What Makes a Great Business Listing?

This article asks: what makes a great business listing? Learn the simple ways you can improve your business listing to stand out in local search.

A great business listing has complete business information that is clear and accurate. This helps users find your business in local search results. A professional business listing builds trust and attracts more customers. It also improves your local search visibility.

Keeping your business information up to date across all listings is super important. It helps Google show your listing higher in search results, which leads to more traffic and more customers.

What Is a Business Listing?

A business listing shows your business details on the web. It tells people your business name, address, phone number, and what you do. This is key to helping people find you in local search.

Common places for business listings include:

• Search engines like Google
• Google maps
• Google business listing
• Directories for local businesses
• Social media platforms like Facebook
• Review sites such as Yelp and Trustpilot

A directory business listing includes your services, contact info, and photos. Having multiple, matching local business listings improves visibility and helps online searchers make informed decisions.

There are two main types of listings:

Free Listings – Good for small businesses starting out. They include basic business information.

Paid Listings – Appear higher in organic search results and may offer features like special offers.

Use a trusted local business listing service to ensure your listings are complete and correct across platforms.

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Why Business Listings Matter

Business listings are important because they help people find your business quickly and easily. Whether someone is searching for a shop, a plumber, a café, or any other service, a good listing makes sure your business shows up in the right place at the right time.

Helps Customers Find You

When people search, Google often shows local business listings at the top. If you create an optimised business profile, your listing can appear early in the results. This helps people connect with your business quickly.

Builds Trust and Credibility

Accurate and complete business information—like phone number, address, opening hours—builds trust. Local listing pages with good reviews, photos, and a cover photo appear more trustworthy.

Boosts Your Online Presence

Appearing on many listings with consistent details improves your online visibility. It helps you rank higher in organic search and appear in more relevant searches.

Encourages Customer Action

A good listing doesn’t just share information—it also helps people take action. A listing allows people to:

• Call your business
• Visit your site
• Get directions via Google maps
• Book appointments
• Leave reviews

These actions can lead to more visits, more sales, and more returning customers.

Gives You a Competitive Edge

A well-managed business business profile helps you stand out from competitors. If your business is active and updated, people are more likely to choose you.

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Clear and Correct Business Details

Make sure all your business details are correct and easy to read. This includes:

• Business name
• Address
• Phone number
• Website address
• Opening hours

Make sure all details are accurate information. Inconsistencies hurt your visibility and confuse customers.

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Using the Right Keywords

Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines when they’re looking for something. For example, someone looking for a plumber in Leeds might type “plumber near me” or “emergency plumber Leeds”.

Adding the right keywords to your business listing helps your business appear in search results when people are looking for the services you offer. It’s one of the best ways to get noticed online.

Why Keywords Matter

Keywords help search engines match your listing with a user’s search query. A keyword-rich description can help improve your ranking in Google search results.

Using keywords properly also makes your listing clearer and more helpful for customers. It tells them exactly what you do and where you are.

How to Choose the Right Keywords

Think about what potential customers type into search engines:

• What service or product do I offer?
• What area do I cover?
• What words would someone use to describe my business?

Here are some examples:

“Cake shop in Liverpool”

“Carpet cleaning service London”

“Affordable mobile phone repairs Manchester”

Include a mix of short keywords (“pet shop”) and longer ones (“friendly local pet shop in Birmingham”).

You can also look at what your competitors are doing. Check their listings to see what words they use.

Where to Use Keywords

Place keywords in your business profile description, services, and posts. Avoid keyword stuff, and always ensure it makes sense.

• Your business name or title (if allowed)
• The business description
• Your services or product list
• Any updates or special offers
• Image file names and captions (if possible)

Use them in a natural way—don’t repeat the same word too often. Make sure the listing still reads clearly and makes sense.

Keep It Local

Include your town, region, or postcode to attract local customers. For example, “restaurant in Manchester” or “plumber in Sheffield”.

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Adding Photos and Videos

Photos and videos help people see what your business looks like. A picture of your shop front, your team, or your products makes your listing more welcoming. Videos can give a tour of your business or show how something works. This builds trust with new customers.

Photos and videos show users your space, products, and services. Use:

• Cover photo
• Interior and exterior images
• Team photos
• Stock photos only if necessary
• Videos to highlight offerings

You can add photos and upload new images regularly to keep your local business listing fresh.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Happy customers can leave good reviews and give your business a high rating. This shows new people that others trust you. Ask your customers to leave reviews after they visit or buy something. Be polite when you reply to reviews, even if they are not all good.

Why Reviews and Ratings Matter

Online reviews help online searchers choose your business. A high rating and positive customer reviews help your listing appear higher in search engines.

How to Get More Reviews

You can ask your happy customers to leave a review. Most people are glad to help if you ask kindly. Here are some ways to do this:

• Ask in person after a sale or service
• Send a thank-you message with a review link
• Add a “Leave a review” button on your website or social media
• Include a small note on your receipts or invoices
• Make it as easy as possible for people to leave a review.

Respond to reviews, including the occasional negative review, politely

Responding to reviews builds trust and engagement. Make sure to respond to reviews promptly and post regularly.

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Keeping Information Up to Date

Keep your business profile updated. If your opening hours, address, or phone number change, update them right away.

Up-to-date listings improve accuracy and customer experience. This helps people avoid confusion and keeps your business looking professional.

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Choosing the Right Categories

Select a primary category that best fits your offerings. You can also choose additional categories. For example, if you run a restaurant, pick “Restaurant” as your main category and “Takeaway” as an additional one.

This helps people find you when they search for your type of business.

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Making the Most of Extra Features

Some listings offer extra tools, like:

• Booking buttons
• Maps and directions
• Chat or message options
• Special offers or updates

Use these features to give people more ways to connect with you. This can lead to more visits and more sales.

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