Advice to List By

I'd love to write step-by-step procedures to list your local business everywhere on the web and tell you it can happen in 5 minutes! But, I'd be lying. Managing an online presence takes more than just 5 minutes and finding the right local listings can be annoying, at best. However, to get anyone started, below I have the very tip of the iceberg tutorials (most listings can be set up in less than ten minutes). Let's do a couple, for your business's sake and for the sake of people who desperately want to use your services and buy your products.

First, why should you take precious time from your busy day dealing with real customers to post your business on these listing sites? Because online presence is an integral part to new customers finding you AND getting repeat business from past customers. If they don't have your contact info and search for you, this is how they might find you again, remember they can also find your competitor here.

Second, what do you need before you follow some of these mini-tutorials? Get together pertinent info about your company, nothing complex but think about where you'd like your customers to call, how you'd like to appear on maps (not a PO Box), which company email address is most answered, and a brief bio. Try not to copy your website word-for-word.

This is an opportunity to introduce your company, get people to visit your site, then get them to buy from you. I borrowed some postings to help. Happy Listing!

No better place than LinkedIn to help you claim your business on Google. Actually, this was just my favorite, most succinct description for listing on Google Places.Get Started with Google Places | LinkedIn

Yelp's business review site and listings are great for learning more about businesses in your area, here's where Yelp wants you to start. 

Angie's List, which is a must even though I hear many businesses despise. As a user, I refuse to pay to learn what businesses are good near me. Not everyone feels that way or Angie's list wouldn't be thriving so...
Hello, this is Meranda from Angie’s List.

To list your business, you can go to www.angieslistbusinesscenter.com and click the green "Claim Your Business" button to provide your company’s contact information and services. You can also contact our Business Center at 1-866-843-5478 between 8:30 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Thanks, Meranda!