Local Online Directory Listings

Transcription

1 Local Online Directory Listings A HOW TO EBOOK FOR LISTING YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE Including Google+, Yelp, Yahoo, Bing, Foursquare, and 11 other directories and social networks Brought to you by Kick A Marketing Group 1

2 There are hundreds of online directories on the internet. These directories are designed to help users find info. They are also a great way to help businesses increase website traffic and search engine importance by providing high-quality backlinks to your website. 2

3 Getting your small business registered in the top online directories can result in: Increased website traffic Increased sales/revenue Increased SERP rankings More links to your website Greater brand recognition More interactions with customers The ability to share deals, promotions, press releases and other special events with customers 3

4 In order to get the most out of your company website, here are some of the top directories to list your company in: Google My Business Yahoo Local Bing Places Yelp Merchantcircle Yellow Pages.com Supepages Citysearch MapQuest Local.com Foursquare LinkedIn Angie s List.com Manta.com Kudzu BONUS! Facebook Fan Page 4

5 If you follow the steps, you can use this Ebook to get your business listed on a LOT of online directories. Don t get overwhelmed, just do one at a time. However, it can be very time consuming and quite overwhelming. So if you decide that you would rather have a professional do it for you, contact Kick A Marketing.

6 Google My Business Google My Business is a free local platform directory service provided by Google. It allows your business to appear on Google s maps and search engine result pages. Submit your business to Google My Business. Once there click on the Get on Google button. 6

7 Steps to Submitting Your Business on Google Step 1- Sign in to your Google account or create a new Google account. Step 2- Choose the category that fits to your company profile. 7

8 Step 3- Google will show your business location on its maps. If it doesn t find your business, you will need to create a basic business profile for Google Maps. 8

9 Step 4- Once you ve added your Google Map business info, Google will have to verify your business. You can choose to verify later by phone or postcard. Step 5- Once you receive your PIN number you can activate your Google My Business account on Google s Dashboard. Once you activate your Google My Company account, your customers will be able to find your company profile and locate your business on the map. 9

10 Yahoo Local Directory The Yahoo! Local Directory is one of the most popular search websites on the internet. Getting your business on Yahoo s Local Directory can increase your online presence. There is a charge to submit a website to the Yahoo Local Directory. Submit your business listing to Yahoo Local Directory and then hit the Get started now button. 10

11 Steps to Submitting a Directory Request to Yahoo Local Directories Step 1- Provide details about your business. Step 2- Choose a payment plan and click Continue. You will have to create a Yahoo account. Then review your payment information. 11

12 Step 3- Once your business information is listed, you will be asked to type in the verification code. Step 4- Agree to the Terms of Service. Step 5- Click Submit Information. You will receive a verification code by phone call, text message or mail when your listing is live. 12

13 Bing Places Directory Go to Bing Places to list your business. Step 1- To claim your business listing click on the Get Started icon. 13

14 Step 2- Fill in the information to find your business listing. Then Click Search. Step 3- If you don t have a business listing on Bing Places, then you ll have to create it. Click on the Create new business icon. You may have to log in with or create a Microsoft account. 14

15 Step 4- Add your information. Then click Submit. business 15

16 Step 5- Choose to verify your business listing by voice or by mail. Then click Verify. You will now be directed to Bing s dashboard. From here you can add company info. 16

17 Yelp Yelp also provides a place for customers to share reviews of businesses. Go to Yelp and then click on the Sign Up icon. Step 1- On the Yelp sign-up page, fill out your business info and then Yelp will check to see if any info about your business is found. 17

18 Steps to Sign Up for the Yelp Directory Step 2- If your business is not listed, you can click on the Add Your Business button. You can then fill out your business information and add your address. Step 3- Yelp will send an verification to you. 18

19 Step 4- Your business has now been added to Yelp, but you will have to wait until the Yelp Customer Service Team has reviewed your site. Once that is complete, you will receive an with information about your listing. 19

20 Merchant Circle MerchantCircle is a social network for businesses. It helps local businesses gain more online exposure and connect with customers and other local businesses. Businesses who use Merchant Circle can: Create an online listing for their business Show up in search engines Find out what is being said about their business and monitor their reputation Use the wizard to advertise on Google and Yahoo Gather customer referrals Merchant Circle is free to join. To Join Merchantcircle go to: Merchant Circle s sign up page and click on the Join Now button. Then click on Get Started. 20

21 Steps to Add Your Business Listing to Merchant Circle Step 1- Create a new account by filling out your name and . Then click Create my account. 21

22 Step 2- Add your name, contact information, phone and business category. Then click on the Add my Business button. Provide relevant business information and specify payments that your company accepts. Click on Continue button.

23 Next, you ll be offered some member specials. You ll be able to view these offers later from your dashboard. Click on the Continue button. 23

24 You will find an upgrade offer that you can skip by clicking below No, Skip I m fine with my listing page being only a portion of what it COULD BE. Step 3 confirmation. You will receive an with a confirmation link. 24

25 Step 4- Set up your business profile. Be as detailed as possible as this can help your search engine rankings. Choose your business categories, add a description and hours, add photos and coupons, then post a blog and newsletter. The Profile Setup bar should be close to 100%. Click Continue when your profile is complete. 25

26 Your Merchant Circle listing is now set up. Update and change your business info from the dashboard. Once your listing is set up, you can connect with other businesses that are on Merchant Circle. 26

27 YellowPages.com or YP.com Yellow Pages.com is an online version of the classic phone book directory. Registering your business with YellowPages.com allows your business to be easily found on a search directory that is used by a large number of consumers. To begin advertising your business on Yellow Pages.com go to Yellow Pages and click on the Let s Do This button. 27

28 Steps for Signing Up with Yellow Pages.com Step 1- On the Advertise with Us page click on Get Your Free Listing. 28

29 Step 2- Enter your business information. Then Click Continue. 29

30 Step 4- Fill in the Sign Up for Online Account Services box and click Sign Me Up. 30

31 Step 5- Choose a verification process. You can choose to verify by phone or credit card or debit card authorization. Once your website and business information has been verified you can manage your business profile and update your listing. 31

32 Superpages Superpages allows you to create a free online listing that works to connect your business with your customers. Supermedia or Superpages offer a range of directories. To get started go to Super Pages and click on the Add Your FREE Listing button. 32

33 Steps to Setting up a Business Profile/Account on Superpages Step 1- Enter your phone number. Then Click the Find my business icon. Step 2- Find your business s listing and click Select. Step 3- If your business is not already listed, click on the Select icon from Add your Business field. Then you can Claim your business listing and add your information. 33

34 Step 4- Add your business categories. Step 5- Create an online account. Then Click Continue. 34

35 Step 6- Agree to the Terms and Conditions. Step 7- You will then receive a confirmation . Follow the instructions to confirm. Your listing will then be updated. 35

36 Citysearch Citysearch offers its users information about businesses in different cities. It provides contact information, local maps, directions and reviews. To register go to Citysearch. Step 1- Fill in your business name and city or zip code. Then click Find My Business. 36

37 Steps for Signing Up with Citysearch Step 2- Choose your business listing and click on Claim This Business. Step 3- Create an account and then click on Claim Today.

38 Step 4- Follow the instructions to verify your business, then agree to the Terms and Conditions. Then click Submit. Your business will then be claimed on Citysearch. 38

39 MapQuest MapQuest is an online mapping and driving directions website. MapQuest can help your business get found online and will make it easy for prospects and customers to find your location. To claim your listing, go MapQuest s business listings home page. 39

40 Steps to Getting Your Business Listing on MapQuest Step 1- Enter your business information, including location, phone number and number of locations. Then click on Continue. 40

41 Step 2- Choose which payment plan you want to use and click on Pick Plan. 41

42 Step 3- Fill out your contact information and billing information. Then click Place Your Order. Once your order has been processed, your listing will go live on MapQuest. You will receive a confirmation that will provide info on how to edit and view your listing. 42

43 Local.com is another locally based online directory. Local.com helps customers find local businesses as well as deals and advertisements. Go to Local.com. Then click on Advertise with Us. 43

44 Steps to Listing Your Business on Local.com Step 1- Fill in your business information and click the Get Started icon. 44

45 Step 2- Fill out your business listing information. Step 3- Create your business profile page including your primary category and tagline. 45

46 Step 4- You will be asked to search for keywords. Type in a keyword that relates to your business and the site will automatically locate relevant keywords. Step 5- Confirm your business information. Then create a password for your username. Click on Confirm Listing. 46

47 Step 6- Your Local.com business listing has now been submitted. You can also choose to upgrade your listing options by selecting the Upgrade to Premium Business Listing icon. Once your business listing is complete you can upgrade to list more photos, videos and special links. 47

48 Foursquare is an online social directory for mobile devices. It allows users to locate venues and businesses from their mobile device. Go to Foursquare to get started. 48

49 Steps to Setting Up a Foursquare Account Step 1- Fill in the required information to sign up with Foursquare. Then Click Sign Up. 49

50 Step 2- Perform a search for your business. Click on your business listing then scroll down. Step 3- Under Is this your business?, click the Claim it now icon. 50

51 Step 4 - Click the box that says you Agree to the Venue Platform Terms of Use. Then Click Get Started. Step 5- Enter your phone number for verification. Then Click Continue. Step 6- You will receive a phone call. Enter the code when prompted. Then Click Continue. Once your business is verified, you can edit your business profile. 51

52 LinkedIn LinkedIn is a great business online networking site. It allows business professionals to interact with one another and create connections. To set up a LinkedIn profile go to LinkedIn. Click on Join Now. 52

53 Steps to Creating Your Own LinkedIn Profile Step 1- Fill in the required information to start creating your profile. Then click Create my profile. Step 2- LinkedIn will ask if you want to search for other members that you already know. You can click on Skip this step to continue creating your profile. 53

54 Step 3- LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your address. 54

55 Step 4- Now your LinkedIn profile is set-up. You can now choose to share your new profile with other social networks or click on Skip this step. 55

56 Once your LinkedIn profile is set up you can choose to upgrade to to a premium plan. The basic LinkedIn plan is free. 56

57 Angie s List Angie s List is an online site that allows consumers to provide reviews of local businesses. To ensure that all reviews are accurate, Angie s List requires that all users register and pay to use the site. Setting up your business on Angie s List allows it to be easily found and lets you take advantage of positive reviews from your customers. This is a free service. To get started go to the Angie s List Business Center And click Claim your business profile. 57

58 Step 1- Perform a search for your company by typing in your business name and zip code. Then Click Search. Steps to Registering with Angie s List Step 2- Select your business if you find it or Add Company. 58

59 Step 3- Fill in your company s information and Click Continue. Step 4- Set up your account, check the confirmation box and Click Submit. 59

60 Your Angie s List Company Profile is now step up. You can update your profile s information at any time. 60

61 Manta.com Manta.com is a large online community for promoting small businesses. To get started, go to Manta.com. Then Click on the Add your business icon. 61

62 Step 1- Fill in your business name, country, address, zip code and your contact details. Then click on Add my Company. Step 2- Fill in your personal information for your new Manta account. You can enable or disable receiving newsletters by checking or unchecking the box above the Join Manta button. After this click on Join Manta button. 62

63 Step 3- Your business will NOT be verified until you call the number provided and insert the verification code you are given. Once this step is complete, your business listing will be up. 63

64 Step 4- Your profile will be set up. Click the Edit icons to make changes. 64

65 Step 6- Continue to add to your company profile and try to get to 100%. You can add your contact info, business hours, and an About Us section. Post updates to keep your customers informed. Build a showcase of your products or services. You can add your social media sites. 65

66 Once your Manta page is set up, use the business dashboard to add or change your company info. Preview your listing by clicking the Preview button. You can also track how many viewers your listing gets through the Stats icon. 66

67 Kudzu Kudzu is an online business directory that aggregates ratings and reviews. Register your business on Kudzu. 67

68 Step 1- Click on the Get Listed icon under the Article and What it costs categories from menu. Step 2- You will have a choice between an Enhanced Profile (paid) or a free Basic Profile. Choose a profile and click Get Started. 68

69 Step 3- Create your user name, select a password and choose a security question. Then click Continue. Step 4- Add your business information. Then click Continue. 69

70 Step 5- Choose a category, sub-category and occupation for your business. Then click Continue. Step 6- Add specialty services if appropriate. Then click Continue. 70

71 Step 7- Next review your company s profile info. Step 8- Click the Accept Terms icon and then click Publish. Step 9- You will need to confirm your listing from your account. Just follow the instructions. 71

72 Your business s Kudzu listing is now confirmed and will appear on the website in about 48 hours. 72

73 You can interact with clients and prospects with a Facebook Business Page. Bonus Section Facebook Fan Page 73

74 Steps to Creating a Fan Page for your BusinessBusiness Step 1- You will start by first creating a personal profile, if you don t already have one. Facebook will ask you to connect with your friends, but you can skip this step. Step 2- Fill out the personal profile information or skip information you do not want to appear online. 74

75 Step 3- Upload a profile picture. Step 4- Facebook will ask you to verify the address that you provided. Open your and click Agree. 75

76 Step 5- You have now created a Facebook personal profile and have a Facebook account. Step 6- On your profile page click on the Create a Page icon at the bottom of the screen to begin creating your company s Facebook Page. 76

77 Step 7- Choose what type of Page you want to create - local business, company, brand, etc. Step 8- Then fill out the information. This includes the business name, location and category. Click the box to agree to the Facebook Pages Terms. 77

78 Step 9- Fill in the security check and click Submit. Step 10- Upload or import photos for your Page. 78

79 Step 11- Invite friends and contacts to like your page. Please note that Facebook changes their policy on inviting people to like your page. So make sure you are versed in the latest Facebook news. Then add your website s URL address and a company description. 79

80 Your Facebook Business Page is now set up. 80

81 Summary Free Services or Paid Services? Google Places- Free Yahoo Local- Paid Bing Places- Free Yelp- Free Merchantcircle-Free with paid plans available Yellow Pages.com- Free Superpages- Free Citysearch- Free MapQuest- Paid Local.com- Free Foursquare-Free LinkedIn- Free Angie s List.com- Free to claim a business Manta.com- Free Kudzu- Free BONUS! Facebook Page- Free 81

82 Need Help? Contact Kick A Jo Guerra, owner of Kick A Marketing Group makes sure your business Kicks A. With today s highly competitive internet, you must have the best online tools to capture leads and tell your story - no excuses. Kick A gets the heart of your story out, helps you look great online,and keeps you in front of your customers and prospects - so they don t go to your competition! Get a FREE marketing review. Kick A Marketing Group Web Design & Development Branding Blogging Copywriting Newsletters YouTube Specialist KickAMarketing.com Marketing Like the Big Brands 82