Have you ever searched for a business online, only to find outdated hours or no listing at all?
A missing or incomplete business profile can cost you customers. Whether someone is looking for your address and hours, or they want to read recent reviews, they expect accurate, up-to-date details right at their fingertips. That’s why it’s so important to claim and update your online business profiles.
Managing your business listings on platforms like Google, Bing, and Apple is one of the simplest ways to build credibility and make it easier for people to find your business. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of online business profiles, why they matter, and how to set them up so you can attract more customers.
Why Online Presence Is So Important for Small Businesses
The old ways of marketing, like mass mailings and word-of-mouth just don’t work anymore. Nearly 92% of consumers read reviews about a business online before actually going to the store. Without an online presence, a business could go under pretty quickly.
With a strong online presence, you can:
- Better brand recognition
- Build credibility and trustworthiness
- Gain a competitive advantage in local markets
- Spend less on advertising
- Make it easy for new customers to find you
Setting Up Your Google, Bing, and Apple Business Profiles
Claiming your business on major platforms like Google, Bing, and Apple isn’t just about showing up in search results. It’s about making a strong first impression. Each of these online business profiles offers unique benefits and tools to showcase your services, connect with customers, and stand out in a crowded market. Here’s what each platform brings to the table.
Google Business
A Google Business Profile is more than a digital business card—it’s an interactive marketing tool.
With features like posts, offers, and event updates, you can share information directly with potential customers, and the Q&A feature allows you to address common inquiries. Plus, its integration with Google Maps means that customers can easily navigate to your location. And its insights and analytics allow you to see how people find and engage with your profile, giving you valuable data to fine-tune your marketing strategy.
Altogether, Google Business Profile is a dynamic, free resource that puts you in control of how your business is presented online.
Bing Places for Business
While often overlooked, Bing Places for Business can be a valuable addition to your online marketing strategy. It helps you reach millions of users who rely on Microsoft Edge, Windows devices, and Bing-powered search engines. Bing Places listings will also pull in reviews from other trusted platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor, adding an extra layer of social proof to your profile.
You can also add photos, categories, and business hours, making it easy for customers to connect with you. Plus, a Bing listing helps you capture a demographic that might not be as active on Google, expanding your reach even further.
Apple Business Connect
With Apple Business Connect, you can engage with customers right where they search: on their phones, tablets, and computers. With a polished listing on Apple Maps, you can display photos, hours, and a custom logo to match your brand identity. You can also highlight special offers or events with “Showcases,” giving you a fresh way to promote time-sensitive deals.
Apple Maps is the default navigation app for millions of users. Optimizing your listing makes it visible to people using Siri voice search and Apple devices. It’s a simple but powerful way to stand out in a highly mobile-driven marketplace.
The Role of Local SEO in Business Listings
Investing time in local SEO will help your business show up in local searches. It helps direct more customers in your area to your business for the products or services they need. This is why optimizing your online business profiles is so important: visibility.
Here are some tips for creating your online profiles:
- Make sure your business name, address and phone number are the same across all platforms.
- Make sure to verify your profiles as soon as possible so they will appear on the map in local searches.
- Make sure people can leave reviews and ratings for your business, as reviews and ratings have a huge impact on new customers.
Does Your Business Need Help with Online Marketing?
Claiming your online business profiles is one of the smartest, simplest ways to boost local SEO. It will help you gain visibility, connect with customers, and strengthen your reputation. The benefits of online business profiles go far beyond basic contact information—they’re also a great way to showcase your brand and stay competitive in your local market.
Are you ready to maximize your business listings and stand out in Google, Bing, and Apple searches? The online marketing experts at New Wine Digital can help. Contact us today for expert guidance and support.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (07/09/2025) Photo by henry perks on Unsplash