Every business should have a website. But if your business is the exception to this rule do not despair, you can still promote your business online using these free Platforms.
To get started, do a Google search for your business name and claim any listing you may find. It is very important that you ensure that your business name address and phone number (NAP) is correct and the same across all platforms.
Ensure that your name address and phone numbers are correct and standardized across all platforms
Google Business
A free Google My Business should be one of your first tools to promote your business online. The account connects you directly with customers, whether they’re looking for you on Search, Maps or Google+.
Facebook for Business
Create a free Facebook Business Page to build a closer relationship with your audience and customers.
Bing Business
Add your business to Bing and make sure customers always find the right information about your business
LinkedIn Company Pages
Build a presence for your business on LinkedIn. Create your page, attract followers, and post company updates to drive engagement.
Yelp
The best way to manage your business on Yelp is by claiming your Yelp Business Page and creating a business login. It’s a great, free way to engage the Yelp community.
City Search
City Search is run by CityGrid, which in turn pulls data from ExpressUpdate. Click here to add your business to Express Update
Yellow Pages
Create a FREE Listing Yellow Pages listing in minutes and get your business found.
Superpages
Claim your Super Pagesbusiness listing.
Include as much details about your business as you can. Write an accurate description of your product or services, and include photos wherever possible. Encourage and give incentives to your current customers to review your products and services. Reviews are especially encouraged for Yelp and Google business listings.
If you already have a website for your business, don’t feel left out, having your website listed in local search pages is an important factor in ranking your website for local searches so you will still benefit from claiming or adding your listing, experts from the Chatmeter Review Management Platform agree that what is important here is to ensure that your NAP is correct and the same on all platforms.
NOTE: Yahoo local is now Aabaco Small Business and they charge $29/month to list your business and manage that listing across a few pages included some listed as free above.
A Word of Warning
While I encourage you to add your business profile to local search like the ones above, do not go over board with adding your website to every directory you can find as this might be seen as spammy and could actually hurt your efforts to promote your business online.