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Local Listings Management: Service Expectations

This guide outlines the process and expectations for the Local Listings Management service. This is a fully managed solution where a team of specialists will claim, optimize, and monitor your business listings on Google Business Profile, Apple Business Connect, and Bing Places.

The setup process​

The initial phase involves submitting your business information, participating in a required onboarding call, and completing the verification process for each listing platform.

1. Submitting your information​

The process begins when you complete and submit a fulfillment form with as much detail as possible. To prevent delays, please ensure all information is provided, as missing details will delay the entire process.

  • Timeline: Our team will review your order and start the process within 2 business days.

2. Onboarding call​

An onboarding call is required for all customers to verify key business information. During this call, we will discuss your business and the listings process to avoid any surprises. It is common to complete the Apple Business Connect and Bing Places listings during this call.

  • Timeline: The onboarding call can be booked 3 business days after the initial order is placed.
  • How to Prepare: Please have the following information and documents ready for the call:
    • Business name, address, phone number, and website.
    • A utility bill or business license with the business name and address visible.
    • Apple ID credentials if you wish to use an existing Apple account.

3. Listing verification​

Each listing site has its own methods for verifying a business. You may be presented with one or more of the following options:

  • Phone call verification
  • SMS verification
  • Email verification
  • Video verification
  • Postcard verification

Postcard verification

If a physical postcard is the only option, it will be mailed to the business address. This postcard contains a PIN that must be entered to complete the claim. These PINs expire within 30 days, so it is critical to provide the PIN to our team as soon as it is received.

  • Timeline: Verification timelines can range from minutes to weeks, depending on the platform and method. A final confirmation email will be sent once the work is complete.

Monthly management and features​

Once your listings are successfully claimed, our team provides ongoing services to keep your profiles accurate and engaging.

Ongoing profile monitoring​

Our team will monitor all three listings on a monthly basis to ensure the information stays up to date and accurate.

  • Monthly data checks are performed for your business name, phone number, and address.
  • Ongoing support is provided in case of a listing suspension.

Content updates​

  • Google Business Profile post: The service includes one Google Business Profile post per month. The content for this post must be provided by your business.
  • Unlimited uploads: You can have unlimited product, service, and photo uploads on Google Business Profile and Bing Places. We encourage you to provide "rich data" like business descriptions, photos, and service offerings to add more detail to your listings.

Retroactive review responses​

The service includes up to 3 months of retroactive review responses on Google.

  • Our process for responding to positive and negative reviews differs to ensure each is handled appropriately.
  • We require a designated contact at the business who can approve drafted responses to negative reviews.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)​

Can someone claim my listings completely on my behalf?

The process often requires sending a verification phone call to the primary business line, so it is necessary for someone to be present at the business location to complete the claim.

What if my listings are already claimed?

If you are the primary owner, you can grant us access for ongoing management. If you are not the owner, we can work with the listing site to have the profile unlocked. This process can take two weeks or more, and we cannot guarantee that the listing will be unlocked.

Can listings be claimed for a business that is still under construction?

No, we must wait until the business has a permanent address and phone number before we can claim the listings.

I run two different businesses from the same address and phone number. Can both be claimed?

Listings with an identical address and phone number may be seen as duplicates. If you can provide two separate business licenses, you may be allowed two separate listings.

What if my business doesn't have a physical address?

For service-area businesses, most listing sites still require a real address. Some sites, like Google, can hide the address from being publicly viewable, but Apple will not suppress an address.

Can I use a tracking phone number on my listing?

No, tracking numbers cannot be used as the primary phone number on a listing. You must provide the local phone number for the business.

What is NAP data?

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. It is one of the most important parts of your listing and should be accurate and consistent with the information on your website.

What business categories cannot use Google Business Profile posts?

Certain business types do not have access to the posts feature, including Adult Entertainment, Cannabis Shops, Casinos, Conference Centers, Gun/Weapon Shops, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and Wine Stores (and other alcohol-related categories).

Why is responding to reviews important?

Responding to both positive and negative reviews helps establish credibility and fosters trust with customers. It shows that the business is attentive and values its customers. Customers observe how a business manages feedback, especially negative reviews.

Where should I upload attachments for my order?

Please upload all attachments in the fulfillment form. Alternatively, you can email them to our team.