{"id":8035,"date":"2023-06-29T07:00:06","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T12:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.adviceinteractivegroup.com\/?p=5732"},"modified":"2023-06-29T07:00:06","modified_gmt":"2023-06-29T12:00:06","slug":"identifying-and-cleaning-up-your-local-business-listings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/blog\/identifying-and-cleaning-up-your-local-business-listings\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Identify and Clean Up Local Business Listings"},"content":{"rendered":"

In recent years, local presence has become critical for a business\u2019 success. As more consumers conduct searches before buying, listing management services<\/a> are necessary to maintain consistent and accurate data. And most established brands have a substantial online footprint \u2013 one that\u2019s not always easy to monitor. But with such high stakes involving outdated or incorrect information, cleaning up business listings is a necessity, not a luxury.<\/p>\n

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Why Accurate Business Listings Are so Important<\/h2>\n

When a potential customer searches for a business online, the information they find will affect the foundation of trust. Inaccurate listings can erode trust, as consumers can question the credibility of an organization that cannot properly manage its information. In addition, a bad address, outdated opening hours, or inaccurate product list will easily create a negative user experience.<\/p>\n

We know that Google uses business listings as one of the primary factors that determine local search rankings. Consistency in NAP (name, address and phone number) information across various platforms boosts your local SEO, helping you rank higher in search results. The existence of inaccurate data reflects poorly on search engines. Therefore, if Google cannot verify the information is correct, they will likely promote a competitor instead.<\/p>\n

How to Audit Business Listings<\/h2>\n

Our citation cleanup infographic<\/a> details the main steps in identifying inaccurate business listing data. Essentially, you can take a couple of quick actions to get started.<\/p>\n

Conduct a Manual Search<\/strong><\/p>\n

Start by searching for your client\u2019s brand on different search engines and record the information listed. Input NAP details separately to find instances of old or outdated business addresses or phone numbers.<\/p>\n

Utilize Listing Audit Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n

For a far quicker and more comprehensive look at business listings, try our free Online Visibility Report<\/a> tool. A search presents a snapshot of your client\u2019s local presence and will deliver key insights into their local visibility. Simply run a free check \u2013 our technology will do the hard work for you.<\/p>\n

The Tools Needed to Manage Business Listings<\/h2>\n

Google Business Profile<\/strong><\/p>\n

Google is the leader in local search, and the first choice for most consumers that are researching companies. Claiming and optimizing a Google Business Profile (GBP) gives business owners and their agency partners greater control over the information displayed on Google Search and Maps.<\/p>\n

Aggregator Submission Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n

Data aggregators like Localeze, Data Axle and Foursquare compile business information and distribute it to directories, local search platforms and other outlets. By distributing business data through a handful of publishers, you can ensure the information is correct.<\/p>\n

Listing Management Services<\/strong><\/p>\n

Advice Local helps agencies with the services they need to deliver for clients. Our listing management solution uses APIs and manual submissions to submit to the top directories, while our Data Amplifier Network distributes to data aggregators, amplifiers, GPS services and more. Also, our GBP Sync and Auto-Rejection tools help you maintain control of Google business listings.<\/p>\n

Strategies for Cleaning Up Business Listings<\/h2>\n