Setting Up Local Listings for Self Storage

Times have changed, and the yellow pages have gone digital. Having a listing is now as important as ever. Here is an overview of the most common and free directories, and how to register your business there. The best time to set up the listings is when you start your business. But it is never too late to add them afterward.

A few best practices beforehand:

1. Regularly check your listings to make sure the information is accurate

2. Respond to reviews with our handy guide

3. Create several listings on different platforms for better reach

Google My Business

To list on Google My Business, you need to have an associated Google account. Keep in mind that often an old business was already existing in the same location as yours. Many users try to claim it. Instead, suggest an edit to Google to mark it as ‘permanently closed’. Afterwards, you can create a new profile. Here is the step by step guide:

1. Sign in to Google My Business on your PC with your Google account for your business. If you don’t have one yet, create one. You should sign up with your business email.

2. Enter your business name. If you have a chain franchise, you can select it from the suggestions.

3. Enter your business address.

4. Select a business category.

5. Enter additional information, like phone number and website URL.

6. Review that all entered information is correct.

After you have successfully set up your business, Google will guide you through a verification process using mail verification:

1. Sign in to your Business account, go to verification at the top of the page and select ‘mail’.

2. You can add the name to whom the card will be sent. If you leave it blank, the card will be mailed to the address registered in the listing.

3. Wait for the card to arrive. It can take a few days.

4. When you receive the card, log in to your account again and navigate to ‘verify location’ under the left menu.

5. Follow the prompts to enter the verification code from the postcard.

Your business is now verified and listed on google services such as search or maps. You can directly respond to reviews, add photos and edit information.

Yelp for Business

1. Go to Yelp for Business

2. Check if your business is already listed by searching with ZIP code and name. If you can’t see it, click ‘Add Now’.

3. Fill out your business details

4. Create a free user account. Use your business email account to stay updated on what’s happening with your page.

5. Follow the prompts to verify the listing. You will receive an email or phone call to the number listed with a code. Verification can take a few business days. You will receive a notification when the process is complete.

Apple Maps

1. Go to Apple Maps Connect

2. Log in with your Apple ID or sign up

3. Follow the prompts to the menu ‘Small Business’, select ‘Add My Business‘

4. After you read and agree to the Terms and Conditions, search for your listing in the directory. If you can’t find it, click ‘Add new place’.

5. Enter your business information: Name, location, business category, phone number, place status (closed or open), and whether you accept apple pay or not.

6. To verify your listing, you can request a phone call to the registered number. Enter the 4-digit code on the screen

7. Check if the information is up to date and the social links correct. Then either click ‘claim this place’ (if the listing was existing already) or ‘Submit for Review’ (for new listings).

8. You will receive a notification when the verification is complete.

Bing Local

Bing offers the option to import data from your Google My Business listing. If you want to set it up manually, here is how:

1. Go to Bing Places and click on get started in the top banner.

2. Check if your business listing is existing by searching for it in the directory. If yes, claim it. If no, click ‘Add New Business’

3. Log in to your Microsoft account, or register to create one

4. Follow the prompts and add your business details, such as an address, contact information and category.

5. After you submit the details, wait for the postcard to come in your mail. Use the PIN to verify your account from the dashboard.

6. You will have the option to add other businesses if you own several.

7. Once your business has been verified, you can manage and edit the listing.

Facebook Page for Business

1. Log in to your personal Facebook account. Don’t worry, your personal information will not become publicly visible

2. Go to ‘Create Page’

3. Enter the name, category and description of your page. Click ‘Create Page’

4. Your page is now created and can be edited. Add your contact information, business hours, pictures and all other branding elements you want to have.

Managing Your Self Storage With Storeganise

Integrate with Storeganise to move all your booking processes online. Customers can view, manage and automatically make bookings online from any device on the customer portal. With our new e-sign feature, get your customers to electronically sign their self storage agreement for speedier booking time and better back-end management for your business.

Get a firsthand look by booking a personalised demo.

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