Tips For Submitting Multiple Locations to Local Directories Part II

1. Read the instructions
Sounds obvious enough but I can’t tell you how many times I tried to use commas when semi-colons were required or vice versa to create lists. Also if the last phrase on a list gets cut off between the words, it means the list is too long so simply delete your entire last entry.

2. When submitting multiple locations to Google Maps and Microsoft’s new Bing Local, each site needs to be verified. You’ll have the option to verify immediately by telephone or request they mail a post card to each location in about two to three weeks. When choosing the telephone option it’s absolutely critical to create a schedule and notify each location the day before. You’ll also want to allow about a half hour between calls from Google and call each location again just before you activate the call request. With Google when you submit multiple locations, if you don’t get verified on the first call, there may not be a second chance. You simply need to request the postcard alternative if the telephone verification link is not available.

3. For multiple submissions as you might expect Google Maps, Yahoo Local, the new Microsoft Bing and Superpages lead the way. The “big three” all provide a dashboard from which you can list and manage multiple locations from one page with a single email address and password. At Superpages, all you have to do is call and ask and they’ll set one up for you.

4. Take full advantage of the information opportunities offered by most of the local directories. Superpages leads the way, asking for almost the equivalent of a whole website’s worth of info, with Google Maps running a close second. Simply make sure to fill out the submission forms as completely as possible.

5. If you are submitting more than ten locations or websites, check out Google Maps multiple submission Excel data sheet. It enables you to submit both the basic information as well as optional data such business hours and payment types.

6. Take advantage of the opportunities to upload photos and even videos. What could be better than photos and videos directly accessible from your local directory listings?

7. Make sure to come up with a tasteful coupon offers for the local directories that offer them.

8. Briefly mentioned this one back in part one, “Submitting Multiple Locations to Local Directories:”
Do your keyword research and use keywords whenever appropriate in your site titles, descriptions, tag lines, products or services, specialties, photo & video file names, and video titles.

9. Whatever you do, don’t go overboard with keywords. Don’t just plug in keywords unless they make sense and are relevant.

10. Several local directories, for example, Microsoft Bing, offer the opportunity to include deep links. Make sure to use them appropriately by linking to pages inside your site that will provide useful or helpful additional information to your users.