A business’s listings or citations are helpful for your visibility in multiple ways: They allow potential customers to find more information about you—like location, phone number, your website, social media handles, and more.
Think of citations as points or pins of interest on the map of the internet, all directing people to your brand. Usually, these come from things like Google, Bing, Yellow Pages, Trip Advisor, etc. The key to success is consistency across all of these where you’re found or active.
Claim Your Online Listings or Citations
Claiming your business’s listings will ensure that you have direct control of your business’s data and avoid misinformation to the public by leaving the information up to chance. You can start by searching for your own business on popular platforms to see if your business appears in results.
Provide As Much Information in Your Citations as Possible
Each platform’s version of a “listing” or citation works differently; some may allow you to input information specific to your business’s social media handles, others may allow the use of uploaded media like pictures or logos, etc. These fine details are easily overlooked but crucial to correctly representing your business across all the platforms that you’re present on; “leave no stone unturned”!
Each online directory website functions a little differently, some may allow you to add unlimited pictures, while others only let you upload a logo. Some directories may require a description of over 200 characters, while some may not let you leave a description at all. When creating or updating online directory listings for your company, it is important to slow down a little and take the time to fill out your information fully and “leave no stone unturned” with the info that directory website will allow you to input.
Name, Address, and Phone Number (N.A.P.)
Despite the differences you’ll come across in setting up your business’s citations across various platforms, there are always at least 3 recurring information fields to commit to memory: Name, address, and phone number (N.A.P.).
Keep Customers Informed Through Citations
When updating your business’s listings, be mindful of seasonal or holiday-specific news or changes. This should be one of the go-to places to keep information accurate and up-to-date as in most cases, customers’ first touch point with your business is with a listing. For example: If you’re closed during the upcoming holiday, many platforms allow for “special hours” or holiday closures to keep your audience and signal that your business is active.
Contact Lure Creative today to learn more about your business’s online reputation and how we can help you manage your listings. You can also give us a call!
