHOO! LOCAL
Listing your business on Yahoo! Local is virtually the same process as listing your business in Google Maps. You submit your business information online and Yahoo confirms your business and posts a basic listing for you online. You can choose to invest in a local enhanced listing (currently offered at $9.95 per month) which lets you add your company logo, tagline, up to 10 photos, a more detailed business description, two customizable links for coupons, and inclusion in up to 5 categories to your basic listing. You can check out the kind of things you get from an enhanced listing from the screen shot.
Using these local directories can have a big impact on your business. Providing a complete listing for all the local search providers is good for your business and helps local customers find you. Setting up accounts on Google, Yelp, and Yahoo! Local does not take very long at all, and it’s a great way to direct more people to your business.
One last note: These three services are by no means the only local directory services out there, but they do cover a significant amount of local traffic. Other local search listings are available, including Hunch, Ask City, Bing Maps, True Local, Local.com, AOL Yellow Pages, and City Search. If they are heavily used in your area, you may want to consider setting up a listing on these sites as well.
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