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If you want your business to get noticed online, you need to set up your business listing properly. Entrepreneur Corey Shader says a business listing that's filed out correctly can boost your SEO and get you found more easily.
If you don't fill out your listing properly, it can hurt your brand. Below are five of the common business listing mistakes that people make so you can understand what best practices are for online listings.
1. Not Claiming Your Business Listing
Popular listing sites such as Google My Business might have already listed your business online for you. That's great, of course, but unless you claim your listing, you won't be able to control what is posted.
If you're business listing is unclaimed, you can suggest that basic edits are made to your listing, including your address, phone number and hours of operation. However, you'll be making those suggestions as an ordinary consumer and not the owner of the business.
If you don't claim your listing, you also won't have any control over reviews that are left for your business. This means you won't be able to address any concerns someone might have or thank people for leaving positive comments.
2. Not Updating It Regularly
A business listing may seem like something you fill out once and be done with forever, but that's simply not true. Online business listing pages will constantly be adding new features and new places where you can add information.
It always looks best when all of your information is filled out. It also ensures that you're taking advantage of every possible SEO opportunity to plug certain keywords or link to your social media pages, for example.
So, make sure to consistently check on your business listing to see if there are things to add.
3. Having the Wrong Information
Consumers get frustrated when they are given the wrong information. It can cause them issues with their schedule -- if they're trying to call you or visit your business, for instance -- and it also leaves a bad taste in their mouth.
Make sure that when you fill out your business listing, you double check to make sure all the information is correct. Then, update your listing every time you institute a new change, such as a new phone number or updated hours of operation. The latter is especially important during holidays.
4. Placing Your Map Pin Correctly
A huge benefit of an accurate business listing is people can get turn-by-turn directions to your business through GPS on their phones. When you enter your address, a map pin will automatically be placed where you say you are located.
This is something that you should check after you enter your address to ensure the map pin is placed correctly. If it isn't, it may mean you typed your address incorrectly. A simple typo can cause huge problems for customers who are trying to find you.
5. Not Posting Photos
Most business listing sites will allow you to add photos to your listing. This isn't just a way to "pretty up" your site, though. Corey Shader says it's a way to add legitimacy to your business.
Consumers like to see up-to-date photos of businesses when they search online. It gives them peace of mind that you are real and that you are busy.
So, use this opportunity to post photos of your business, your employees and some action shots of people looking happy.
About Corey Shader
Corey Shader is a self-made entrepreneur, consultant, investor, real estate developer, and founder of several companies, notably Insurance Pipeline. Operating primarily out of Ft. Lauderdale, Corey's endeavors span across the nation, consulting for start-ups, and sitting on the board of digital media and senior healthcare agencies. As a consultant, Corey helps young businesses develop sales funnels and maximize profitability. Shader takes pride in challenging others to push themselves to be their very best — he believes in constant self-improvement, inspiring others through sharing his own life experiences.