When it comes to local data, we expect nothing less than precision. But, are we getting it?
In the world today, we all want access to data and we want it fast. Nearly everyone carries at least one smart device, whether it be a smartphone, tablet, connected watch, etc. How helpful are these devices if the data they connect to is incorrect? Likely, not very useful. As a business owner, if your data is incorrect, it could be detrimental to your business.
There are many local search properties out on the internet. Some of the more popular sites include Google+, Yahoo, Mapquest, Yelp, Bing, Dexknows, SuperPages, etc. All of these properties scour the web to curate their data. Often times, if one of them has incorrect data, it is likely that many others do as well.
I find myself relying on local search data and my GPS nearly every week. I also find myself shaking my head in disbelief at how often this data is incorrect. This curated data is doing a disservice to many businesses that are not monitoring it.
You are most definitely losing business if you have incorrect local search data
Incorrect Address:
Do all of the local search networks have your address correct? If you have been in business for many years at the same location, it is more likely to be correct. If your business has EVER moved, the chances of it being correct everywhere is quite low. There is nothing more frustrating than trekking across the city only to realize the business is no longer located there.
Incorrect Hours:
When we want something, we want it now. If your hours are incorrect, you are losing out on business and frustrating customers who may go elsewhere when you ARE actually open, or drive to your store only to find that you are closed.
Incorrect Business Categories:
If you are not listed in the correct business categories you are not coming up as an option for a customer ready to spend money. Time and time again we see many businesses that are incorrectly categorized, including my personal favorite – a veterinarian hospital that was categorized as a campground. We’re still not sure how many people are searching for campgrounds when they are looking for a pet hospital.
There are more elements to local search than the three listed above, but these three are crucial to have correct across the local search networks. It is a very large undertaking for businesses that try to manually update their data. Truthfully, it is quite unrealistic to have someone on your team do this.
There is a better way!
There are companies that can help you solve the local search data problem. Some do just the basics on the most popular local listings sites and some offer services to take advantage of the technology and fully enhance your business listings across a much larger list of sites. With enhanced data you can add things such as:
- Keyword rich business description
- Special offer or call to action
- Photos and videos
- Products and services
- Menu
- Links to your website and social media
- Methods of payment
The advantages of adding this enhanced data is well worth it. Think of all of these local search sites as mini websites working to direct more qualified customers to your main website, store or office. Who doesn’t want more traffic?
If you would like a complimentary audit of your business listings, simply click here for more information: http://www.primeadvertising.com/capabilities/search-engine-social-media/local-search/
