Optimizing your profiles for directory listings is absolutely crucial for boosting your online presence. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for attracting new customers and growing your business. What’s one of the best ways to do that? Making sure your business is listed accurately and effectively across various online directories. Whether it’s Google My Business, Yelp, or industry-specific directories, having a well-optimized profile can make all the difference in helping potential customers find and choose your business. So, if you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level, let’s dive into some top tips for optimizing your directory listings!
Get All the Facts Right
It may seem basic or like a “yeah, no-duh” kind of advice, but making sure your online directories all have the correct and up to date contact information, hours of operation, and service area(s) listed is the first way to help your potential customers reach you quickly and easily, ensuring a smooth customer journey. This includes:
- Name of the Business (if you have a ficitious name registered, this may be what you list instead of your legal name)
- Address (if applicable, exclusively e-commerce stores or virtual offices may be exempt)
- Phone Number
- Website
- Social Media Profiles
- Email (we suggest having an alias set-up to help keep your personal email less accessible to spammers and scamers)
- Hours of Operation, including Holiday Hours
- Accessibility information
- List of Services or Products (if applicable)
Unique Selling Proposition
Do you sell tiki drinks in the middle of the mountains? Only serve families of kids with special needs? Making sure you share your unique value in your bio is another key ingredient to customers finding you. Be sure to include keywords you want to be found by in your description in a way that seems natural. Nothing looks fishier than an about section that looks like it was written by a robot!
Not sure how to differentiate yourself from your competition, consider working with a marketing professional to evaluate and develop a clear unique selling proposition (USP) to help you stand out in a crowded or noisy marketplace. We offer brand development and copywriting services. Learn more by contacting us here.
Upload Rich Media Assets
In other words, show off your brand with the best photos and video you have! People want to see what they should expect if they come shop, dine, or hire you. It’s important to take high quality photos or video to showcase the best side(s) of your business and brand. The following is a list of recommended photos to add for your business:
Photos & Video to include for Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shop & Tasting Room profiles:
- Front Entrance & Exterior Signage – how will someone know it’s your front door?
- Host/Hostess Stand – where should someone look to get a table or seat?
- Menu(s) – what could someone expect to order from you?
- Tables & Seating – are the tables high or low, is seating soft or firm? would someone in a wheelchair or with special needs be comfortable?
- Bar & Special Equipment – show off those top shelf bottles or the fancy espresso maker to catch the eye of your ideal customers!
- Food, Drinks, Desserts, & Specialty Items – what will your patrons expect when their order arrives at their table or their name gets called out?
Photos & Video to include for Service Based Business profiles:
- Before and Afters – have a dramatic transformation? show it off!
- Behind the Scenes – show your team in action
- Vehicles & Uniforms – how will someone know the person who shows up on their doorstep is actually you?
- Equipment – what tools or specialty equipment help you get the job done quickly and safely?
- Example Customers – if you have permission and won’t violate privacy (house numbers, vehicle license plates), you can share photos of happy customers to show the types of customers you help
Reviews & Testimonials
Round out your online profile with authentic 5 star reviews and testimonials from your past customers. Setting up systems for asking for reviews can increase your social proof. Just take a look at what we did with Black & Gold Auctions!
Ready to Upgrade Your Online Profiles?
Contact us today for a free brand audit and we’ll help you optimize your online directory profiles. Start by scheduling a discovery call here or contacting us with your questions.