Online presence · Important check
Put your business on Google and Bing local search
Create accurate local listings, choose the right coverage and keep names, addresses, opening times and contact details consistent.
What these listings do
Google Business Profile and Bing Places can help an eligible business appear when people search for a service or place nearby. They are especially useful for shops, offices and businesses that travel to customers. An online-only business may not qualify for a local profile, so check each platform's current rules before creating one.
Prepare one accurate set of details
Write down the public business name, main category, phone number, website, opening hours and a short factual description. Decide whether customers visit an address, the business travels to customers, or both. Do not show a private home address merely to improve visibility; follow the platform's service-area rules.
Set up the profiles
- Search first to make sure a profile does not already exist.
- Claim or create the listing using an account controlled by the business.
- Use the real-world name customers see rather than adding keywords to it.
- Choose the most specific honest primary category and only relevant secondary categories.
- Complete the verification process offered by the platform.
- Add useful photographs, services and hours without making claims you cannot support.
- Check that website links and phone numbers work on a mobile.
Keep it useful after launch
Update special hours, temporary closures, address changes and services promptly. Reply to genuine reviews calmly and never offer rewards for positive ratings. Keep the core name, address and phone details consistent across the website and other reputable directories. Duplicate or misleading profiles can confuse customers and create platform problems.
Measure what happens
Record calls, website visits, direction requests and enquiries where the platforms make those figures available. Ask new customers how they found the business. The aim is not simply more profile views; it is relevant enquiries from people the business can serve.
What complete looks like
The listing is verified where required, ownership and recovery access are safe, the service area is truthful and somebody is responsible for reviews, opening hours and quarterly accuracy checks.