If you are an online marketer and your targeted audience is actually talking about your online business, it probably means that Bing and Google have basic details about your business. It could be where your visitors found you. However, don’t be fooled to think that auto-generated search engine listings are all accurate and complete. It is your responsibility to make sure that your local business listing is accurate. How do you get this done?

Claiming Your Listing

First, you have to claim your local business listing so that you can determine if there are any inconsistencies and mistakes made. In addition, you will be able to control what your audience sees as they search for your business locally. You will also be able to select the ideal images that describe your particular business. Let’s dig deeper.

The Search Engines

Now, it is time to think about which local business listing to place emphasis on. The major search engines are:

• Google
• Yahoo
• Bing

This is where you should start to inject your business, making sure that your searchers are able to easily find a physical address for your business and other fundamental information. Once you have targeted the major search engines, you should then go to the smaller local listings which are specific to not only your city, but surrounding cities and the industry. It is essential to claim those listings and populate them with accurate details of your business, which also includes local citations that are SEO specific. To get a head start on claiming major local business listing, here are some amazing tools and resources.

Yext

Yext is an interface and user-friendly service that allows you to do much more than adding your business name and physical address. It allows you to monitor your listings and tailor them specifically to the directories in which they appear.

Moz Local

Yext and Moz Local are similar with only a few differences within the directories. You put in your business details once and then the system claims your listing, allowing you to manage all other listings from a master local business listing.

Multiple Locations

If your business has multiple locations, it could quickly become duplicate listings, if you are not cautious. Therefore, make sure that you differentiate locations so that they all get the attention deserved when locally searched. For example, if you operated a law firm in multiple cities, but only one location deals with personal injury claims, there a few methods of drawing attention to the difference by using content. Create specific content about personal injury and make it specific to that location.

The Testimonial

You could also use client testimonials for each specific location. Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for email or letters, indicating their satisfaction for services provided. You could then use this as a testimonial on your website and local business listing.

Conclusion

On your website, be sure to include a detailed description of local driving directions. Use SEO keywords within the description so your searchers can find you. Claiming your business listing is a simple way to target local prospects.