Auditing Your Online Information
Ensuring that your business information is accurate and consistent across the web is crucial for local SEO. An audit of your online information will help identify inconsistencies, outdated data, and areas that need improvement.
Why Auditing Your Online Information Matters
Improves Local Search Rankings:
Consistent information across all platforms helps improve your local search rankings and credibility with search engines.
Builds Trust with Clients:
Accurate and consistent business information builds trust with potential clients, making them more likely to contact you.
Avoids Confusion:
Ensuring your business details are the same everywhere prevents confusion among potential clients, making it easier for them to reach out to you.
Steps for Auditing Your Online Information
1. Compile a List of All Listings and Profiles:
Create a comprehensive list of all the places where your business information is listed. This includes major directories, social media platforms, review sites, and local business listings.
Examples:
- Google My Business
- Yelp
- Bing Places
- Yellow Pages
- Local Chamber of Commerce directory
- Industry-specific directories (e.g., Zillow, Realtor.com)
2. Gather Your Standard NAP Information:
Decide on a standard format for your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). Use this standard format to update all listings.
Example:
Name: John Doe Real Estate
Address: 123 Main Street, Miami, FL 33101
Phone: (305) 555-1234
Website: www.johndoerealestate.com
3. Audit Each Listing:
Visit each platform from your list and compare the listed information with your standard NAP. Note any discrepancies or outdated information.
Tool: Use a spreadsheet to track this information. Columns can include Platform, Name, Address, Phone, Website, and Notes.
4. Update Inaccurate or Inconsistent Listings:
Correct any discrepancies and ensure that all your NAP information matches your standard format. Be thorough and double-check each update.
Tip: Platforms like Google My Business and Yelp often require verification for changes, so be prepared for potential verification steps.
5. Check for Duplicate Listings:
Occasionally, duplicate listings can appear on directories, which can confuse clients and affect your local SEO. Identify and merge or delete any duplicate listings.
Example: If you find multiple Yelp listings for your business, claim them and consolidate into one accurate listing.
6. Monitor Reviews and Ratings:
While auditing your information, check the reviews and ratings on each platform. Respond to reviews promptly to show engagement and professionalism.
Tip: Positive reviews can enhance trust and credibility, so encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.
7. Set Up Alerts for Future Changes:
Use tools like Google Alerts to stay informed about new mentions or listings of your business name. This helps you quickly address any inconsistencies that arise after the audit.
Example: Set up a Google Alert for your business name and primary keyword (e.g., "John Doe Real Estate Miami").
Tools for Auditing Listings and Monitoring Information
Moz Local
Helps you manage and audit your local citations.
BrightLocal
Comprehensive tool for auditing, managing, and monitoring local listings.
Ahrefs
Offers site audit and monitoring tools helpful for local SEO.
Google Alerts
Set up alerts for new mentions of your business online.
Actionable Insight
Conduct a thorough audit of your online business listings. Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to streamline the process. Correct any inconsistencies in your NAP information and ensure all details match your standardized format. Regularly monitor your listings using Google Alerts to maintain accuracy and respond to any new reviews promptly. For efficient management of your local SEO, consider using services like Moz Local or BrightLocal.