A local business listing is an online profile that contains your business name, address, phone number, and other details. There are thousands of websites and directories on which local business owners are allowed to create free business listings. You need to have local listings online to increase your search engine rankings online.
They are listings added to directory sites with your business's information. When people search for your business (or the service you provide), your listing on a directory site may display in the search results. Local business listings and citations play a vital role in reputation, rankings, and revenue. That's why it's critical to see the big picture of their purpose.
In order to qualify for a local business listing in any index, your business must meet all four of the following criteria:
Local listing is very useful way to get notice by your customers in your Local Area. Most of people search needs require a local presence so having your business listed in these kind of listings can get you business. So If you haven't start listing of these websites I recommend you do that immediately that will help you in long run. To simplify it all, business listings can be considered as an online version of business information in Yellow Pages.
#1 Free Advertising Your Business 24×7
Well most of listing you will do, people can find you 24×7 through Google search or by searching on local listing websites you have registered with. And the best part of these kind of listing is, you don't need business website to register. They will show your business to people right when they are searching for information related your business. So get your business advertised for free.
#2 Help to Increase Brand Awareness
Imagine people are search for information related to your business online and they find you listed everywhere, they check your reviews, images, service/product etc. Now this will create a brand image of your business, as they see your business everywhere for their query. So Yes local directory listing will boost your brand image & win the trust and reliability of your customers.
#3 Boost Your SEO Efforts
Listing your business on these directories, allows you to list your website url (generally home page), this way you can have inbound backlinks, which help your SEO efforts and boost your search engine rankings and high ranking means more business. Also as mobile search is increasing day by day & most of the searches on mobile have local intent so listing on these sites help you drive business through mobile devices.
#4 Increase in Local Visibility with Detail Information
Now as people can see you office address, map location, business timing & phone number online; it help them reach you very easily. They can call or drive directly to your store.
#5 Good Reviews Means More Customers
Most of the listing website have review system, where people can review your business online. So if customers are happy with your service or products, they will likely to give a review and this will gain more trust when other customers find review helpful.
