When it comes to promoting your business online, a well-crafted business listing can be one of your most powerful tools. Whether you’re launching a new shop, expanding an existing service, or simply trying to get noticed in your local community, your business listing is often the first impression you make on potential customers. But simply filling in the basics isn’t enough—if you want real results, your listing needs to be complete, accurate, and compelling. Here are expert tips to help your business listing rise above the competition and start delivering real value.
Below are 10 tips for creating data rich business profiles.
1. Choose the Right Platforms
Not all business listing sites are created equal. Start by identifying the platforms most relevant to your business and your audience. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a must for nearly every business, but also consider:
- Wakewall (offering, reminders, notes and localized social platform for small businesses.)
- Yelp
- Facebook Business Pages
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
- Industry-specific directories (like TripAdvisor, Angie’s List, Houzz, etc.)
- Local chamber of commerce or city directories
List your business on the platforms your customers are most likely to use. Research where your competitors are, and make sure you have a presence there too. For more information, check out our other article here: Business Listings 101: What Every Small Business Should Know
2. Fill Out Every Detail—Completely
A partial listing looks sloppy and can hurt your credibility. Fill out every possible field on your chosen platforms, including:
- Business name (use your official, consistent name)
- Address (double-check for accuracy)
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Email address
- Hours of operation
- Payment methods
- Services or products offered
Pro tip: Consistency is key! Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are exactly the same across all listings. Even small discrepancies can hurt your search ranking and confuse customers.
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3. Craft a Compelling Description
Your business description is your opportunity to tell your story and set yourself apart. Don’t just say what you do—share what makes you unique, your mission, and how you help customers.
Tips for a great description:
- Be clear, concise, and authentic.
- Highlight what makes you different.
- Use keywords naturally, but don’t keyword-stuff.
- Address customer pain points or needs.
- End with a call to action (“Visit us today!” or “Contact us to learn more.”)
4. Use High-Quality Images
A picture is worth a thousand words, and this is especially true for business listings. Listings with photos get more views and more engagement than those without.
What to include:
- A high-resolution logo
- Pictures of your storefront, office, or workspace
- Product images or samples of your work
- Photos of staff (smiling faces build trust)
- Interior shots that show ambiance
Update your photos regularly to keep your listing fresh and inviting.
5. Keep Information Up to Date
Nothing frustrates customers more than finding out a business is closed when it says it’s open, or showing up to the wrong address. Regularly review your listings for accuracy and update them whenever:
- You change locations
- Your hours change (including holiday schedules)
- Your phone number or website changes
- You add or remove services
Set a reminder to check your listings every month, or whenever you make a change to your business.
6. Encourage and Manage Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important factors potential customers consider when choosing a business. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave honest reviews on your main listing platforms.
How to get reviews:
- Ask in person after a good experience.
- Send a follow-up email or text with a direct review link.
- Display signs or stickers encouraging reviews at your business.
- Offer gentle reminders on receipts or business cards.
Don’t forget to respond—thank customers for positive reviews and address negative feedback politely and promptly. This shows you care about customer satisfaction and are engaged with your community.
7. Utilize Special Features
Many business listing platforms offer special features to help you stand out. Take advantage of them!
- Google Business Profile lets you add posts, events, offers, and FAQs.
- Yelp allows you to highlight specials, respond to reviews, and add “call to action” buttons.
- Facebook enables direct messaging and event listings.
- Many platforms allow videos—use these to introduce your team, show your process, or spotlight new products.
Explore the options available on each platform, and use them to make your listing more dynamic and interactive.
8. Optimize for Local SEO
Your business listing isn’t just for humans—it’s for search engines, too. By optimizing for local SEO, you help more customers find you when they search for relevant terms.
How to boost your local SEO:
- Use local keywords in your description (“bakery in downtown Chicago”).
- Add a local phone number (not just a toll-free number).
- Get listed in local directories and community sites.
- Add a map location if possible.
- Encourage reviews with local keywords (“Best dry cleaner in Austin!”).
The more signals you send about your location and relevance, the better your chances of showing up in local searches.
9. Highlight Your Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Why should someone choose you over the competition? Make sure your listing communicates your unique selling points, such as:
- Fastest delivery times in town
- Eco-friendly products or practices
- Family-owned and operated
- 24/7 customer service
- Award-winning service
Mention your USPs prominently in your description and, if possible, in your headline or images.
10. Add Special Offers or Promotions
Give people a reason to try your business by promoting special deals or limited-time offers right in your listing.
Examples include:
- “20% off your first order”
- “Free consultation for new clients”
- “Buy one, get one free this weekend”
Special offers grab attention and can help turn curious browsers into paying customers.
11. Monitor Analytics and Insights
Most major platforms offer analytics tools that show how many people view your listing, call your business, or click through to your website. Use this data to refine your approach:
- Which photos get the most views?
- Are certain keywords attracting more searches?
- Which special features drive the most engagement?
By regularly reviewing your analytics, you can see what’s working and make informed adjustments for even better results.
12. Engage With Your Audience
Treat your business listing as a living, interactive tool—not just a static ad. Answer questions, reply to comments, and interact with potential customers. The more engaged you are, the more your business stands out.
On platforms like Google, people can ask public questions—answer them quickly and thoroughly. Respond to direct messages and encourage ongoing dialogue. Customers love to feel heard and valued, even before they walk in the door.
13. Cross-Promote Your Listing
Don’t wait for people to stumble across your listing—share it! Add links to your listings on your website, in your email signature, on social media, and in any online ads. The more places you promote your listing, the more traffic and attention you’ll generate.
Conclusion
A well-optimized business listing is a powerful marketing tool that works for you 24/7. By choosing the right platforms, filling out every detail, showcasing high-quality images, encouraging reviews, and engaging with your audience, you can set your business apart and attract more customers. Treat your listing as an ongoing project—review it regularly, keep it up to date, and look for new ways to make it even better.
The effort you put in now can pay off with more visibility, better credibility, and a steady stream of new customers. Invest time into your business listing, and watch it deliver real results for your business!
