A quick Google search of your business can reveal interesting results. One of the first things that may pop up is your online business listings. They include details about your services, location, hours of operations and contact information. These listings help customers find you, and they can secure your business identity in several important ways.
Help Customers Find You
Your small business grows as customers purchase the goods and services you offer. By participating in online listings, you help customers learn more about your business. If you don't claim your listings, you could lose potential customers to competitors, so claim all your listings, post pictures of your products and staff, update your hours, and make it easier for customers to find and get to know you.
Protect Your Brand
You've spent time developing your brand, and now you need to protect it. Claim your online listings before a competitor does and monitor them regularly to prevent unauthorized changes or misuse. Shady operators can claim listings and hold them for ransom, so early and ongoing control matters.
If your business operates online or from a storefront, consider Internet Businessowners Policy (iBOP) as part of a broader plan to manage risks that affect both reputation and operations.
Secure Your Reputation
Almost every business has disgruntled customers or former employees. Because anyone can edit some online listings, these people may change information on your listing. Secure your reputation when you:
- Claim all your online listings
- Protect the accounts with a secure password
- Check your online listings regularly
- Ensure the information remains correct
Include Helpful Reviews
Many customers want to know that you're a reputable business that meets or exceeds expectations. Reviews let prospective customers learn from others' experiences. Ask loyal customers to post positive reviews on your listings to build credibility.
Maximize Customer Service
Sometimes customers are not satisfied and turn to the internet to leave feedback. When you monitor your online business listings, you can reach out to unsatisfied customers and address complaints before they escalate. Your diligence could turn a skeptic into a loyal customer for life.
If your business is a public-facing internet operation, learn more about specialized coverages such as Internet Lounge Insurance (Cyber Café) to help protect physical and online customer interactions.
What to do Next
Now that you know how your online business listings help you, follow a few routine steps to keep them working in your favor.
- Claim all your online listings. Many are free.
- Secure each listing with a strong password to prevent unauthorized changes.
- Perform regular updates to ensure information remains correct.
- Add keywords that describe your business so search results stay relevant.
Online business listings can play a key role in your small business's success. Claim and update your listings regularly, and if you're unsure which steps to take next, talk to an agent who can help prioritize actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim an online business listing?
Visit the listing provider's site, search for your business, and follow their "claim this business" process to verify ownership and control the information.
What information should I include in my listings?
Include your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, and photos, and keep these details consistent across all listings.
How often should I check my listings?
Review your listings at least monthly and after any change to hours, location, contact details, or services to ensure accuracy.