If you operate a business and have begun utilizing social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter to spread the news, you are probably juggling many things. Claim your business listings, keep them updated, and respond to direct messages.
Claiming Your Business Listings
To manage your business listings is essential to creating a solid online presence. Not only can this help boost your search engine rankings, but it also helps you increase your brand’s visibility. You can claim your listings for free or hire a company to do it for you.
Whether you do it yourself or pay someone for it, claiming your business listings is a great way to increase your website’s traffic. Adding relevant keywords to your listings can drive more visitors to your site.
To begin claiming your listings, you must gather all the necessary information. It includes your business’s name, address, and phone number. In addition, you will need to add a description of your services, specials, and photos. Your social media URLs can also be included.
Claim your local listings on sites such as Yelp and Google. These listing websites make it easy for consumers to find local businesses. Many consumers search these sites to check out companies, so having a listing there is an excellent way to gain their trust.
Adding Categories
When creating a business listing on Google, you have several options. One of these is adding categories. These categories provide more detail about your business and allow you to customize your profile.
A wise rule of thumb is to add relevant categories to your company. However, there are cases when you want to use more than one. For example, add a secondary class for your restaurant. It allows you to refine your business listing on Google, such as adding menu items or changing your location.
The best way to choose the right category is to find out what your competitors are using. If you’re a law firm, you might opt for a classification relating to legal services. You could also choose a category that pertains to your business, such as Personal Injury Attorney.
Several tools can help you decide on the correct category for your business. One of these is the Google Places Category Tool. Another is the Essential Business Categories tool.
Responding Quickly and Courteously to Direct Messages
While a well-executed direct message is a rite of passage for many of the burgeoning breed of social media hounds, not all of us are fortunate enough to have access to a network as reliable as Facebook. Aside from a hefty dose of good ol’ fashioned self-education, you can do little to rake up the lion’s share of the prize above. Despite its shortcomings, Facebook is a fine place to hang out with your mates. With that said, you can bet your mates will only go to a swarm if you get in there soon. One of the most important lessons to learn is to always keep your wits about you.
Keeping Your Listings Up-to-date
Several websites on the Internet help you promote your business. Whether you want to drive traffic to your site or get more exposure, it is crucial to ensure that your business listings are accurate. A lack of accuracy can cost you, customers. The last thing you want is to lose business to competitors because of inaccurate information.
An automatic listings finder is one of the best ways to keep your listings up-to-date. This tool can collect your information from many sites and automatically check for inconsistencies. Inconsistencies can cause colossal confusion, driving traffic away from your website.
Business owners should also keep their operating hours and contact details updated. Many people looking for a business will start with a search engine. It is essential to have your NAP (name, address, and phone number) consistent throughout all of your listings. Make sure that you have the correct primary category selected as well.
Finally, it is essential to respond to customer reviews. Regardless of how positive or negative, feedback can be a valuable resource to your business. Your responses to these reviews show your customer service skills.
Outsourcing to a Team of Marketing Strategists
Outsourcing business listing management to a team of marketing strategists is one of many ways to do this task. The Internet is awash with options, ranging from self-hosted domains to services offered by third-party hosting providers. Some companies take the traditional route by hiring an in-house team, while others outsource every aspect of marketing, from advertising to search engine optimization. However, no matter how you slice it, outsourcing has advantages, ranging from organizational mobility to more thought diversity in a team.
One of the perks of outsourcing is that it allows businesses to test new ideas without investing too much in infrastructure. Companies can also explore new technologies to achieve the latest and greatest in SEO and social media. It’s important to note, however, that while it’s true that a company can outsource any aspect of marketing, the decision should be based on a firm’s specific needs and budget. Moreover, an excellent outsourced agency should be able to balance client input with the industry’s best practices.
