Small businesses leverage their online presence to compete against big and established brands within the area. For small business owners like you, getting listed on local business directories and mapping platforms help potential customers find you.

Online business directories also help improve your search rankings. With business listings optimized for search engine optimization (SEO), you can generate more traffic for your small business to prosper. 

Read on for the five benefits of listing your business on online directories and mapping platforms.

5 Essential Benefits of Listing Your Business on Major Map Platforms

 1. Become more discoverable

Online directories work by gathering listings from established business directories and publishing them online. The more directories list your business, the more discoverable it is. Make it a habit to review your contact information. An updated phone number, email address, business name, and description help customers find their way to you. 

 2. Drive traffic to your store and website

72% of people visit physical stores they discovered online. Mapping platforms link your store location to your website. This backlinking process drives traffic to your brick-and-mortar store and business website, generating potential leads and sales.

 3. Enhance your SEO

Only 64% of businesses use SEO to boost their online presence. Take this opportunity to optimize your business listings for a higher search ranking. With credible platforms like Google Maps backlinking to your website, you increase your chances of ranking higher on the results page of search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

 4. Build trust through customer reviews

Customer reviews lend prospective customers insight into the quality of products and services you offer. With 67% of individuals looking up reviews on local businesses before placing a purchase, map listings help you establish trust and work towards a phenomenal customer experience.

 5. Adopt a cost-effective marketing strategy

Budget for a good marketing strategy is the biggest challenge for small businesses to overcome. Fortunately, most local business directories help you connect with customers for free. 

Google My Business, for example, is an online directory where you can list your business for free. Boost your brand awareness and SEO through local listings, without spending money.

Best Online Business Directories

Google Maps

Google Maps leverages your business listing on Google My Business. Aside from providing your address and contact details, customers can receive directions and leave reviews.

Apple Maps

With nearly two billion active Apple devices, Apple Maps is another platform to put your business out there. Claim your location and input the right information for Apple and Siri users to find your business quickly.

Waze

With millions of users relying on Waze for directions and business locations. You will want to list your business on Waze, especially as the platform is preferred by smartphone users.

List Your Business on These Online Directories and Navigation Apps

Business directories and navigation apps give small businesses the opportunity to improve their online presence and attract prospective customers. Optimize your local listings with expert help from iMapping, a business listing management provider.