Maximizing Your Online Presence: A Guide to Self-Managed Business Listings

A Foreword

Recent news about the potential breakup of Google by both the US federal government and the European Union due to monopoly laws serves as a critical reminder: businesses must take charge of their online presence. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it's more important than ever to ensure your business is accurately listed across various platforms. This guide will help you manage your online listings, ensuring your business remains visible and accessible to customers for free.

Inveniv’s Quick Guide to Self-Managed Business Listings

Managing your business’s online presence ensures accurate information is displayed across platforms, builds trust with your audience, and keeps your brand in control of its reputation. This guide will walk you through claiming and managing your listings on major platforms like Google, Apple, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and more.

Google Business Profile

1. Claim Your Business: Visit Google Business Profile to claim your listing.

2. Verify: Complete the verification process via phone, email, or postcard.

3. Optimize: Add photos, select categories, and encourage customer reviews to enhance visibility.

4. Inveniv’s Pro Tip: Google allows you to feature specific products and services within your profile. Taking advantage of this improves search rankings. In addition, you can re-post your blog articles to your business profile which can greatly impact visibility and engagement with your profile through out Google’s various platforms.

Apple Business Connect

1. Create an Account: Visit Apple Business Connect.

2. Verify: Authenticate your business using Apple’s guidelines.

3. Engage: Showcase offers, photos, and updates to stand out.

4. Inveniv’s Pro Tip: With millions of iPhone users out there using the default map feature on Apple devices, it may seem obvious to list your company with Apple. But the adaption rate for B2B organizations using this service is still quite low. Be a trailblazer and get listed. It’s free — and will help visitors and prospects find you more easily.

Microsoft Bing Places

1. Register: Visit Bing Places and create an account.

2. Claim Your Listing: Complete the verification process.

3. Synchronize Listings: Use Bing’s tools to sync your Google Business Profile for consistent information.

4. Inveniv’s Pro Tip: This is another service that’s undervalued. Microsoft’s platform is the system of choice for most (if not all) of our B2B clients. Bing is a built in feature on company laptops — getting listed on Bing Places is another easy action to gain visibilty across more search channels.

LinkedIn Company Page

1. Set Up Your Page: Create your company page on LinkedIn.

2. Engage Your Audience: Share updates, thought leadership content, and job postings.

3. Leverage Employee Advocacy: Encourage employees to share company posts to amplify reach.

4. Inveniv’s Pro Tip: Don’t forget about LinkedIn’s article feature. More people are hanging out longer on LinkedIn than ever before. Be sure to keep your profile updated with more than just announcements, but with thought leadership content too.

Wikipedia Page

1. Determine Notability: Ensure your business meets Wikipedia's notability criteria with verifiable, independent sources.

2. Draft Neutral Content: Write factual, unbiased content backed by reliable citations.

3. Create Your Page: Register a Wikipedia account and create your page following Wikipedia's guidelines.

4. Monitor for Accuracy: Wikipedia is publicly editable, so regularly check your page for accuracy and updates.

5. Start the process by reading this article on How to Create a Page on the Wikipedia website.

6. Inveniv’s Pro Tip: Wikipedia has become a widely accepted trusted source for vetted information. Many search and AI tools reference Wikipedia articles to create various summaries and models. If you can get an article posted to Wikipedia, you are in good company.

Other Platforms to Consider

• Yelp: Especially useful for businesses in the hospitality and service industries.

• Facebook: Manage your Facebook Page for direct customer engagement.

• Industry-Specific Directories: Identify niche platforms relevant to your sector.

Best Practices for Managing Listings

• Consistency is Key: Ensure details like business hours, contact info, and addresses are the same across all platforms.

• Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews build credibility.

• Update Regularly: Keep your listings fresh with new photos, promotions, and announcements.

• Monitor Analytics: Use platform tools to track performance and adjust your strategy.

Conclusion

By actively managing your online business listings, you ensure customers can find accurate information about your brand, building trust and enhancing visibility. Take charge of your online presence today and position your business for success.