4 Reasons to Claim Your Directory Listings Today

Business owners often have one goal in mind – to generate sales. Savvy owners know the key to increased revenue is through smart marketing techniques. Chances are if you are reading this blog, you know online marketing is a crucial key to your success. Even though that’s true, plenty of business owners skimp on their online marketing budget to save a few dollars.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret; there are things you can do today to boost your online presence that cost nothing. What?! That’s right, and small to mid-sized businesses often overlook it. Claiming your business listings on online directories like Yelp, Manta, and Google is a simple task that increases your online presence, website traffic, and revenue.

Here are four reasons you should stop what you’re doing and start claiming your business listings.

1. Improve Search Rankings.

Search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo have unique algorithms they use to generate the best possible results for search users. Directory listings tell these algorithms that you are a real entity and are open for business.

When you claim your listing on search engine platforms like Google, you show up better in local search results. For example, if you are a local bakery and someone searches bakery, Hanover, PA, Google will show results for claimed business listings at the top of search results on a Google Map. If you haven’t claimed your listing, you won’t be one of the first listed.

2. Better Results on Mobile Devices.

Today’s customers use mobile devices more than desktop computers. Directories like Yelp, MapQuest, and Google Maps show up prominently in mobile search results. Claiming your listings on these websites is crucial if you want to be found on the device your customer uses the most.

3. Fix Inaccurate Information.

Most directory websites automatically create a shell listing for your business when you file for your state business license or registration. Your business is listed as unverified until you take action. A common problem with these automatic listings is the information isn’t consistent across all websites. Search engines like consistency and they give extra credit in their algorithm when all listings match. For example, you can’t list your address as Road on one site and Rd. on the next. Claiming listings is the only way to display information accurately.

4. Build Online Reviews.

Another key component of your online presence is positive reviews. Customers can’t leave reviews on Yelp or other review websites if your listing isn’t claimed. Online reviews prove you are worthy of new customers. More than 80% of people say they trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation from a friend.

Don’t ignore your business listings any longer. Set aside time on your calendar today to start claiming. If you don’t have the time to commit (there are nearly 50 directories to claim), give Fuhrman Creative a call or send an e-mail. We offer directory listing bundles to our customers.