Owning a business is no small feat. Business owners juggle multiple tasks daily, ranging from finances to marketing and everything in between. For local businesses in Merrillville, one essential aspect of their marketing efforts is managing their online business listings.
The question is — should you handle this task yourself, or should you leave it up to a professional listings management agency in Merrillville, Indiana? We are going to discuss below.
What are local business listings?
Local business listings are essentially like modern-day yellow pages where your business information is displayed online for everyone to see. This is how customers find you on platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Bing Places. These listings often include your business name, address, phone number, website, and other relevant details.
Most people search online for local businesses, so having your business listed is not optional — it’s a necessity. These listings are often your first touchpoint with potential customers, making them crucial for leaving a good first impression.
The few perks of DIY business listing management
If you are considering handling your listings yourself, a couple of potential advantages that could make this option attractive.
First, there are cost savings. If you decide to manage your listings on your own, you will not be paying a listings management agency in Merrillville, Indiana.
Also, since you directly handle your listings, you will have total control over your online business representation. You can immediately make any required changes, whether you want to update your operating hours or phone number.
The many challenges of going solo
While the DIY route sounds great initially, there are some serious challenges to consider.
The first is the sheer time investment. Unlike setting up a social media profile, managing business listings is not a set-it-and-forget-it task. You’ll need to regularly update details, check for accuracy, and reply to reviews. And the more platforms your business is listed on, the more time it takes.
Furthermore, the importance of having the same details across all platforms cannot be understated. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) data across all platforms affects how you show up in search results. Even a small mistake, like a typo in your business address, can confuse customers and search engines.
You should also consider that as your business grows, so does the complexity of managing its online listings. New branches or added services only mean more listings to handle.
Lastly, there are technical challenges. Each listing platform has its own guidelines. You’ll need to know them inside out to get the full benefits of the platform.
Why you should hire a listings management agency
Given the challenges of DIY listing management, many businesses turn to professional services.
A professional listings management agency in Merrillville, Indiana will have in-depth knowledge of the different listing platforms. They can ensure that your business is listed accurately and consistently everywhere.
Handing over your listings management responsibility to an agency also frees up a significant amount of time, which you can use to focus on other areas of your business. Add to this the fact that agencies keep up with the latest trends, algorithms, and platform changes, ensuring your business remains competitive.
Moreover, as your business grows and scales, the agency will ensure your online presence grows with it. They can easily handle the increasing number of listings, ensuring every new location or added service is appropriately represented online.
DIY or hire a professional?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you are confident in your ability and have the time, and you really want to handle your listings, go for it. But if you want growth and a consistent online image without worrying about the nitty-gritty, hiring an agency might be the better choice.
Looking for a Listings Management Agency in Merrillville, Indiana?
Are you looking for a skilled marketing team that can help you make the most of your local business listings? If so, Digital Destination LLC is the agency to call. As the top-rated listings management agency in Merrillville, Indiana, we have what it takes to make sure your local business stands out from the crowd. Contact us today at (312) 933-6806 to schedule a free consultation.