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In this era of mobile use, it’s more important than ever for business owners to ensure that their online data is updated and correct, because if it’s not, customers may not be able to find it, or worse, drive to the address given in the incorrect listing. But a recent study shows that almost half of online business listings are incorrect. The study shows that 43 percent of business addresses are incorrect or missing entirely from local business directories. In addition, 37 percent of the listings include a missing or incorrect name.
“The problem,” says a spokesman from FindUSLocal, a local business directory, “is that most website owners don’t understand the significance of outdated listings. If a business’ listings are incorrect, or even inconsistent, it will cause their search engine rankings to fall, and it may cause confusion among their potential customers. And all of that is bad for business”
Experts say that although fixing incorrect data on listings is crucial to a business’ online health, it isn’t easy. “Business owners need to make sure the name, address, and phone number on all business listings are the same, otherwise it will hurt their rankings.” The spokesman says that the first step is to conduct a Google search on the business name and city to get a look at all the local directories the business is listed on. Next, website owners will need to compare those results and highlight any inconsistencies. For instance, a business might be called ABC Business on some directories, but called ABC Business, Inc. on others. “It makes it easier if people keep a spreadsheet during the process,” the spokesman says. “That allows them to keep tabs on which local search directories they will need to contact in order to correct errors.” Next, business owners should search Google maps and make sure their information is listed correctly. If it’s not, they should click on “Report a problem,” and enter the correct information. Some directories may take weeks for the corrections to take place, other USA business directories such as FindUsLocal may update the corrections immediately, but it is still important to log actions on a spreadsheet and continue to check back while waiting for the changes to occur.
‘It’s important to note that simply creating a bunch of new directory listings won’t fix the problem,” says the spokesman. In addition to creating new accounts, which is always a good idea, business owners will also need to go through the correction process with the older listings.” says the FindUSLocal spokesman.
ABOUT FindUsLocal – FindUsLocal is an online USA business directory that provides free local business listings for USA businesses. Premier exposure for local business via GPS oriented results help local businesses get more of the customers that are in their local areas.
Release ID: 87996