Listings FAQ: Comprehensive Guide to Local Business Optimisation

General Information

What is Listings?

Listings is a service that enables local businesses and public institutions to automatically optimise their online presence for local searches. It ensures your business is easily found when users search for directions, opening hours, reviews, recommendations, or events.

How does Listings work?

Listings stores and manages all your location data in the cloud. You can add, edit, or remove data about your physical location. When you save the data, we automatically update your business information across all online platforms.

Is my data stored securely and confidentially?

All non-public and company-related data is securely stored and subject to strict European data security requirements and maximum privacy compliance.

Benefits and Features

What are the benefits of using Listings?

- Increases physical traffic to local businesses

- Centralises location data management across all relevant channels

- Saves time compared to manual data entry

- Ensures consistent and up-to-date information across platforms

- Protects against third-party manipulation

Which partners does Listings collaborate with?

Listings works with major, high-reach online channels, rating and review sites, navigation systems, apps, and social networks to maximise your visibility.

What information can I include in my listings?

You can include address, opening hours, URL, email, phone number, keywords, company descriptions, social media profiles, logo, photos, payment methods, services, languages, special events, offers, and deals.

Listings and SEO

Why is a local reference important for my business?

Over 30% of all searches have a local context. Being listed correctly on multiple local channels helps customers in your area find you easily.

Does Listings replace search engine optimisation (SEO)?

Listings complements traditional SEO by maximising your online visibility. It's an important first step in improving your online presence and is more cost-effective than many SEO measures.

How does Listings improve my search engine ranking?

Consistent listings across multiple platforms signal to search engines that your information is accurate and up-to-date. This increases your relevance for local search queries.

Do I need a website to benefit from Listings?

No, you can still benefit from Listings without a website. Directory entries work independently, increasing your visibility even without a dedicated website.

Channel Account Specific Information

How does Listings interact with Facebook?

- If no Facebook page exists, Listings creates an 'unofficial' page

- Existing Facebook pages can be connected to Listings

- Listings updates company data and logo on connected pages

What about Google Business Profile?

- Listings can create and verify new Google Business Profiles

- Existing profiles can be connected and updated through Listings

- Verification may require a postcard or phone call

What is Bing Places?

Bing Places is similar to Google Business Profile, displaying your business information in Bing search results and maps.

What content is published on Instagram?

Listings collects photos marked with your business' geotag, providing an overview of images published about your company.

What is Foursquare?

Foursquare is a social location-based platform where customers can check in, write reviews, and share their experiences.

Account Managemet

How do I create a location listing?

After signing up for Listings, you make one entry and your data is distributed to appropriate online channels. 

What happens when a location is cancelled or closed?

- Closing a location immediately deletes the listing from all channels

- Canceling a location allows edits until the end of the contract period

What happens to my data after termination?

After termination, listings are no longer updated daily, allowing third-party modifications. Rankings may suffer due to the cessation of active syncing.