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5 Places That Your Business Should Be Listed Online
The internet is a big place, and it can be hard to know exactly where to focus your energy when it comes to listing your business online. We’re here to simplify things by giving you the 5 top business listing websites where you definitely need to be.
Existing in the right places online is an absolute must if you want your customers and potential customers to find your business. You need to make sure that whether it’s on your own website, business directories, social media platforms or Google - customers need to be able to find accurate information about your business wherever they are looking.
Listing your business with reliable online directories is an SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) technique called ‘link building.’ Building up the number of links to your website will increase the chances of a customer finding your business online, as well as enhancing trust, authority, and search rankings. Put simply, the more reliable websites you have directing people to your website, the more Google will trust your website.
1) Google My Business
Not many businesses become a verb in their own right, so it’s important your customers are able to Google your business. Google My Business is Google’s official online directory, and your business listing will also add you to Google Maps, allowing you to appear in location-based search results and give customers directions to your location. Your listing includes contact details, operating hours, photos, and online reviews.
This is probably the most important listing you need, but before you go about creating your listing, first check that one doesn’t already list. If you find that there is already a listing for your business, head to Google’s support page explaining how to claim a Google local business listing.
2) Yellow Profile
Yellow is a trusted source when it comes to business details, and you can create a Yellow Profile online for free. The best part is that 1 in 3 people viewing a Yellow Profile go on to call or visit that business! This means that people who view your listing are more likely to buy than just browse.
Having a Yellow Profile will increase your chances of showing up on the first page of Google and Yellow searches, and you can add images and video to your listing to improve conversion. Customers can also leave ratings and reviews for your business.
Yellow has supported plenty of kiwi companies to get ahead online and grow their business - find out how we can help by reading customer stories about businesses just like yours.
3) Industry or Location Specific Directories
Many directories exist to cater for specific industries, and adding your listing to relevant industry directories is going to get your business in front of customers who are already looking for what your business offers.
Industry focussed directories
- Tourism businesses would want to list on major sites like TripAdvisor or the NZ Tourism website, and can also add their listing to local directories like rotoruanz.com
- Hospitality businesses can list on sites like Zomato, to put themselves in front of customers who are already looking for what they want for dinner tonight. There are even niche listing sites like HappyCow which is a hub for those looking for Vegan food.
- If you’re selling tickets for events, performances, or courses, event directories like Eventfinda are the perfect place to promote your business.
Location based directories
- Yelp makes it easy for people to search for all kinds of business based on their location, and Yelp listings also provide business information to Apple Maps, which is commonly used by plenty of iPhone users.
- Neighbourly connects local communities and neighbourhoods, so it’s a great way to connect to people who are already in your area.
4) Your Local Chamber of Commerce
While this may not sound like the most glamorous option, listing with your local Chamber of Commerce comes with a range of additional benefits, although it does require membership. Joining a Chamber of Commerce adds your business to a nationwide database of businesses and can help you be found online and network with existing businesses.
Business Search NZ is the online directory where you list your services to connect with other Chamber Members and potential customers. Anyone can search the directory, but adding your listing to this directory is a perk of Membership with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Find your local Chamber of Commerce to find out more about membership benefits, and get listed on Business Search NZ. You can even add special offers or opportunities just for Chamber members to attract leads.
5) Your Own Social Media Platforms
Make sure your business information is correct and regularly updated on the platforms where your customers are spending their time. A popular Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn profile can rank highly in Google and provide valuable links to your main website.
Before you go about creating a profile of every social media platform known to man, consider which platforms your customers are using. Depending on the nature of your business, it may be better to maximise your presence on one platform, instead of joining multiple platforms and then not having the time or resources to maintain them all.
For example, a boutique retail store may want to showcase their beautiful product imagery on Instagram instead of investing time building up their LinkedIn or Twitter profiles; where their customers are less likely to be looking for their products.
More Tips for Joining Free Online Business Listing Sites:
- Search for your business online first and see what you find - listings may have already been created that you can claim and update, and this will avoid duplicate listings.
- Use free business listings online where possible. Many directories will offer free and paid listing options, so just make sure you understand exactly what the paid option delivers for your business before you start paying.
- Keep track of your listings - this way, if you need to update details for your business, you’ll be aware of all the listings you need to edit.
- Keep an eye on reviews! Remember to monitor customer reviews so that you can respond in a timely manner if needed. Consider setting up a Google alert for your business name, as well as checking your email regularly for notifications about new reviews.
- Use a unique description for each listing. Google frowns on duplicated content, so take the time to adjust each listing to be unique. Keep your listings clear and concise, and try to use keywords that will help your SEO.
So, ready to get listed online?
Even though we’ve narrowed it down for you, we understand that it can still be overwhelming when it comes to deciding where you should list your business online. To get started, we recommend setting up your free Yellow Profile - it comes with heaps of features and benefits and we’ve made getting set up easy as pie.