If you have a local business, such as a traditional brick and cement store, you will likely want to attract and serve customers local or near you.
Therefore, in this article, we are going to explain to you in detail one of the best ways to connect with local customers, which is local directories.
Once the content is out, you'll know how to get started, where to list your business, and how to run your “local” interface.
The best way to connect with local customers
For local businesses, local directories are a great way to connect with potential clients in their area. The first step is to create a list in those directories.
These online listings include your key information, such as your business name, or your address and phone number.
But remember that most local directories require your business to be headquartered, or service a particular region, to list it, so virtual businesses that don't meet customers directly usually decline.
So, what should you do first?
First, you need to specify the name of your business as you want it to appear everywhere on the Internet, your street address or the place where you receive mail, and your phone number.
Your business name sounds straightforward, doesn't it? But consistency is the key, which means that if the sign in front of your store says "Mike's Bikes", then you don't list them with that name in one directory, and list them as "Michael's bikes" in another directory.
As for the address, you'll need a physical address or location, as post office boxes and co-locations usually decline. And just like your business name, put your address in exactly the same way in each directory.
Finally, phone numbers must also be local, and include the area and country code, so you generally won't want to use a toll-free phone number.
In short: you have to have those three things - name, address, and phone number - to reach local customers.
Where to list local guides
Now that you know what to include, it's time to find out where to include it, there are plenty of guides online for you to choose from, but we'll start with the obvious.
First of all, you definitely want your business, and all these great local details, to appear on the most popular search engines, like Yahoo, Bing, and Google, all of which have local versions and local business listings available for you to use.
You should also explore the options in major local directories, social media and feedback sites. Some of these sites may be specialized in a specific industry.
Don't know how to find them? Simply, try searching for a business similar to yours to see where it shows up.
Each site has its own local listings and registration and proofing process, but most of them work the same way. When you sign up, you'll need to include these three main items—name, address, and phone number—as well as additional details about your business like opening hours, photos of all those nice bikes, and videos of your store, and anything else they allow you to include.
How to manage your "local" interface
You will probably be asked to choose one or more classifications to describe your business.
If you do not find one that matches your business, always try to pick the closest. Sometimes, evidence will ask you to prove that you are, in fact, the business owner, and this makes sense.
Don't forget that every guide is different, but most of them will verify you via several things, such as sending you a postcard with a special code, leaving you a voice or text message with a code, or sending an email with verification instructions.
Once your listing is approved, you will be able to update and manage your listing at any time, which means reviewing and changing details regularly as needed.
If you're listed on a set of directories - and you should - you'll want to keep track of what you got and where, perhaps by making a table.
You should always keep your local listings consistent and up-to-date, which means if your name, address, or phone number changes, you'll need to update all of those listings right away.
Summary
In short, you need to connect with your local customers, and that means leveraging local business listings for major search engines, creating profiles on business directory sites, review sites, and more.
Don't forget: being there gives you the best opportunities to connect with local customers.
See: How to Reach Local Customers Through Their Mobile