11 Ways to Make Your Business Listings Work for You (and Why It Matters More Than Ever)

Image of man looking at business listing on Facebook

You know that feeling when you’re searching for a place, a coffee shop, an auto repair shop, maybe a boutique, and you find two conflicting addresses? One says “123 Main Street,” and the other “456 Broadway.”

What do you do?

Do you call and ask? No.

You move on.

That’s why your business listings matter. They’re not just a formality. They’re a first impression, a trust signal, and a direct line to your customers. And when they’re optimized right, they don’t just sit there; they bring in real business.

So, let’s make sure your listings aren’t just “good enough.” Let’s make them work for you.

1. Yahoo Local: Is It Still Relevant?

Let’s get this out of the way. Some people think Yahoo Local is dead.

It’s not.

Yahoo Local is still one of the top business directories used by millions of people, especially those who have used Yahoo Mail or Yahoo Finance for years.

Here’s why it still matters:

Strong domain authority: Yahoo is still a trusted name, and its directory listings carry weight in search rankings.
Partnerships with other directories: Yahoo Local listings often appear on other platforms, extending your reach.
More visibility = more leads: Even if it brings you a handful of extra customers a month, why leave money on the table?

👉 Action step: If you haven’t already, claim your Yahoo Local listing. It’s free, and it adds another layer of credibility to your business.

2. Get Your Basics Right (and Keep Them Right)

Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) must be the same across all directories. If your Google listing says “Bob’s Auto Repair” and your Manta listing says “Bob’s Auto Services, Inc.,” search engines, and potential customers, won’t be sure which is correct.

Confusion leads to lost business.

Check these regularly:
✅ Business name (no variations)
✅ Address (including suite numbers)
✅ Phone number
✅ Website URL
✅ Hours of operation

👉 Pro tip: If you move locations or change your phone number, update every single listing immediately. A mismatch can kill your local SEO.

3. Claim Your Listings, Own Your Presence

Most directories allow you to claim your business. Do it.

Claiming your listing gives you control. It lets you:
✅ Update and correct information
✅ Add photos, videos, and descriptions
✅ Respond to customer reviews
✅ Improve your ranking in directory search results

And here’s a little secret: search engines prioritize verified businesses.

If Google sees that you’ve claimed and updated your listings, it trusts your business more. And that trust translates into higher rankings.

4. Speak Your Customers’ Language (Not Just Google’s)

Yes, keywords help, but your listing should sound like a human wrote it.

A boring, robotic description like this won’t win you customers:
“Best bakery in town. Fresh bread daily. Cakes for all occasions.”

But this will:
“At [Your Bakery Name], the smell of fresh sourdough greets you at the door. We bake every morning using simple ingredients and old-school methods. Need a cake? A good one? We’ve got you, whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, or just a Tuesday that needs chocolate.”

Notice how it paints a picture? It’s inviting. It’s human.

👉 Action step: Take a look at your current listings. Rewrite your business description to sound natural and engaging.

5. Fill Out Every Detail (Even the “Optional” Ones)

Think of your listing like a dating profile. The more complete it is, the more attractive it becomes.

Here’s what you should never skip:
✅ Business categories (choose all that apply)
✅ Service areas (especially if you offer delivery or on-site services)
✅ Payment methods (let people know if you take Apple Pay, PayPal, or cash only)
✅ Photos and videos

Why photos matter:
A business listing without photos feels sketchy. Customers trust visuals. Upload at least five pictures of your storefront, best-selling products, and team in action.

6. Embrace Reviews (Even the Bad Ones)

Reviews aren’t just nice to have. They’re critical.

More reviews = higher rankings.

But here’s the real game-changer: even bad reviews can help you if you handle them right.

Bad response:
“Sorry, you had a bad experience.”

Good response:
“We’re sorry you weren’t happy with your order. That’s not the experience we want for our customers. Please reach out to [contact info], and we’ll make it right.”

Own your mistakes. Show you care. People notice.

7. Optimize for Local SEO

This isn’t just about being listed. It’s about being found.

Use location-based keywords. If you’re a barber in Austin, don’t just say “affordable haircuts.” Say “affordable haircuts in Austin” or “Downtown Austin’s go-to barber.”
Link back to your website. More links = more authority = better rankings.

8. Use Special Features (They’re There for a Reason)

Some directories let you add:
✅ Special offers
✅ Menus
✅ Product showcases
✅ Google Posts

Use them. If your directory has a “What’s New” section, keep it fresh.

Got a promo? Share it.
Launching a new product? Announce it.
Hosting an event? Let people know.

Active listings rank higher. Simple as that.

9. Check Your Listings Regularly (Things Change)

Your hours might change. Your website might get updated. If your info is outdated, customers won’t call to ask.

They’ll move on.

👉 Pro tip: Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to manage your listings across multiple directories at once. It saves time and keeps things accurate.

10. Prioritize High-Impact Directories

Not all directories are created equal. Some bring more traffic than others.

The must-haves:
✔️ Google My Business (non-negotiable)
✔️ Yahoo Local (still relevant!)
✔️ Yelp (especially for restaurants and service businesses)
✔️ Industry-specific directories (like Houzz for contractors, TripAdvisor for hotels, etc.)

If a directory ranks high when you Google “[your industry] near me,” it’s worth your time.

11. Tell a Story (Don’t Just List Facts)

Facts are useful. Stories are memorable.

Instead of just listing services, tell people why you do what you do.

For example, instead of:
“We offer custom furniture design.”

Say:
“We started this shop because we believe furniture should last a lifetime. Every piece is handmade, using reclaimed wood and old-world craftsmanship. If you want something unique, something built to last, we’ve got you.”

People don’t remember bullet points. They remember stories.

Why This Matters

Optimizing your business listings isn’t just about SEO or checking a box.

It’s about trust, visibility, and connection.

When someone searches for a business like yours, they have a choice, you or your competitor.

A well-optimized listing makes choosing you an easy decision.

Your Turn: What’s the First Thing You’ll Fix?

  • Look up your business right now.
  • Check your listings. What’s outdated? What’s missing? Fix it today.
  • Because every minute your info is wrong, you’re losing customers.