Listings management is an important aspect of online marketing, with the listing itself being a core data component used by online directories, search engines, apps, and GPS navigation systems. The management of your online listings will determine if users receive the correct information needed to complete the last step of their purchasing journey: reaching your business and requesting a service or a product. However, due to the complexity of the various platforms and the way they use data, listings can often be displayed incorrectly or with inaccuracies. In this article, we’re going to cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the efficient management of listings and the ways to ensure they are consistent and accurate across most platforms.
How is local business data sourced in order to display an online listing?
Business directories and search engines will source data in different ways before they publish it. Some will take this data from several sources, including listing aggregators, government records, phone books, directory assistance files, and trade specific publications. Others will require data directly from the business when it registers within its system, such as Google My Business.
How does bad data reach online directories and search engines?
Search engines and online directories will start picking up and displaying inaccurate data because their sources become outdated. This generally happens if a business does not regularly update their contact information across their own listings. The publishers of this information try to gather their data from as many sources as possible, so if you’ve updated most of your listings, but not all, they will pick up on this and they may start to display inaccuracies.
How do we prevent the negative effects of bad data and duplicate online listings?
The first step to counteract the negative effects of bad listings is to spread good data on directories and other platforms. You’ll then want to work on eliminating the bad data itself. This can be done manually by searching for all the references to your business and requesting that they are updated. There is also a technique known as duplicate suppression, which will redirect all bad listings to accurate data. However, it’s important to note that this technique is only temporary. The ideal method is based on a deep cleansing process, which is usually performed by someone who specializes in online listings management. This process is automated and will search for bad data and replace it with relevant information.
How much of an impact do inaccurate online directory listings have?
Customers who find your business online through local search results rely on accurate data to contact you or visit your location. When they end up calling the wrong number, or reaching your business right after you’ve closed, you’ve not only lost a sale, but you’ve lost a possible long-term customer. This can have a tremendous negative impact on your business. Customers are much more likely to blame your business, rather than the listing directory or search engine for the inaccurate information. It is ultimately up to you to make sure that your customers have the right data.
Hiring a Milwaukee Online Listings Management Agency and Company
If your business has been online for a while, odds are that you have some bad listings that could cause you to miss out on new clients. Likewise, if you plan to establish an online presence for your store, you stand to lose customers if you do not promote healthy listings right away. In order to maximize your ROI for your online marketing spending, it is recommended that you hire a professional team to handle your online directory listings management in Milwaukee. This is where we come in. Contact us today, and one of our representatives will be able to provide you with a quote and more information on how to get the most out of your online listings.