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4 ways to control your online presence

Using third-party websites like Yelp and Yahoo - the right way- will help attract customers.

November 7, 2013

In today's day and age of mobile phones and greater accessibility of sites used for collecting information, your business' online identity is much more than just your website. It includes everything from how your business appears in results on search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo, to your business pages on local directory sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor and CitySearch. According to Pew Research, 56 percent of adult Americans now own a smartphone;this means that local search has become an increasingly important place to market your business.

Here are a few tips for making sure your business is always current and accurately represented to your customers all across the Web:

Be everywhere

As more of your potential customers are searching for local businesses on their computers,

Rene Reinsberg

smartphones and tablets, review sites and third-party websites like Yelp and YellowPages cannot be ignored. With more than 100 million unique customers a month, these sites can help you capture new business. After all, the more eyes on your business, the more customers will walk through your door.

Centralize business listing updates

Having a single location to make all of your updates ensures your business information is always consistent and correct on the Web. Using a service like Locu will send your menus and business information, such as hours, phone number, address and more to key third-party sites with the click of a button. This makes sure your information is up-to-date, as well as saves you time and headache.

Optimize your presence on third-party sites

Since customers are searching for you on local directory sites and other third-party websites, make sure you take advantage of this invaluable marketing tool. Showcase your menus and service lists, show off photos of your dishes and wares, announce new items, specials and more on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

During a recent study, Locu found that 60 percent of consumers say a menu is the most important determining factor in selecting a restaurant online. Make sure your menu not only shines on your website, but on other local search sites.

Search for your business on the Web

The same study also found that 68 percent of people are not likely to visit a restaurant, cafe, or bar after encountering incorrect information about the business online. Unfortunately, many business owners do not realize that their business is inaccurately represented online until they lose customers. With hundreds of social media and local directory sites popping up on the Web, facts about your business could be inaccurate or outdated. Regularly search for your business on Google, Yahoo or Bing and read through the results. It could save you customers.

Keep your online presence current by having correct information about your business everywhere your business is on the web and managing your business' online identity in one central location. With these steps, you can extend your business' reach and acquire more happy customers.

Rene Reinsberg co-founded Locu and served as CEO until Locu's acquisition by GoDaddy in August 2013. Rene currently oversees the Discovery Marketing group at GoDaddy.

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