17 Key Elements of a Great Local Business Listing

Did you know that nearly 46% of Google searches are for local information? Creating a local business listing helps people find you. However, merely putting your company name online isn't enough. To rank higher in organic search results, you need to optimize your local business listing.

The Essential Elements of Business Local Listings

No matter where you make your local listing, you must fill out a form with sections like:

1. Business Title/Name

Use your company's actual name. Make sure that it is formatted correctly and consistently across all business platforms, online and offline.

2. Physical Address

Provide your company's actual address. Postal boxes and virtual offices are not permissible. 

3. Local and Toll-free Numbers

Google prefers local area codes but allows toll-free numbers too. If you list a toll-free number, include it on your website and other citations too.

4. Website Address

Your listed URL must go directly to your company page, not to a third-party page or social profile. For multi-location and multi-practitioner companies, it's common to direct the business listing to the main website. 

5. Categories

Google categorization can affect ranking results, so choose wisely. Google recommends picking categories that aptly represent your business. For example, Madman Espresso is an artsy café and not a coffee shop.

6. Description

This section lets you highlight your business's most compelling features. Write a copy that has a natural tone and is not promotional or hyped. Forego or add minimal hyperlinks.

7. Tagline

This is the section for your company's tagline or slogan. Leave it blank if you don't have one.

8. Social Media Profiles

Many business listing platforms let you add your company's social profiles. Start with the social media sites where your company is most engaged.

9. Images

Images affect business listing click-through rates, so add as many HD photos as possible. Follow the picture size limits for each platform to keep your pictures from being taken down.

10. Additional Media

Some platforms let you post videos, menus, and links, which can increase sales and make the user experience better.

11. Other Phone Numbers

You can put the company's alternate phone numbers.

12. Fax Number

This is not a required section, but it's necessary if your business still uses a fax machine. 

13. Certifications

If your business relies on licenses or certifications, make sure to provide them here.

14. Brands Carried

Add the brands your company carries. This is particularly helpful for retail stores.

15. Accepted Payment Forms 

Many platforms allow you to choose payment methods ranging from cash to credit cards to digital wallets.

16. Attributes

This component is relatively new to the Google Business Profile. Attributes are micro details about your business, like "wheelchair accessible," "24/7," or "free delivery."

17. Other Fields 

Add the vital aspects of your company that you want to show off.

Boost Your Business's Local Listing Details

Get the details right, don't bury the lead, and complete each section. Stay on top of the local search listings with iSearch Engine. This way, customers who need your business can easily find you.