Review Business Listings For Accuracy, Consistency And Thoroughness
Your business details should be identical everywhere-same name, address, phone, and website. Inconsistent information confuses both Google and customers, which can hurt rankings. Review all listings at least quarterly. Use tools like BrightLocal or manual checks to ensure accuracy on major directories, social profiles, and local listings. Consistency is foundational for strong local SEO.
Apple Maps – Half Of Mobile Users May Be Missing Your Business
Apple Maps powers navigation for iPhones and Siri, so missing or incomplete listings can cost you traffic. If your business isn’t claimed, visit Apple Business Connect to create or verify your profile. Even if you’re already on Yelp (which feeds Apple Maps), make sure all details are accurate. A complete Apple Maps listing improves discoverability on iOS devices. You can set this up through https://businessconnect.apple.com/
Bing Places – Used By Ai Engines
Bing Places is Microsoft’s version of Google Business Profile and feeds results to Bing Search and voice assistants like Cortana and Alexa. Claiming your Bing listing is free and takes just a few minutes. This expands your online presence beyond Google and helps ensure that AI-driven search tools find and trust your business information. https://www.bingplaces.com/ and also https://www.bing.com/webmasters
Data Axle – Trusted Data Source For Many Other Platforms To Show Your Business
Data Axle is a major aggregator of business data. Many directories, GPS systems, and apps pull listings from Data Axle. If your information here is incomplete or incorrect, it spreads errors across dozens of sites. You can submit and verify your listing directly or use services like BrightLocal to manage it. Accurate data here strengthens your entire online footprint. https://local-listings.data-axle.com/search
Better Business Bureau-Google May Use Your BBB ID for Verification
A BBB profile adds credibility and can help resolve verification or suspension issues with Google Business Profile. Google sometimes requests a BBB link as proof that your business is legitimate. Ensure your BBB profile displays the correct business name, address, and contact details. Even if you’re not accredited, having an active listing can support trust and authority signals. https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus
Chamber & Other Business Organization Business Listings
Local Chambers of Commerce and professional associations often offer directory listings as a membership benefit. These can help validate your business to Google and customers alike. Make sure your listings include consistent NAP details (Name, Address, Phone) and a link to your website. Participating in respected organizations adds legitimacy and can improve local rankings over time.
Google Your Own Business And Update Listings To Be Consistent
At least every few months, search your business name and review all results on the first couple of pages. You might discover old profiles, outdated phone numbers, or incorrect addresses. Take time to claim and update any listings you find. This simple habit helps ensure all your citations align, which is critical for local SEO performance and customer trust.
Maintain & Verify Business Communication For Calls, Social Media Messages, Email And Text Messages
Keep all business communication channels-phone, email, texts, and social media-consistent and verifiable. Google may ask for a utility bill or phone bill showing your business name and address matching your profile. If you don’t have a landline, services like GoDaddy Conversations can provide a business phone number with the correct address on file to support verification requirements.