You’ll likely need to create or update a business listing at some point in your business journey. This could be on Google, Yelp, or other online directories. Nevertheless, before you take this plunge, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here are 10 common problems with business listings that you should watch out for.
1. Incorrect or Missing Information
When listing your business on free business listing sites usa 2022, it’s essential to ensure that all the information is correct. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and other relevant details.
Incorrect or missing information can lead potential customers to your competitors or make it difficult for them to find you. However, by taking the time to check and double-check your listing, you can avoid this problem.
2. Lack of Reviews or Testimonials
When potential customers look for a business, they often check reviews or testimonials to see what others have said about the company. If your listing doesn’t have any reviews or testimonials, it may give the impression that you’re not a reputable business. To build trust with potential customers, try to get some positive reviews or testimonials for your listing.
3. Poor Quality Photos
Another thing potential customers will often look at when considering a business is the photos. If your listing has poor quality or unprofessional photos, it could turn customers away. Make sure to include high-quality photos showing your business in the best light. However, avoid using stock photos, as these can often be spotted a mile away.
4. Inactive Social Media Accounts
If your listing includes social media links, potential customers will likely click on them to learn more about your business. If your social media accounts are inactive or have very little content, it can make your business look bad. Make sure to keep your social media accounts updated with relevant content. However, removing the links from your listing is best if you do not want to use social media for your business.
5. Outdated Content
Are your business listings up-to-date? If it’s been a while, chances are the content is outdated. This is a common problem with business listings, especially if you haven’t claimed the listing.
Make sure to regularly check and update your listing with the latest information, such as your hours of operation, address, and contact information. By keeping your listing up-to-date, you can ensure that potential customers have the most accurate information.
6. Duplicate Listings
It can confuse potential customers if you have multiple listings for your business in the same online directory. Not only that, but it can also get you penalized by search engines. So, you must ensure that you only have one listing for your business in each directory.
If you have multiple listings, you can either delete the duplicates or merge them into one. To merge them, you’ll need to claim both listings and request that the directory merge them.
7. Incomplete Listings
An incomplete listing is missing important information about your business. This can include your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and more.
If you have an incomplete listing, it can be difficult for customers to find or contact you. Furthermore, it gives your business an unprofessional appearance. To avoid this, ensure all your business listings are complete and up-to-date.
8. Inconsistent NAP
NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. It’s essential to have consistency across all your online listings with this information. If your NAP differs on each listing, it will confuse customers and search engines. This could lead to lost customers and a lower search ranking. However, keeping your NAP consistent will help build trust with customers and search engines.
9. Missing Categories
When creating a business listing, you’ll often be asked to choose one or more categories. These categories help customers find your business when searching for something specific.
If you don’t choose any categories, your listing may not appear in search results. Worse, you could be listed in the wrong category, leaving customers looking for something else.
Choose the most relevant categories to make sure potential customers find your listing. Don’t forget to add subcategories as well.
10. Bad Reviews
Bad reviews can make or break a business listing. Potential customers will likely be turned off and go elsewhere if you have negative reviews. There are a few ways to deal with bad reviews. To resolve the issue, you should contact the customer. You can also ask the review site to take down the review. However, the best way to deal with bad reviews is to prevent them in the first place.
