Listings for Local SEO
Your online business listing needs consistent NAP data, website, hours, and more across all major listing directories to rank well in search.
NAP data is essential for search engines to validate you as a credible local business.
The more accurate and consistent data about your business across the web, the more search engines will trust the company’s validity.
And the more the search engines trust the business, the higher they will rank in local SERPs (Search Engine Results Page).
According to Moz’s 2017 Local Search Ranking Factors survey, 13% of professionals list citation signals as the most crucial element in the Local Pack Ranking factor.
What’s in an Online Business Listing?
The information contained in business listings can vary across verticals and directories—but some critical pieces of information hold across them all.
NAP Data
The most crucial data held in a business listing is the NAP data—name, address, and phone number information. NAP data is critical for the online visibility of any business, and every listing source contains this information for the listed companies. Having correct NAP data ensures that consumers will find your business online and have accurate, up-to-date information on how to contact you.
NAP data is also vital for search engines like Google to display your business in geo-targeted searches. If someone is searching for “good seafood” in the Boston area, the local Boston seafood places with correct NAP data will appear. Of course, Google gives search ranking priority to businesses with accurate NAP data—how else are they supposed to tell where you are, what you do, and if you’re even a legitimate business?
The Stats
Consumers are looking for your business! What exactly are they looking for?
- 53% of mobile searchers are looking for directions
- 50% are looking for business addresses
Even though accurate NAP data is crucial, our data shows that many businesses fail this primary step into the listings world.
- 86% of businesses have either missing or incorrect company name information listed across all listings sources
- 72% of businesses have either missing or inaccurate address information listed across all listings sources
- 71% of businesses have either missing or incorrect phone number information listed across all listings sources
Data from the 140,000+ local companies in our system
Hours of Operation
One of the most important details about your business besides NAP data is the hours of operation. When consumers search for their business (or their goods/services), they have high purchase intent and are likely searching for an immediate need.
The consumer will likely visit a business after it is shown as “open” on their Google search.
If your business has no hours listed, the consumer must go out of their way to determine whether you’re open or closed from your website or phone call.
They’re inconvenienced by not knowing your business hours and upset for wasting time.
Let the negative reviews commence!
If your competitor has their business hours listed, they’ll likely capture that consumer.
People want their needs fulfilled—they’d be happy to spend their money at a business that has their hours correctly listed if they were coming in-store to make the purchase.
The Stats
- 73% of purchases that result from mobile searches happen within the same day, and most (63%) within a few hours
- 76% of consumers report that they expected hours of operation information when conducting a search
- Over 60% of consumers find that knowing the business hours helps them make their purchase decision
Consumers are often looking to make purchases the same day they’re searching, so make sure they know your store is open when they look!
Websites
Does your business have a central “hub” of information to direct users online?
Throw that website link into your business listings.
Consumers often travel from Google to a business website to get a feel for the business and learn more about its offerings. So, including a link to your website is essential.
The Stats
- 93% of businesses have either missing or incorrect website information listed across all listings sources
- Only 7% of companies have their website information correct across all listing sources
- Nearly half of small businesses don’t have a website (Clutch)
If a user can find your website, they’ll get a better impression of your business and likely have a more positive experience. With nearly half of small businesses not having a website, you can make your business stand out on the SERP by including your website data in the listing information.
Other Online Business Listing Information To Include
Depending on your business vertical, other pieces of information may be vital for you to include in their online business listings.
- Payment methods
- Services
- Brands
- Holiday hours
- Photos
- Social profiles
- And more!
The more information you include across all listing sources and directories, the easier it will be for consumers to find your business and purchase your products and/or services.
