Business listings are an online summary of essential information for your business. It serves as a powerful tool to help customers find you online and in real life.
Here’s what you need to know:
NAP+W
No, we didn’t fall asleep on the keyboard. NAP+W is the acronym that explains all the information that should be included in business listings.
Name
Address
Phone Number
+
Website
These four pieces of information are the business listings starter-pack. It provides the information customers need to have in order to research, contact and locate your business.
Want to score some major bonus points? Include information like hours of operation in business listings. It’s what consumers are most interested in!
Why Are Listings Important?
Listings with good presence and accuracy will undoubtedly pay off for your business. Here’s how:
No More Hide And Seek
Just as the brightly lit bat signal guides everyone’s favorite caped crusader, accurate and readily available listings will help guide consumers right to your door step.
They even have similar shapes. Coincidence? We think not…
If a business’s listing is incorrect or missing, the majority of consumers will feel less confident about the brand. This would likely lead them to choose a competitor’s product or service. The availability of accurate listings ensures customers are able to find brick and mortar locations. (while they’re open for business.) This means money in the business owner’s pocket, and the business can be reviewed by customers.
Will My Listings Work?
The effectiveness of a business listing depends on presence and accuracy. Listings are available through a variety of sources, including search engines, online directories and maps. When it comes to listings presence, more is definitely better. Availability on as many sources as possible will create multiple avenues for consumers to find your business. But (and this is a big but), presence only pays off if the listings are accurate. Listings are accurate if the information is correct and consistent across all potential sources. Seems easy enough, right?
All Aboard The Search Engine
Consistent, accurate listings and the generation of reviews will directly benefit a business’s visibility by boosting its ranking in local search engine results. Search engine optimization is a complex tool. So why not take advantage of it by ensuring your business is listed accurately! Increased visibility means more customers, and what business owner doesn’t want that?
“In My Humble Opinion…”
An ample review pipeline is an essential tool for developing a business’ online reputation and fostering brand loyalty. Reviews allow customers to communicate their experience with a business to potential buyers. However, if consumers can’t find a business listed online, their opinion of it won’t be well-informed. Accurate listings create the opportunity for transparency between businesses and consumers. The availability of this information will help increase a business’s visibility.
