Small businesses must do everything they can to be seen. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to increase your visibility is by ensuring your business is listed on multiple online platforms. Whether it’s Google My Business, Yelp, Bing, or industry-specific directories, these platforms help customers find you, improve your search rankings, and boost both online and in-person traffic.
In Episode 616 of the TerryWilson3.com podcast, we dive into why these listings matter and how they can transform your business’s online presence. If you’re a small business owner looking to take your visibility to the next level, this blog post is for you!
Why Online Listings Matter for Your Business
When potential customers search for a service or product, they typically look online. Even if you’re already marketing through social media or have a website, being listed on multiple online platforms ensures your business has a greater chance of being discovered. Each platform acts as a new door for customers to walk through. And here’s the key: the more doors you have open, the more opportunities you create for people to find your business.
1. Increase Your Online Discoverability
By listing your business on platforms like Google My Business (GMB), Yelp, and Apple Maps, you dramatically increase the likelihood of potential customers finding you. People searching for services in your area will see your business pop up in local search results, improving your chances of attracting new customers.
Think about voice searches, too—platforms like Alexa and Siri pull from business listings. Without your business properly listed, you might miss out on customers asking their voice assistants for recommendations in your area.
2. Boost Your Website and Foot Traffic
Did you know that 88% of consumers who search for a local business on a mobile device either call or visit that business within 24 hours? With complete and optimized listings, customers are just a click or a call away from engaging with your business. The more visible and accessible you are, the more likely you are to increase both foot traffic to your physical location and visits to your website.
3. Improve Your Search Rankings
Search engines like Google value consistency and reliability. When your business information—such as your name, address, and phone number (NAP)—is consistent across multiple platforms, it helps improve your local search engine optimization (SEO). This makes your business more likely to appear higher in local search results, and you might even land a spot in Google’s coveted Local Pack (the top 3 businesses shown in search results). This visibility is crucial for driving traffic and building credibility.
4. Build Trust and Credibility Through Reviews
Online reviews are the new word-of-mouth. Positive customer reviews on platforms like Yelp, GMB, and Facebook build trust with potential customers. In fact, 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their buying decisions. When you’re listed on multiple platforms, you open up more opportunities for customers to leave feedback, enhancing your reputation and credibility.
Maximizing Your Online Listings
Now that you know why online listings are so important, how do you ensure you’re making the most of them? Here are a few steps to get started:
Claim Your Listings: First, ensure that your business is claimed and verified on major platforms like GMB, Yelp, and Bing Places. This process is free and essential for controlling your business information.
Optimize Your Profiles: Make sure your business information is complete and accurate. Include relevant keywords, business hours, contact details, and photos to make your listing more attractive.
Encourage Reviews: Happy customers are your best advocates. Encourage them to leave reviews on platforms that matter to your business, and engage with both positive and negative feedback to show you’re attentive and responsive.
Update Regularly: Keep your listings up to date with current business hours, special promotions, or new services. Fresh information keeps you relevant and improves your rankings.
Getting your business listed on multiple platforms is a straightforward but powerful way to increase your visibility, boost your search rankings, and bring in more customers—both online and off. For small businesses, this simple strategy can be the difference between being discovered or getting lost in the noise.
Getting your business listed on multiple platforms is a straightforward but powerful way to increase your visibility, boost your search rankings, and bring in more customers—both online and off. For small businesses, this simple strategy can be the difference between being discovered or getting lost in the noise.
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