According to a recent study, 76% of consumers search online for a product or service before going to the physical location of a business in person. 

And that’s just how things are in the internet era. If you are a business owner catering to a local client base, having a perfect business listing can be a game changer. For the uninitiated, business listings are basically the online version of Yellow Pages or directories but with much more features and clout. 

However, it can be tricky to create a perfect business listing that is succinct yet provides the visitors with all the required information. That’s why FX2 Digital is here with a list of 10 things that are a must-have for any business listing. 

1. Business or Company Name

This one is a no-brainer. Your business or company’s name is the first thing a prospective customer notices. Hence, it is crucial to get it right in the listing. Here, a common mistake businesses often make is inconsistency regarding the company’s name on different listing platforms. To avoid this, ensure that all your business listings have the right company name. 

2. Contact Information

Once you get the name right, the next thing to focus on is your contact information. Ensure to add your business phone number and email address in every listing. Avoid adding personal numbers, make sure the number works, and prepare for someone to always answer the calls. Adding your contact information helps customers reach out to you directly in case of any queries. 

3. Location 

Adding your location to your business listing enables people to reach your place of business easily. In a time where everyone uses GPS to navigate the world, adding your location to your listing can play a vital role in increasing foot traffic to your store, office, or restaurant. 

4. Website Link

Another critical piece of information that you must add to your business listing is your website’s link. Adding your website to your listing allows users to learn more about your business and its offerings specific to their needs.

Your website also plays a vital role in increasing the credibility of your business, as it helps visitors trust your business over the ones that don’t have a website in their listings. 

5. Business Operating Hours

A common mistake many business owners make with their business listings is not adding the operating hours. Leaving this information out can lead to disgruntled customers who may end up on the store’s doorstep at odd hours.

Additionally, adding information such as the days you are open and the timings of your business helps customers schedule their visit easily. Also, don’t forget to update this information during holidays or special events. 

6. Photographs

Businesses often overlook the pictures section of their listing due to various reasons. It can be something as simple as not having professional pictures or feeling they aren't important. 

However, you should never overlook the power of visuals. The human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. Adding images to your business listing will enrich them with information such as pictures of your establishment, products, services, and staff. 

You can also add videos that provide valuable information to the viewers and showcase your products and services in an appealing way. 

7. Reviews and Ratings

Reviews are the holy grail of word-of-mouth marketing in these times. Gone are the days when people would ask for personal recommendations from everyone they met. Now, people rely on reviews businesses have on credible platforms like Google and Yelp to determine the credibility of a business. 

Research states that over 49% of consumers trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends and family. It is clear that reviews highly influence the decision of consumers when it comes to your product or service, so ensure your listing contains some glowing, wonderful ones from satisfied customers. 

8. Product and Service Details

Another vital information you must add to your business listing is your product and service details. Ensure to add accurate and complete information about your product or service in your listing along with any helpful guides and use cases. 

For example, if you are running a restaurant, mention the dishes and the ingredients you will have on the menu. For a home services business, consider adding the details and price list of your services. Such information can help your customers understand more about your business and your products/services. 

9. Social Media Profiles

Adding your business's social media pages to your listing is another thing that you shouldn't miss out on. Social media profiles help your business stand out from other listings and offer an intimate view of your company from the outside in.

Adding your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter profile link can help your potential customers connect with your business individually and also become more attracted by your marketing efforts on the platforms. 

10. Mode of Payment

Lastly, a seemingly minor yet crucial detail you should add to your business is the mode of payment your business accepts. Whether it is cash, card, or online payments, ensure to add your preferred mode of payment to your listing. It will make things easier for consumers and help avoid any confusion or conflicts regarding payments. 

Why Should You Focus On Improving Your Business Listing?

Now that you know what you know what you should include in your listing, the next step is to focus on the why. Here’s why you should focus on improving your business listing:

1. Increased online visibility: Business listings can often be the first interaction a consumer has with your business. And unlike your business website, you can create multiple listings on various platforms that can increase the chances of your interactions.

2. Enhanced Local SEO: Business listings play a vital role in improving your local SEO efforts. By adding consistent and relevant information across your listings, you can ensure you show up in local searches relevant to your business. It also helps increase your online visibility.

3. Increased Brand Awareness: Another benefit of local listings is that they act as a valuable component in enhancing your brand value. They help increase the credibility and trust that your consumers place in your business. 

Are you Ready To Get Started With Your Business Listings?

By creating consistent business listings with all the relevant information, you can help your customers interact with your business in a meaningful way. Simply follow the tips in this blog, and you are all set to create your perfect business listing.

And if you need more help or professional advice, FX2 Digital is here to ensure your listings are just perfect. Contact us today to get started!