If you’ve heard about Google’s latest algorithm update (Pigeon), or read our 5 SEO Predictions for 2015, then you’d know how important localized search results have become. In 2015, we will see mobile traffic surpass desktop traffic, so with that in mind, how can you make sure your business is found when someone is looking for your products and services on-the-go? Yep. Local listings.

What is a local listing?

Remember phonebooks? A local listing is like a digital phonebook anyone can access through search engines. There are literally thousands of sites out there that you can list your business name, address, phone number and more to help people find out who you are, where you’re located, and how to contact you. While having your site listed consistently and accurately across many of these sites and directories is helpful for search rankings, starting and maintaining your listings through the major search engines (Google, Yahoo!, Bing) is a must.

How do local listings work?

When someone starts a search query through a search engine, there are specific factors that affect the results of that search. More importantly for mobile, the proximity of a business address to the searcher is a factor of high importance to the search result. According to Moz’s 2014 Local Search Ranking Factors survey, Google’s My Business Signals (a local listing) holds significant weight in overall ranking factors.

How do I claim a local listing?

In order to avoid having your Google+ Profile hijacked, prove to search engines that you are who you say you are, and ensure local searchers can find you, here are the basic steps you can take to claim your local listing:

  1. Have a physical street address where you see your customers every day
  2. Make sure you have a local phone number that matches where your business is located
  3. Check the status of your listings using a free scan service like Yext or Moz Local to determine what you’re missing
  4. Go to each directory and follow the steps to fill out as much information about your business as you can (Claim your Google My Business listing here
  5. Prepare for a verification process which may be a phone call, postcard, or email requiring you to provide a pin number or verification password

This process can become time consuming, and with a little searching, you can find companies to help claim your local listings for you. When confused or in-doubt of your local listing strategy, always ask yourself this question: Will this help provide the best experience for my customers?

[bctt tweet=”Ask yourself, ‘Will this help provide the best experience for my customers?'”]

Read our tips for how to optimize your business for local search, and contact us today to get started.