Local Business Listing & Review Sites: Be Where Customers Search

People rarely stumble upon your business by chance. Today, most buyers won’t click past the first page on Google or TripAdvisor—or even go beyond the top 10 recommended local businesses they come across. 
In other words, it pays to be #1.
That said, trying to figure out search engine optimization is like trying to hit a moving target. Once you think you have everything figured out, the search engines tweak the rules. This means businesses must be on their toes and constantly fine-tuning their search strategy so they don’t miss their mark.
With so much to consider—from how to drive reviews to what third-party sites you should get your business on—it can feel impossible to know where to start. But we’re here to help. In this guide, you’ll learn how to: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Identify the right local business listings and review sites to focus on</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use reviews to get greater visibility online </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manage local SEO to rank higher and help customers find you</li>
</ul>
<h1>Introduction to Local SEO and Third-Party Business Listing Pages</h1>
You may know enough about SEO and third-party business listing pages, like Yelp and Google reviews, to recognize that they are no-brainers for growing your business. But how do they actually work and where should you get started? What’s really worth your valuable (and perhaps limited) time? 
Below, we’ve included the full lowdown to help you make the right choices for your business.
<h2>The Role of Search Engines in Finding Local Businesses</h2>
Starting with the basics, “SEO” stands for “search engine optimization.” Initially created to help people find information, products, businesses, etc. anywhere in the world, search engines are now focusing on bringing localized results to searchers. This means if a customer is searching for ice cream on Google, the search engine is likely to offer results that are local to the customer, like a mom-and-pop ice cream shop or their local supermarket.
Admittedly, there’s a lot to search engine algorithms, and the ins and outs can get tricky pretty quickly. But what you and your business need to know is that there are <a href="https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091">three key things</a> to understand about search engines and local search that can take your business to the top, no matter where you’re starting from: relevance, distance, and prominence.
<h3>Relevance</h3>
It comes as no surprise that a local searcher is much more likely to buy from a business that offers products relevant to what they’re looking for, within close proximity, with a great brand reputation (this is where getting <a href="https://www.podium.com/article/positive-reviews/">positive reviews</a> comes in!).
So back to our first example, if someone is looking for a frozen treat, Google won’t offer listings for the local hardware store; it’s not relevant to their search. This is why it’s important to include keywords on your website that clearly indicate which products and services you offer. The clearer your description is to the search engine, the better your odds of showing up on a list of relevant search results for the right potential buyers.
<h3>Distance</h3>
Just like most dating apps, how far away you are from a searcher matters too. Why? Search engines aim to offer relevant search results within the closest proximity to the person making the search because this increases the odds of success–needs being met, transactions taking place, and relationships being established. 
Having clear location information that is consistent across all of your platforms is crucial for search engines to accurately calculate your distance.
<h3>Prominence</h3>
A search engine like Google isn’t going to want to send searchers to a local business with terrible reviews or little online information. The better established your business is in <a href="https://www.podium.com/article/how-to-rank-for-near-me-searches/">prominence</a>, the more likely you are to show up in higher rankings. 
Prominence is a bit like a credit score in the sense that it isn’t totally clear how to establish it perfectly, and it’s built on a number of different parts like customer reviews, backlinks to your site, and more. Just know that the volume of online information about your business makes a huge difference, and <a href="https://www.podium.com/article/how-to-ask-for-reviews/">getting customer reviews</a> is about so much more than just a feel-good pat on the back. The more information your business has online, the better you’re likely to do in local search rankings.
So, if we look back out at our “ice cream/frozen treat” example, we can see how Google brings all of these elements together in a simple search: 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25793 size-full" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM.png" alt="Ice cream near me" width="985" height="688" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM.png 985w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-300x210.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-768x536.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-600x419.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-360x251.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-160x112.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-350x244.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-100x70.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.34.15-PM-491x343.png 491w" sizes="(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px" />
<h2>The Importance of Third-Party Local Business Listing Pages and Review Sites</h2>
As we mentioned, the more information you have online about your business, the better you’re likely to rank in search engine results. Having your business on third-party local business listing pages and review sites can make a big difference in the volume of information about your business online and establishing and managing your <a href="https://www.podium.com/article/driving-brand-recognition/">brand reputation</a>. 
Everyone knows that people are more likely to buy from brands they know and love. When shopping online, searchers don’t get to meet you and your team members or interact with your products in person. For potential customers, there might not be any initial connection with your brand that would cause them to choose your business over another. 
Local third-party business listing pages and review sites are just a few examples of <a href="https://www.podium.com/channels/">many tools</a> that can help bridge the gap and establish a connection in the minds of your potential customers. Online searchers want to feel confident that they’re going to receive a great product or experience from you. And they’re willing to do the work. 
In fact, around <a href="https://www.podium.com/guides/online-reviews/">half of consumers</a> are willing to pay more and travel farther to patronize businesses that have higher reviews. <a href="https://www.podium.com/guides/online-reviews/">65% of consumers</a> have read an online review in the last week, and <a href="https://www.podium.com/guides/online-reviews/">93%</a> say online reviews impact their buying decisions. Reading others’ reviews of your business can help them build this confidence, increasing the likelihood that they will become a customer themselves.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25801 size-full" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2.png" alt="Small business review stats" width="837" height="482" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2.png 837w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-300x173.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-768x442.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-600x346.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-360x207.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-160x92.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-350x202.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-100x58.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-Option-2-596x343.png 596w" sizes="(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px" />
Huge global brands tend to have well-established reputations that aren’t likely to be swayed by a few reviews. 
But for local businesses, <a href="https://www.podium.com/small-business-online-reviews/">every review matters</a>. Potential customers are more likely to trust your past customers about the quality of your business than your actual marketing. Having a profile on sites like Yelp, Nextdoor, or Google reviews gives your business an opportunity to showcase how customers experience your brand and encourage others to choose you.
A huge bonus of putting your business on third-party pages and review sites is the opportunity to interact with past and potential customers. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jhiFTJ0zA4&amp;list=PL6lM7yf_H9OBL45_juqAg_qHsU_2cOTB3&amp;index=5">78% of people</a> feel that a business cares more about them if they respond to a review, and happy customers tend to be repeat customers. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25802 size-full" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1.png" alt="responding to reviews stat" width="837" height="291" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1.png 837w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-300x104.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-768x267.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-600x209.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-360x125.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-160x56.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-350x122.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-100x35.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-1-720x250.png 720w" sizes="(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px" />
By reading reviews about your business, potential customers can learn why they should choose your business over a similar one in the area. They can essentially sell themselves on your products or services by reading about others’ great experiences with your business. 
Of course, every business experiences some negative feedback, both warranted and unwarranted. Having your business on a review site makes it easy for you to directly respond to negative reviews with thoughtful, kind responses that get your brand’s reputation back on track. You can demonstrate to your customer base that there are real people behind your business, and this humanization is likely to take you far and above your competitors.

<h1>Choosing the Right Local Business Listing Pages and Review Sites</h1>
Even if you’re long familiar with the process, choosing the right local business listing pages and review sites to invest your time and resources in can feel overwhelming. Some are free, some cost–some vet their leads, and some make you compete with other businesses for bids. 
The best strategy is to simply start with the big names, and then make your way down–working consistently to establish a wide-reaching local presence. In many cases, your online presence will overlap across various sites, creating a network of reviews that you will need to keep consistent in order to maintain the strength of your brand. 
<h2>Most Popular Local Business Listing and Review Sites</h2>
Reviews influence over <a href="https://www.podium.com/guides/online-reviews/">88% of consumers</a> in discovering local businesses, but not all sites are equally impactful. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25803 size-full" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1.png" alt="Reviews influence consumers stat" width="837" height="330" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1.png 837w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-300x118.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-768x303.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-600x237.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-360x142.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-160x63.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-350x138.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-100x39.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3-1-720x284.png 720w" sizes="(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px" />
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most influential local business listings and review sites to get you started. 
<h3>Google</h3>
It’s no secret that when it comes to managing multiple review sites, Google reviews should probably be your highest priority. This is due primarily to the direct effect Google reviews have on where you show up in Google search (the most <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2019/01/15/online-reviews-and-their-impact-on-the-bottom-line/?sh=19849e0b5bde">popular</a> search engine). If your average rating is consistently high and your reviews are recent, you’ll rank higher in relevant searches for businesses like yours. 
Considering that Google is typically the first place consumers begin their buying journey, even the smallest efforts to optimize your listing can make a big difference in the number of quality customers you’re able to attract. 
To take advantage of Google reviews, you must first <a href="https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778?hl=en-GB&amp;ref_topic=4854193">create</a> or <a href="https://support.google.com/business/answer/7107242?hl=en-GB&amp;ref_topic=4854193">verify</a> your Google Business Profile. You must also submit (or update, if your listing already exists) all relevant information about your business. Once you’ve claimed your business, you can update your listing periodically, engage with customers, and respond to reviews easily.
<h3>Yelp</h3>
What’s the second big name you think of when you need to know who makes the best tacos in Dallas? Yelp. Approximately <a href="https://blog.yelp.com/2019/10/study-shows-97-of-people-buy-from-local-businesses-they-discover-on-yelp">97% of people</a> patronize a local business that they first searched via Yelp. 
But with a world of Yelp listings to compete with, it takes more than simply posting your hours and services to catch the modern consumer’s eye. Your optimum Yelp listing will feature a business license (which allows you to appear as a verified business on the site), high-quality images, accurate pricing (and estimates, when necessary), and unique branding that sets you apart. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25794 size-large" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-1024x632.png" alt="branding example" width="640" height="395" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-1024x632.png 1024w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-300x185.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-768x474.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-600x370.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-360x222.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-160x99.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-350x216.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-100x62.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM-555x343.png 555w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.35.22-PM.png 1328w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" />
To optimize your listing, first claim your business. Then, you can update your information and start engaging with and responding to reviews. While customers primarily use Yelp to leave business <a href="https://www.podium.com/article/how-to-remove-yelp-reviews/">reviews</a>, they also use the site to set appointments, ask questions, or ask your business for quotes. As you’re probably aware, Yelp recommendation software is set up to be strictly voluntary.
 However, Yelp still provides <a href="https://www.yelp-support.com/article/What-are-Review-Badges?l=en_US">review badges</a> for your site, as well as <a href="https://www.yelp-support.com/article/How-do-I-embed-a-review-on-another-website?l=en_US">widgets</a> to display your top reviews on your social media pages and stickers that say: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-04M9tynIgZ2cxXTMzc0POU75uRXXmB01REqpcN1mmshXWQ/viewform">“Find Us On Yelp”</a> to direct the traffic online.

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<h3>Bing</h3>
Much like <a href="https://www.podium.com/guides/google-my-business-101/">Google Business Profile</a>, Bing Places for Business serves as an extensive and informative directory for local businesses. The best part? It’s free. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25795 size-full" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM.png" alt="florist on bing" width="783" height="830" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM.png 783w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-283x300.png 283w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-768x814.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-472x500.png 472w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-360x382.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-151x160.png 151w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-330x350.png 330w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-94x100.png 94w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.36.17-PM-324x343.png 324w" sizes="(max-width: 783px) 100vw, 783px" />
With a listing on Bing Places for Business, you can increase the visibility of your organization online and ensure accuracy of information. All of this empowers you to better maintain your reputation online and secure more leads without breaking your back. 
One of the serious advantages of Bing Places for Business is how much it can impact your SEO. By simply creating a strong, up-to-date listing on Bing, you can significantly increase your chances of getting found and earning more business across a wider variety of searches–appealing to a larger and more varied customer base.

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<h3>Apple Maps</h3>
Did you know that there are over <a href="https://www.demandsage.com/iphone-user-statistics/">1.2 billion</a> iPhone users in the world? Naturally, one of the best ways to reach them is through the app their device already has–Apple Maps. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25796 size-large" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-1024x503.png" alt="Apple Maps" width="640" height="314" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-1024x503.png 1024w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-300x147.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-768x377.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-600x295.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-360x177.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-160x79.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-350x172.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-100x49.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM-698x343.png 698w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.37.14-PM.png 1345w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" />
Of course, you probably already know that Apple Maps isn’t necessarily the most popular navigation app. You might not even use it. But, odds are that a fair amount of your customers use Apple Maps or at least switch between apps. Consequently, making sure you show up accurately on Apple Maps is taking the smarter approach–the omnichannel approach–which optimizes your chances for engagement, visibility, and awareness. 
Improving your Apple Maps listing is also a proactive move. The app is constantly improving and upgrading–implementing <a href="https://register.apple.com/messages">Business Chat</a> (which will allow customers to contact local businesses directly through the app), and other features that are leading to increasing adoption by consumers.

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<h3>Foursquare</h3>
<a href="http://business.foursquare.com/">Foursquare for Business</a> is one of the longest-established directory platforms, hosting listings for over 93% of storefronts with local channels. Over <a href="http://business.foursquare.com">50 million</a> people visit Foursquare to find the best businesses and then share what they love about them. And more likely than not, they’re already having a conversation about you. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-25797 size-large" src="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-1024x481.png" alt="foursquare" width="640" height="301" srcset="https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-1024x481.png 1024w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-300x141.png 300w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-768x361.png 768w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-600x282.png 600w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-360x169.png 360w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-160x75.png 160w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-350x164.png 350w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-100x47.png 100w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM-720x338.png 720w, https://cms.podium.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-08-at-3.38.34-PM.png 1340w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" />
Consequently, creating (or claiming) your listing empowers you to more effectively engage your target audience (especially those in your area, who are most likely to become customers) and manage your online reputation. Pro tip: As users share images and tips from their experiences with you, you can apply their feedback to make your customer experience even better. 
Foursquare for Business also helps your business directly by offering unique tools that can help you stand out in the crowd. You can appeal to customers through special offers, deals, and discounts on your listing. You’re also able to use the Foursquare for Business Tips tool to offer your customers insider tips and details about your organization.

Learn More 

Podium’s platform is a simple, streamlined suite of messaging tools that empowers you to take control of your reputation. Our <a href="https://www.podium.com/reviews/">Reviews</a> tool allows you to not only collect thousands of high-quality reviews from multiple review sites, but also effectively manage, respond to, and analyze your reviews from one easy-to-use dashboard. Features such as notifications when a negative review is written, review time stamps, and automation tools can all help you get to the top of your game–and stay there. 
Start gathering reviews for free today with <a href="https://www.podium.com/free-trial/">Podium</a>.

Local Business Listing & Review Sites: Be Where Customers Search

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