Local listings are like light switches. Everyone knows where to find them and how to use them but not everyone knows their industry name or how they actually work.

We promise that you’ve used them before, at least as a consumer. Think about the last time you wanted to find a new, local restaurant. Where did you look? You probably went to one of the big web directories, like Google or Yelp, and typed in “burgers near me”. Usually, the first few search results will include a local listing or business listing.

Local listings contain information about your business, such as your company name, address, phone number, hours, and other data that is important to consumers.

But why do they matter?

Imagine that any and all potential customers on the internet are children. They are coming to the party (internet) looking for one thing, and one thing only... a sweet, sweet sugar rush.

Now, if the children represent potential customers, imagine that the products and companies they are searching for only come in two different varieties: piñatas and cakes.

With the piñata, the children don’t know what’s inside, it could be sweet or it could be toothbrushes. Someone blindfolds each child and spins them around so they are disoriented, and then a goofy uncle raises and lowers the piñata so that the kids don’t even know if they are in the right vicinity or completely lost.

The birthday cake, however, is a different story. All the children have done this before and know what to expect: the cake will be placed on the table, everyone can see it and will line up in order to get a slice. They will even ask “what flavor” or “can I have a corner piece?” It’s simple. They know what to expect, where to look, and how to find out if it’s exactly what they are searching for.

Online, your company is either a piñata or a birthday cake. At Kelley & Associates, we want to help you make sure that your business is easy to find when people are looking for it, stands out when people want something similar, and is simple to know exactly when and what your company does well. Let’s get your company looking like a birthday cake online.

It is very important to make sure your business’s online listings are set up correctly in a way that is beneficial to you and your potential customers. Did you know that if you haven’t created your own business listing certain web directories can and will create one for you, and the information they use could be completely incorrect or outdated? Or, that your online listings are also where people can look for and leave customer reviews? If you aren’t in control of your listings, then you aren’t able to manage the reviews and respond to any negative reviews in order to offer a fix for a bad experience.

Business listings, local listings, and customer reviews play a role in what is called your online reputation. Your company’s online reputation is directly related and relevant to how potential customers not only find you but also how they perceive your business. This is their first impression and the first step in their customer journey.

Controlling your business’s online listings can be the difference between capturing potential customers and inadvertently pushing them away.

Do you have your online listings claimed and configured for success?

Take control of your local listings and online reputation today. Reserve your Online Reputation and Listing consultation with Kelley & Associates.

Let’s Get Started.