🔎 Local directories and industry profiles are essential tools for enhancing your business’s online presence. Adding your business phone number to these platforms makes it easier for potential customers to contact you, boosting visibility, credibility, and engagement. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Looking for our full blog about how this impacts your business? Click HERE

Why Listing Your Business Phone Number Matters

Adding your phone number to directories and industry profiles helps:

• Boost Local Visibility: Ensure your business appears in local search results.
• Build Credibility: Consistent contact information across platforms establishes trust.
• Increase Engagement: Make it easy for potential customers to contact you directly.

🌟 Impactful Tip: Consistent listings across directories improve your search engine optimization (SEO) and local rankings.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information

Before you start, collect the following details in one document for consistency across platforms:

• Business name
• Business address
• Phone number
• Website
• Business hours
• Category or industry
• Keywords or tags

✅ Bonus Tip: Include high-quality photos and a short description of your business for directories that allow additional details.

Step 2: Add Your Business Phone Number to Bing Places

Last week we learned all about how to update your Google Business and Maps. Bing Places is also a critical platform for visibility on Microsoft Bing search results and Bing Maps. Here’s how to set up your listing:

1. Create an Account: Sign up for a free Bing Places account using a Microsoft email address.
2. Find or Add Your Business: Search for your business on Bing Places. If it’s listed, claim it. Otherwise, add your business manually.
3. Add Your Phone Number: Enter your business name, address, website, and phone number in the form provided.
4. Verify Your Listing: Complete the verification process to ensure your business details appear in Bing search results.

✅ Bonus Tip: Regularly review your Bing Places dashboard to update your information as needed. Visit our 800.com guide to Updating Bing Places.

Step 3: Add Your Business Phone Number to Local Directories

Beyond Bing Places, consider these platforms for greater reach:

• Yellow Pages: Claim or add your business listing.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): If accredited, verify and update your information. Apply for accreditation here.
• SuperPages and Merchant Circle: Claim or manually add your listing.
• 🌟 Local Chamber of Commerce: Contact your local chamber to get listed in their online directories.
• Community-Specific Directories: Search for directories unique to your region or city. 

✅ Bonus Tip: Try searching online for "Best *your industry* near me" or different variations of that to include your city, county, or state you operate in. Then see what directories pop up first to find active and popular directories specific to your industry or area.

ex) Best plumbers near me; Lawyers near me; Best home professionals in Florida; HVAC services Austin texas; Best roofing companies Florida.

Step 4: Add Your Business Phone Number to Industry Profiles

Industry profiles connect your business with a targeted audience. Here’s how to leverage them:

• Community Networks: Create a profile and get active on platforms like:

  • 🌟 Nextdoor: Ideal for home services.

• Professional Associations: Update your phone number in member directories such as:

  • American Bar Association (lawyers)
  • American Institute of Architects (architects)
  • National Association of Realtors (real estate agents)

• Industry-Specific Platforms: Add your contact information to platforms tailored to your sector:

  • Angi or HomeAdvisor (home services)
  • TripAdvisor or OpenTable (restaurants)
  • Avvo or FindLaw (legal professionals)
  • HealthGrades (health professionals)

• Trade Association Directories: Update your details in directories such as:

  • National Electrical Contractors Association (electricians)
  • American Society of Interior Designers (interior designers)

🌟 Impactful Tip: Many industry directories offer features like showcasing certifications or linking to portfolios. Use these to stand out.

Step 5: Maintain and Optimize Your Listings

Creating your listings is just the first step. Keep them effective by:

• Monitoring for Accuracy: Set reminders to review listings quarterly.
• Responding to Reviews: Thank customers for positive feedback and address concerns in negative reviews.
• Updating Regularly: Reflect changes in hours, phone numbers, or services promptly.
• Using Analytics: Check directory analytics to see how customers interact with your business.

✅ Bonus Tip: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on platforms that support them. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and SEO.

Take Action Today

Adding your business phone number to local directories and industry profiles is a simple but powerful way to enhance your online visibility and attract more customers. Start by claiming your listings on the platforms mentioned above, and keep your information consistent for maximum impact. With these steps, you’ll position your business for success in local and industry-specific searches.