4.9
4.9/5

The 3 Ps of Complete Business Listings

Take Charge of Your Business Listings

The truth about your business listings is that they need to be complete in order for your business to compete. By having incomplete business listings, you are missing out on an opportunity to differentiate your business (see related blog post). Furthermore, you are not optimizing your business for local search due to three reasons. For one, your business’ information will lack the categorization that it needs. Secondly, by not listing your product offerings, your business will not come up in product-related searches. Lastly, if you have incomplete listings, web users might be able to fill in your missing information. On the other hand, the benefits of complete listings are proper categorization, product-related searches, and the avoidance of pitfalls related to consumer-generated information.

The rest of this article illustrates the power of complete business listings.

Proper categorization

Oftentimes, when we work with a new client, we see that their business listings lack proper categorization. For example, a plumbing company isn’t categorized in the “home services” category of a directory. Therefore, how can the business owner expect to show up on local searches for home services?

As you can see, listing your business is only half the battle. Properly building those listings out is what optimizes your business’ digital presence for local search.

Another important aspect of proper categorization is making sure that the category you choose is one in which you can compete effectively. For example, a restaurant owner who owns a quick-service restaurant that serves Bahn mi sandwiches could categorize his business in the sandwich, fast food, Vietnamese, or Asian fusion categories. However, the categories that the business owner should place his business in is a different story.

Therefore, every business owner needs to make a decision in which he or she determines the best categories in which to place his or her business.

As a reference, Yelp has a very long list of possible categories on its platform. Click here to see. The possibilities (and opportunities) are endless.

Product-related searches

The main objective of your business listings is most likely to come up in local searches. Therefore, it is important that you post and consistently update your product/service offerings in the online directories that your business listings reside.

Not only will listing your product/service offerings give a potential customer the ability to determine if he or she is the right fit for your business. Posting images of your products or services may be the extra push a web user needs to choose your business over your competitors.

Therefore, it is best practice to list all of your product/service offerings in a crawlable format.

From the perspective of search engines, your business listings will have your product/service offerings in its metadata.

As a result, when an individual searches for one of your products or services, your listing will come up.

To see our other blog article that outlines the importance of posting content in web crawlable format on your business’ listings, click here.

Pitfalls of Consumer-Generated Content

Your customer reviews and social media comments help your business. However, you do not want your customers to post any other information about your business.

One of the main issues is that many platforms allow users to make suggestions on information about a business.

For example, let’s say that your Yelp page does not have your operating hours. An individual with a Yelp account can make suggestions for your operating hours. If Yelp approves those hours, correct or not, it will be nearly impossible for you, as the business owner, to correct that information. The reason for this pitfall is that online directories, such as Yelp, Facebook and Google, value the opinion, input, and rights of the end-user above all. In this case, the end-user is a consumer.

How We Can Help

We, at TAPLocal, help business bring order to their, at times, chaotic digital footprint. 

To see your current online listings, click here to use our free online scan tool. For more articles like this one, visit our blog

Share This Article!

The 3 Ps of Complete Business Listings

Picture of Daniel Flynn

Daniel Flynn

Take Charge of Your Business Listings

The truth about your business listings is that they need to be complete in order for your business to compete. By having incomplete business listings, you are missing out on an opportunity to differentiate your business (see related blog post). Furthermore, you are not optimizing your business for local search due to three reasons. For one, your business’ information will lack the categorization that it needs. Secondly, by not listing your product offerings, your business will not come up in product-related searches. Lastly, if you have incomplete listings, web users might be able to fill in your missing information. On the other hand, the benefits of complete listings are proper categorization, product-related searches, and the avoidance of pitfalls related to consumer-generated information.

The rest of this article illustrates the power of complete business listings.

Proper categorization

Oftentimes, when we work with a new client, we see that their business listings lack proper categorization. For example, a plumbing company isn’t categorized in the “home services” category of a directory. Therefore, how can the business owner expect to show up on local searches for home services?

As you can see, listing your business is only half the battle. Properly building those listings out is what optimizes your business’ digital presence for local search.

Another important aspect of proper categorization is making sure that the category you choose is one in which you can compete effectively. For example, a restaurant owner who owns a quick-service restaurant that serves Bahn mi sandwiches could categorize his business in the sandwich, fast food, Vietnamese, or Asian fusion categories. However, the categories that the business owner should place his business in is a different story.

Therefore, every business owner needs to make a decision in which he or she determines the best categories in which to place his or her business.

As a reference, Yelp has a very long list of possible categories on its platform. Click here to see. The possibilities (and opportunities) are endless.

Product-related searches

The main objective of your business listings is most likely to come up in local searches. Therefore, it is important that you post and consistently update your product/service offerings in the online directories that your business listings reside.

Not only will listing your product/service offerings give a potential customer the ability to determine if he or she is the right fit for your business. Posting images of your products or services may be the extra push a web user needs to choose your business over your competitors.

Therefore, it is best practice to list all of your product/service offerings in a crawlable format.

From the perspective of search engines, your business listings will have your product/service offerings in its metadata.

As a result, when an individual searches for one of your products or services, your listing will come up.

To see our other blog article that outlines the importance of posting content in web crawlable format on your business’ listings, click here.

Pitfalls of Consumer-Generated Content

Your customer reviews and social media comments help your business. However, you do not want your customers to post any other information about your business.

One of the main issues is that many platforms allow users to make suggestions on information about a business.

For example, let’s say that your Yelp page does not have your operating hours. An individual with a Yelp account can make suggestions for your operating hours. If Yelp approves those hours, correct or not, it will be nearly impossible for you, as the business owner, to correct that information. The reason for this pitfall is that online directories, such as Yelp, Facebook and Google, value the opinion, input, and rights of the end-user above all. In this case, the end-user is a consumer.

How We Can Help

We, at TAPLocal, help business bring order to their, at times, chaotic digital footprint. 

To see your current online listings, click here to use our free online scan tool. For more articles like this one, visit our blog

Next Step?

The worst action is inaction! Our team is ready to find your next big move. Over 20 years of experience means we have the tools to get it done in your local market.

Share This Article!

Our Partner Network

  • 123local
  • 2findlocal
  • 8coupons
  • ABLocal
  • AllergyEats
  • AllMenus
  • AmericanTowns
  • AroundMe
  • Baidu
  • Banks.com
  • Brownbook.net
  • Central Index
  • ChamberofCommerce.com
  • CitySquares
  • CK Maps
  • Cylex
  • DexKnows
  • DoorDash
  • Dun & Bradstreet
  • eLocal
  • EZlocal
  • Find Open
  • Fliggy
  • GoLocal247
  • HERE
  • HolidayCheck
  • HostMe
  • HotFrog
  • iBegin
  • iGlobal
  • Insider Pages
  • Instagram
  • Local.com
  • LocalDatabase
  • LocalPages
  • LocalStack
  • Mafengwo
  • Mapstr
  • Menupix
  • MerchantCircle
  • My Local Services
  • n49
  • Navmii
  • NDrive
  • Opendi
  • OpenTable
  • Parent Day Out
  • Pitney Bowes
  • Pointcom
  • Postmates
  • Property Capsule
  • RetirementPlanning.net
  • SafeGraph
  • ShowMeLocal
  • Soleo
  • Superpages
  • tellows
  • TomTom
  • Top Rated Local
  • Trip.com
  • TripAdvisor
  • TrustPilot
  • Tupalo
  • Uber
  • Uber Eats
  • USCity.net
  • VotefortheBest
  • Waze
  • Where To?
  • WiserAdvisor
  • Yalwa
  • Yandex
  • YaSabe
  • YellowMoxie
  • YellowPageCity
  • YellowPagesDirectory

Want To See How You Show Up?

Tell Us Where To Send Your Report!

Run Your Free Business Report - Contact Info
Pop-up form preceding Yext Scan CTA, basic contact info

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Place Your Vision Online With Award-Winning Web Design!

Web Design - Scheduling

Set Up Your Free Account In Minutes

Make It Easier For Your Customers To Pay You!

Payments - Get Started

Set Up Your Free Account In A Matter Of Minutes

Customize Your Clover To Work The Way You Do!

Clover POS - Get Started

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Get More Positive Reviews With TAPLocal Review Management!

Review Generation - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Get A Full Tour Of Our Business Manager Dashboard!

Dashboard Demo - Scheduling

Our Packages Are Built With All Your Needs In Mind

Find Out Which Package Your Business Qualifies For!

Free Clover - Pricing

Clover POS Is The Perfect Business Companion

Find Out Which Device Is Best For Your Unique Needs!

Free Clover - Meet Clover

Pick A Time To Speak With Local Business Specialist

Claim Your Free Clover Today!

Free Clover Package - Scheduling

Create Your Free Account & Pick Your Package

Claim Your Free Clover Today!

Free Clover Package - Get Started

Want To See How You Show Up?

Tell Us About Your Business

Let's Get Started

Start Rewarding Your Customers Today!

Clover App Market - Restaurant Rewards
Pop-up form on Restaurant Rewards page

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Boost Your Business With An All In One Package!

All In One Packages - Scheduling
Pop-up form preceding All In One Packages scheduling

Ready To Boost Your Business?

Create Your Free Account To Claim Your Package!

All In One Packages - Standard

Ready To Boost Your Business?

Create Your Free Account To Claim Your Package!

All In One Packages - Builder

Ready To Boost Your Business?

Create Your Free Account To Claim Your Package!

All In One Packages - Starter

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Start Gaining Repeat Business From Your Customers Today!

Text Message Marketing - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Take Control Of How You Show Up Online Today!

Listings - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Starting Driving Hyper-Local Traffic To Your Website!

Listings - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Boost Your Facebook Ads With Hyper-Local Technology!

Facebook & Instagram - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Get Prime Exposure With Our Reach & Frequency Guarantee!

Facebook Awareness Ads - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Advertise On The World's Leading Search Engine!

Facebook Awareness Ads - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Find Out How TAPLocal Can Grow Your Business!

TAPLocal Appointment - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Get HOT Local Leads Delivered Directly To Your Phone!

Facebook Lead Ads - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Help Hungry Customers Find You When They Need To!

Listings For Food - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Drive Sales With Redeemable Offers On Facebook!

Facebook Offer Ads - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Simplify How Your Customers Pay You & Cut Processing Costs!

Payments - Scheduling

Pick A Time To Speak With A Local Business Expert

Simplify Your Day-To-Day With The Perfect Point Of Sale!

Clover POS - Scheduling

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How We Grew Our Client's Business With Stellar Web Design

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How To Leverage The Power of Text Message Marketing For Your Business!

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How We Helped Our Client Build Their Online Reputation & Get More Customers As A Result!

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How To Leverage Google Ads For Business Growth

Read A Client Success Story

Learn How To Leverage The Power of Facebook for Growth!

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How To Leverage The Power of Facebook Offer Ads for Growth!

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How To Leverage The Power of Facebook Lead Ads for Growth!

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How To Leverage The Power of Facebook Awareness Ads for Growth!

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How To Leverage The Power of Facebook Click Ads To Grow Your Business

Read A Client Success Story!

Learn How We Increased Our Client's Online Visibility & Got Him More Leads!

Get Your Web Design eBook!

Learn What Separates A Winning Website From The Losing Ones

Get Your Free SMS Marketing eBook!

Learn How To Turn New Purchases Into Your Most Loyal Customers

Get Your Reputation Management eBook!

Learn How To Build Your Online Reputation & Get More Paying Customers

Get Your Free Ebook Today

Learn How To Audit Your Merchant Statement And Cut Your Costs

Get Your Google Ads eBook!

Learn How To Convert Web Traffic Into Revenue

Get Your Facebook Ads eBook Today!

Learn How To Advertise On The World’s Biggest Stage

Can Google's Crawlers Understand Your Site?

Find Out If Your Website Has Schema Markup

Schema Markup - Contact Info
small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Payments Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Payments Consultation Awaits

Let's Create Your Free Account

Claim Your Free Clover Today!

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Your Free Local Marketing Consultation Awaits

Get Your Business Listings eBook!

Learn How To Get Found By Consumers Who Are Searching For A Product Or Service That You Offer