It’s Time to Update Your Business’ Local Online Directory Presence
It wasn’t that long ago local small businesses relied on the good ol’ Yellow Pages to let consumers know they’re out there. Now, if you’re not online you simply don’t get found. As 70% of online searchers will use local search to find offline businesses you can no longer ignore progress.
We’re talking here about the free local business directories like Yelp, CitySearch, Merchant Circle, etc., and if you don’t think they matter to your business then you are probably losing sales. Spears Marketing [spearsmarketing.com] found that 63% of Americans have substituted the internet and local search for phone books.
Unfortunately, many businesses don’t realize they are listed with the business directories. Many are listed but haven’t been claimed. The danger of this to your business is that your customers will still see your listed business information, whether it is correct or not, and can still post reviews of your business that affect how others see you.
- Search for your business using the common search engines (Google, Yelp, Bing). Also go to the above mentioned business directories to search for your business. If you find your business you need to claim it if you haven’t already done so. If it is not there you should list it.
- Correct/Update the information on these sites. Clearly describe your business and give it a correct business category. Be sure to include your website and social media if possible (Facebook and Twitter).
- Update your business account with photos. According to a Bright Local survey, 23% of searchers indicated they’d be more likely to make contact with a business that showed pictures in their directory listings [http://www.brightlocal.com].
- All of these directories allow your business to post promotions or coupons. Promotions will measurably improve your business sales and increases your visibility to local customers.
You will need to manage your promotions from each directory account, or FonGenie Promoter can help you post across most of your Local Business Directory accounts, as well as Google Places, Yahoo Local, Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare from one simple interface. As customers see your specials Promoter will report the success and interest of each campaign so you know if your efforts are on target.
The days of the giant yellow business phone book left at your doorstep are quickly disappearing, but this only opens a great opportunity for local businesses to profit.
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