In our previous blog post, we showed you how you can improve your On-page SEO – this time we’ll be giving you tips for Off-page SEO.
Off-page SEO includes links from other sites and services, reviews,sharing content on social channels and brand mentions.
Ensuring your website is linked to map services, search engines, relevant social channels and business listing sites can help potential customers find you online as well as help build brand recognition.
Putting your business on the map
Google Maps is the default map app for Android devices. In order for your business to show up properly on Google Maps and in local search results you must have a verified Google Business profile. If a customer has left a review or added a photo, your business may already exist on Google Maps. If this is the case, you will need to claim the listing and verify that you own the business. Signing into the page linked above using the email address associated with your business will walk you through the process of either verifying or creating your Google Business profile. It is important to fill in every section on your profile and provide as much information as possible, including any social media channels used by your business, operating hours, services and images. Once your listing is verified, you will be able to post updates, events, and special offers to your Google Business listing.
Apple Maps is the default map app for iOS devices and adding your business requires an Apple Business Connect account. If you do not have an Apple account, the link above also provides the option to create one. Type the name of your business in the search box, if you do not see it click “add a missing place” on the page that follows, enter all of the details for your business and click next. On this page, you will be asked to verify ownership of the business – this requires you to choose a primary contact and allow Apple to place an automated call to your business and provide you with a four-digit code. Enter the code on the page and click done. Apple will review the data and if approved, your business will be added to Apple Maps. Once verified, you will be able to add business details and photos.
Bing Places for Business also offers a free online listing to help online customers discover your business. Type the name of your business into the Bing search page and you will see either claim an existing listing or add a new listing. You will need to log into your Microsoft account to claim or edit listings. Once verified, you will be given the option to sync your Bing Places for Business with your Google Business account, to automatically update changes, information and images from your Google Business listing.
Websites that offer business listings
Below are several reputable websites that offer a free basic listing for your business.
Helpful tips for your business listings
Ensure that your business name, address and phone number(NAP) are the exact same on all social channels and listing websites.
Create a comprehensive description for business listings to help potential customers understand your business. Highlight your company’s history and the products and services you offer.
Include a link to your website wherever possible, this is one of the greatest advantages of listing websites. Links to your website from reputable sites send local SEO signals to Google and other search engines,which can help boost your visibility in local search queries.
Make sure your information is accurate and up to date. If there are changes to your website, operating hours or services, be sure to update your listings accordingly.
.svg)