Local Search on Big Three Engines

Using local search in search engines is an important item to keep up with. Everyone has a google account, but it needs to be located. So do this by doing a search in your local area for your location. See below for a breakdown! And as usual please let me know if you have any questions!


Bing!

So let’s do it.

To list your local business in Bing, head to the Bing Local Listing Center. From there, you’ll be able to check to see if you already have a local listing set up. If you do, you can modify it. If not, now’s the perfect time to create one.

Once you start creating/modifying your account. Bing will ask you to log in using your Windows ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to create one. From there, you’ll be asked to enter in your contact and business information, as well as a laundry list of supplemental information like additional phone numbers, Web pages, email address, hours of operation, payment methods, photos, etc.

There’s also a long section for additional information like your name, business description, specialties, affiliations, languages spoken, parking options, etc. It’s always in your best interest to create as complete a profile as you can.

From there, you can select up to six prioritized categories to place your business in based on associated keywords. You’ll also be able to supply information about features, hours of operation, prices, atmosphere, etc.
Make sure you fill these out the best you can so that you can take advantage of Bing’s great local search refinement options. If you list it as an option, you won’t show up for it when a user looks for it!

Google
Do you want your business to appear in the results for free? If so, sign up and get your business listed.
Create Your Google Maps Listing

In order to create your listing, you will need to have a Google account. If you do not have one, select “Create a new Google Account” on the sign in page.

Sign in to the Google Local Business Center to begin.
Once you are signed in, select “Add new listing”

1. Fill in the general information about your business. Select “Next”
2. Add a category for your business. Example: Restaurant

You can also add some optional features like:

* hours of operation
* payment options
* add photos
* add videos
* brands carried

You can also add Coupons by selecting the Coupons tab.
Once you are finished, select “Submit”
Verify Your Listing

Now that you have all the details of your business in place, you just need to verify your business listing. You have two options for doing this.

1. Validate by phone
2. Validate by mail

Validate by Phone (Fastest Method)

Choosing this method will allow you to choose a time (immediately or 5 minute delay) for an automated call to the number you specify. You will be prompted to enter the pin number provided on the screen.
Validate by Mail

If you choose this method, you will receive a letter in the mail (usually 10 business days) with your pin number so you can complete the validation process.

The process is complete. The listing should appear within 48 hours. It may not be on the front page so expand the map to find your listing.

Yahoo Local
To submit your site to Yahoo! Local, just click the Sign Up button, then follow the instructions to enter details about your business, such as your contact information and business category. After you submit your business information, please allow at least five business days for your listing to appear in Yahoo! Local.
Local Yahoo