Practical Exercise: Submit Your Business to 3 Online Directories

One of the most effective ways to improve your local SEO and increase your online visibility is by listing your business in reputable online directories. This practical exercise will guide you through the process of submitting your real estate business to three essential online directories: Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places for Business.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Business Information

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary information about your business. This includes:

  • Business Name

  • Address (Use your standardized NAP format)

  • Phone Number

  • Website URL

  • Business Hours

  • Business Description (including relevant keywords)

  • High-quality images (logo, office, team, properties)

Step 2: Submit to Google My Business

  1. Visit Google My Business:

  2. Sign In:

    • Sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, create a new account.

  3. Add Your Business:

    • Click on the “Manage now” button and enter your business name.

    • If your business appears in the drop-down list, select it. If not, click “Add your business to Google.”

  4. Enter Business Information:

    • Fill out your business details, including name, address, phone number, and website URL.

    • Choose the appropriate category for your business (e.g., Real Estate Agency).

  5. Verify Your Business:

    • Google will prompt you to verify your business. Choose the verification method (e.g., postcard, phone, or email) and follow the instructions.

  6. Complete Your Profile:

    • Once verified, add business hours, a detailed description, high-quality images, and other relevant information.

Step 3: Submit to Yelp

  1. Visit Yelp for Business:

  2. Sign Up or Log In:

    • If you already have a Yelp account, log in. If not, create a new account.

  3. Add Your Business:

    • Enter your business name and address. If your business is already listed, claim it. If not, continue to add a new business.

  4. Fill Out Business Information:

    • Provide your standardized NAP information, business hours, and a detailed description with relevant keywords.

    • Upload high-quality images of your business and properties.

  5. Verify Your Business:

    • Yelp may require verification via phone or email. Follow the provided instructions to complete the verification process.

  6. Optimize Your Listing:

    • Encourage clients to leave reviews and respond promptly to all feedback. Keep your listing updated with new photos and information.

Step 4: Submit to Bing Places for Business

  1. Visit Bing Places:

  2. Sign In or Sign Up:

    • Log in with your Microsoft account, or create a new account if needed.

  3. Add Your Business:

    • Click on “Add a new business” and enter your business name and location.

  4. Complete Business Details:

    • Fill in your standardized NAP information, website URL, business hours, and a detailed description.

    • Add high-quality images, including your logo and property photos.

  5. Verify Your Business:

    • Bing will prompt you to verify your business either through phone, email, or postcard. Follow the instructions to complete the verification.

  6. Optimize Your Profile:

    • Regularly update your listing with new photos, respond to reviews, and ensure all information is current.

Example Submissions

Google My Business:

- Business Name: John Doe Real Estate
- Address: 123 Main Street, Miami, FL 33101
- Phone: (305) 555-1234
- Website: [www.johndoerealestate.com](http://www.johndoerealestate.com)
- Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM
- Business Description: "John Doe Real Estate offers top-notch real estate services in Miami. Whether buying or selling, our experienced agents are here to help. Contact us today to find your dream home."
- Images: High-quality logo, office exterior and interior, team photos, featured properties.

Yelp:

- Business Name: John Doe Real Estate
- Address: 123 Main Street, Miami, FL 33101
- Phone: (305) 555-1234
- Website: [www.johndoerealestate.com](http://www.johndoerealestate.com)
- Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM
- Business Description: "Expert real estate agency in Miami, specializing in residential properties, luxury homes, and investment properties. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority."
- Images: High-quality logo, property photos, office interior.

Bing Places for Business:

- Business Name: John Doe Real Estate
- Address: 123 Main Street, Miami, FL 33101
- Phone: (305) 555-1234
- Website: [www.johndoerealestate.com](http://www.johndoerealestate.com)
- Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM
- Business Description: "John Doe Real Estate in Miami offers comprehensive real estate services. Our dedicated team is here to assist with buying, selling, and investing in properties."
- Images: Company logo, team photos, sample property listings.

Tools to Help Submit and Manage Listings

  1. Moz Local:

    • Manage your local business listings across multiple platforms and ensure NAP consistency.

  2. BrightLocal:

    • Comprehensive tool for listing management, local SEO tracking, and citation updates.

  3. Yext:

    • Automate and manage your business information across multiple directories from a single platform.

  4. Whitespark:

    • Specializes in local listing audits, management, and citation building.

Actionable Insight: Begin by submitting your real estate business to Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places for Business. Use your standardized NAP information and include detailed descriptions and high-quality images. For ongoing management and to ensure consistency across all listings, consider using tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal. Regularly update your listings and engage with reviews to maintain a strong online presence and improve your local SEO.

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