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How to Build citations in local directories

Goal: 
Add your business name and address to popular data aggregators and directories, in order to increase links and mentions.

Ideal Outcome: 
You'll successfully list your business on Neustar Localeze (a data aggregator which includes multiple business directories ), Apple Maps and Bing Places.

Prerequisites or requirements: 

You need to clearly identify your business NAP (Name, Address & Phone number).

Why this is important: 
Local citations (mentions of your business Name, Address and Phone) help validate that your business actually exists, and helps increase your authority, your rankings in local SEO results.

Where this is done: 
Neustar, Apple Maps, and Bing Places.

When is this done: 
After you have established a business name, address, phone number, and have a website that is live with a "contact us" page.

Who does this: 
Marketing Manager, marketing consultant, or any person responsible for marketing strategy for your local business.

Before You start

Important: It's best to submit your information in the same format each time, avoid alternative spellings, different abbreviations and any other inconsistencies.

Get Listed in Neustar Localeze (US Businesses Only)

Note: Neustar Localeze is only for local businesses in the US and costs $79. If you’re looking for free alternatives, consider listing your business on Apple or Bing Maps instead.

  1. Neustar Localeze is a data aggregator (cost $79/year) that submits your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) to hundreds of other websites so you will end up in citations in lots of places.
  2. Head to the Neustar local directory page and create a new account.
  3. Fill in your username and password and click “Create Account”.

4. Fill in the rest of your information and click “Create Account”.

5. Then head to the Neustar US local directory and search for your business.

6. Claim the listing if it’s there. If not, click “Add a New Business”.

7. Add your business listing details and click “Submit”.

8. If all your listing details are correct your business details will be added to Neustar database and will be distributed to their partners.

List your business on Apple Maps

  1. Head to Apple Maps Business Registration page and sign in with your Apple ID.

2. Once signed in, search for your business address name or address and click “Add a missing place”.

3. Add your business listing details.

4. Once added, select “Verify Ownership”.

5. Provide your business information details. Then click “Next”.

6. Add your primary contact information details and click “Save and Continue”

7. You’ll be asked to verify that you own the place. Enter the 4-digit verification code that was sent to your contact number you enter earlier. When you see the “Code Validated” confirmation message and click “Done”.

8. That’s it. You’ll receive an email (the one that you use for your Apple ID) in 2-5 days once your submission is approved.

List your business on Bing Maps

  1. Head to BingPlaces and claim your business as a new user.

2. Click “Claim your business manually”.

3. Add your business details:
    1. Business type — Small or Medium business, online business, or listing on client’s behalf.
    2. Country — Country where your business is located.
    3. Business Name — Name of your business.
    4. Location — Exact location of your business.

4. Once done, click “Search”.

Note: Make sure your business name and address is not associated with any existing business .

5. In the next page, click “Create new business”.

6. Add the rest of your business details.
a. Business Name
b. Main phone number
c. Address
d. WebsiteYour Bing Places profile will show on the right panel. Click Next.

7. In the next section add your business segment, category and business description. Click Next.

8. In the next step, check “Yes, this is a business address”, add a unique Store Code, and check “Business”. Click Next.

9. Add your business email and social media profiles if applicable. Then click Next.

10. Add (up to 100) photographs of your business. Then click “Next”.

11. Add your business operating hours. Then click “Next”.

12. Optionally add a link to your menu and a link to order online on your website and select a price point for your business. Once done then click “Submit”.

13. Add your name in the text field and click “Verify Now”.

14. That’s it. You have now submitted an application to Bing Places. They will send you a verification PIN via mail in the address you input earlier. You can expect the mail to arrive in 5-6 business days if you’re within the US. Otherwise, it may take longer.
15. Once you’ve received the PIN number head over to the Bing Places verification page and enter the Login ID and the verification PIN.

16. Click “Verify” and you have now successfully verified your business on Bing Places!