In today's increasingly digital world, having an online presence is essential for any business. As more consumers turn to the internet to find products and services, the question arises: what’s the quickest way to get your business found and listed online?

First, you have to claim your local listings on all major platforms. Your website serves as a cornerstone of your online presence. However, it may not provide all the essential information a first-time visitor needs to learn about your business and how to reach out to you in one glance.

Customers are out there searching for businesses like yours, and if you're not showing up, you're missing out. It’s not just about being found; it’s also about ensuring that the business information you provide is correct and consistent. A wrong phone number or a bad address? That’s as detrimental as not listing your business at all.

So, why should you verify and claim local listings, and how can you claim your business on Google or other platforms? This article covers it all.

Why Should You Claim and Verify All Your Local Listings

So, why claim and verify local listings? Well, consider this: have you thought about the possibility of your customers getting lost on the way to your business? Or calling a random place similar to your business—managed by someone else—instead of reaching you?

When you claim local listings, you're ensuring that your business information is correct everywhere. By verifying local listings, you’re telling Google and other platforms, “This is a legitimate business,” “This is really my business,” and “This is how to contact me or get to my store.” Verified listings appear more trustworthy to customers, and search engines favor them.

Skip this step, and you’re asking for trouble. Imagine someone searching for your business but seeing the wrong hours—or worse, a competitor who has claimed your spot.

Local listings are mostly free, claimable in just a few clicks, and hosted by the listing platform, allowing you to maintain control over your listings. You don't have to pay for domain or hosting services like you do when running your website. There is little to hold you back from getting started.

How to Claim and Verify Business on Google

Google is the undisputed king of search engines. For visibility, it’s a no-brainer that you need to claim a spot and establish your presence on the platform. Interestingly, getting your business listed on Google is easier than you might think. Here’s the step-by-step process to claim business on Google:

Step 1. Sign in to Google Business Profile 

Start by logging in to your Google account. If you don’t have one, create one—it takes a few seconds. Once you're in, head over to Google Business Profile.

Step 2. Search for Your Business 

Type in the name of your business in the search bar. If Google already has your business listed, it should pop up. Don’t see it? No worries. You can add it manually by clicking "Add business."

Step 3. Claim Your Business 

Found your business? Great! Hit the "Claim this business" button under the business's profile and then click “Continue.” Google wants to ensure that you're the owner, so claiming is the first big step. If you don’t claim your business, someone else might.

Step 4. Fill in the Details 

Update all the important information, such as your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation when you claim local listings. Get it right the first time, because incorrect details lead to confused customers. No one likes showing up at a closed store when Google indicated it was open.

Step 5. Verify Your Business

To verify business on Google, you'll receive either a phone call, an email, or a postcard from Google with a verification code. Yes, a postcard! Google wants to ensure you’re really you, so be patient while that code makes its way to you. Once it arrives, enter the code, and that's it—you’re verified!

Step 6. Optimize Your Profile 

Once you claim and verify local listings, take a few extra minutes to optimize them. Add some photos, answer FAQs, and maybe even include a video. Verified, complete listings tend to rank higher in searches and are more likely to catch a customer’s eye.

Claim and Verify Your Yelp Business Listing

The business listing claiming process on Yelp is typically more straightforward than on Google. Follow these steps, and before you know it, your business will be featured on one of the most popular review platforms available.

Step 1. Head Over to Yelp for Business

First things first, head over to Yelp for Business by entering the URL into your browser: www.biz.yelp.com/claim.

Step 2. Find Your Business or Add It

Now, type your business name in the search bar. Yelp might already have your business listed, which means less work for you! If it’s there, click on it. If not, hit the "Add to Yelp for free" button.

Step 3. Create an Account

Next, you’ll need to create an account. It’s super simple—just enter your business email address and other relevant information to claim local listings here.

Step 4. Verify Your Business

Yelp wants to ensure you’re the real deal (no catfishing). So, you’ll receive a verification code via email, text, or a call—whichever suits you best. Enter that code, and your Yelp listing will be claimed, verified, and ready to go.

You’re in the driver's seat, ready to respond to reviews, update your business information, and showcase your brand.

How to Claim and Verify Your Bing Places Listing

Bing may not be Google, but it is still the second-largest search engine worldwide. Listing your business on Bing Places is also a breeze. All you need are your business details and access to a Microsoft Account to verify local listings on Bing. Here's what the process is like:

Step 1. Get Started on Bing Places

First, head over to Bing Places. Click the “Get Started” button. You'll land on a page where you can register your business. 

Step 2. Enter Your Business Details

Now, it's time to fill in your business name, address, and phone number (aka your NAP). Once you get everything in, hit the “Search” button and see what pops up.

Step 3. Claim Your Business

If Bing finds your business, you'll see it in the search results. Click on the “Claim Business” link next to your business name. Don’t see your business? No worries. Just click “Create New Business” to add it.

Step 4. Log In to Your Microsoft Account

Once you've clicked “Claim,” you’ll be directed to log in to your Microsoft account. If not already logged in, type in your credentials and move on to the next step.

Step 5. Verify Your Business Information

Double-check that all your business details are correct. You need everything to be spot on. Once you’re sure, click “Next” and then hit “Submit.” You're almost there!

Step 6. Get Verified

Now, Bing wants to ensure you’re the actual owner of the business. Choose how you’d like to receive your verification code: by call, email, or text. Enter the code when you receive it, and voila—your business is officially listed and discoverable by Bing users.

Other Platforms and Directories

So, you’re listed on Yelp, Bing, and Google. Nice work! But don't stop there. There are other major directories to claim and verify local listings. 

Apple Maps Business 

Apple Maps is where iPhone users find your business. To claim your listing on Apple Maps, follow the steps below: 

Step 1: Log In or Make an Apple ID

First, head over to Apple Maps Connect and log in with your Apple ID. Don’t have one yet? No worries! Just hit “Create One” below the Sign In tab.

Step 2: Choose Your Language

Once you've signed in, pick your language of choice and hit ‘Done’.

Step 3: Search for Your Business

Now, Apple will search for your business. You might see a few results if you've got a common name. Just find yours and click it to claim your local listing.

Step 4: Claim or Add Your Business

If your business shows up, click “Claim this place.” If your business isn't showing up, no sweat. Just choose "Add new place". Fill in all the business details Apple asks for (don’t skip anything!), and then click ‘Next’.

Step 5: Verify Your Business

Now comes the verification step. Do as promoted and Apple will call your business phone to ensure you’re legit. Once you verify, Apple will follow up with more info regarding your claim.

Congrats, you’re officially on Apple Maps! Now, iPhone users everywhere can find you.

Facebook Places 

Facebook is not just a social media platform. It has a directory where you can list your business – Facebook Places. Here's how to get your business listed on Facebook:

Step 1: Open the Facebook App and Check In

Open the Facebook app on your mobile phone and tap “What's on your mind” before navigating to “Check In.” 

Step 2: Search for Your Business

Now, type your business name into the search bar. If you can't find it, you'll see an option to add your business. Just write a quick description and hit “Add.” If your business is already on Places, just skip ahead to claim local listings.

Step 3: Visit Facebook on PC and Search Your Business

If you’re on your computer, go to Facebook.com and search for your business. Click on the ‘Places’ result to see more.

Step 4: Start the Verification Process

Under your business picture, you’ll see “Is this your business?” Click that to start your verification process. Facebook will want to ensure you’re legitimate before you can edit your page and verify local listings.

Step 5: Provide Verification Info

You’ll need to provide either your business email or a document showing your name and your business’s name. After that, sit back and relax. Facebook may take up to 7 days to confirm your request.

Yellowpages

Yes, Yellow Pages is still a valuable resource, featuring over a million businesses on the platform! Here's how to claim your business listing on Yellow Pages:

Step 1: Get to the Free Listing Form

First things first, head over to the Yellow Pages homepage. From there, find the option to claim local listings.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Details

You’ll be redirected to a form where you enter your business name, address, and phone number.

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Step 3: Hit "Claim Now"

You’ll see a “Claim Now” option if your business is already listed. Go ahead and click that to take ownership. If it’s not listed, you can add your business. Either way, you’re in control to claim local listings.

Step 4: Fill In Your Business Information

Now, it's time to double-check and fill in any missing details about your business. 

Step 5: Verify Your Claim

To make it official, Yellow Pages will need to verify that you’re the real owner. Sign in to your account. You'll receive a message prompting you to begin the process to verify local listings. Click your verification option and expect a call, email, or text with a code to confirm your claim.

And just like that, you're listed! Now, potential customers can find your business without digging through their closets for their physical Yellow Pages book. 

Foursquare for Business 

Foursquare may not be the social giant it used to be, but it’s still got value. Here's how to list a business on Foursquare:

Step 1: Sign Up and Log In

If you don’t have an account, head over to Foursquare and hit “Sign up for Foursquare” or “Download the app to sign up.” Once signed in, log in, and you're on the way. 

Step 2: Claim Your Listing

Next up, search for your business. If it’s already listed, great! Go ahead and claim that local listing. If you don’t see your business, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Create Your Listing (If Needed)

If you're not listed, you can create one. Just add your business name, location, and a little blurb about your business. 

Step 4: Verify Your Business

Once your business is up, it’s time to verify it. Foursquare will ask for a bit of proof—maybe a business email or another way to confirm you own the business information.

Step 5: Add Your Business

Last but not least, if your business wasn’t listed before, hit that "Add Your Business" button. And just like that, you’re on the map. 

MapQuest

MapQuest still draws in significant customers. To list your business on MapQuest, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Head to the MapQuest Homepage 

First, go to the MapQuest homepage. Click the three-dash menu at the top left side of the screen and look for the “Claim Your Business” button. Clicking on it takes you to the business section.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Information

Next, fill in your business details—business name, address, phone number, owner information, and all the other necessary information. 

Step 3: Choose a Plan to Manage Your Listing

You’ll need to choose a plan to claim your local listing. Unfortunately, MapQuest doesn't have a free plan. The plans start from $3 MapQuest plan to the Premium Advanced Package at $19 per week. Select a plan that fits your budget and follow the prompts. 

Common Challenges in the Claiming and Verification Process

Claiming and verifying your local listings might sound like a breeze, right? However, the process can sometimes come with a few challenges. Here are some common headaches you might face when you claim local listings and how to handle them.

Duplicate Listings

First up, duplicate listings. You might find multiple listings for your business floating around, and that’s a problem. It perplexes users and search engines alike.

The solution is to track them down in your listing account and get rid of the duplicates. Most platforms, like Google and Yelp, let you report or merge duplicates.

Verification Delays

Ever feel like you’re waiting forever for that verification postcard? Verification delays happen more often than you’d think. You submit your claim, and then… crickets. Weeks may go by.

Here’s a tip: double-check your information before submitting your claim to verify local listings. Ensure your address is correct and matches your other listings. If you’re still stuck, you might need to reach out to support to get things moving.

Outdated Info

Here’s another common snag: outdated information. Perhaps your business changed locations, or your phone number was updated. 

If your listings don’t reflect those changes, customers will struggle to find you. Worse, search engines will get confused, which can tank your visibility. So, keep your information up to date across all platforms—Google, MapQuest, Yelp—all of them!

Unclaimed Listings

If you haven’t claimed your listing yet, someone else could! Unclaimed listings can be taken by third parties, sometimes even competitors.

So, always claim local listings as soon as you can before someone else does. Follow the steps provided earlier for each of the platforms—Google My Business, Yelp, Facebook, Foursquare, and the rest.

How Local Listing Management Software Can Streamline the Process

Managing your local listings across multiple platforms can be a headache, especially if you're a multi-location brand juggling various businesses. It’s easy to end up with outdated information, or worse—different versions of your business details on Google, Yelp, and everywhere else. But here’s the good news: local listing management software like Synup can make all that hassle disappear.

A listing management tool reduces most of the challenges mentioned in the previous section to less than half. Instead of manually updating each platform every time your business changes its phone number or hours, a listing management tool does it for you.

All you need to do is provide the correct business information in a listing, and you can automate this information across your other listing accounts—automatically. Problem solved!

No more logging into ten different platforms just to change one little detail. It’s like having a personal assistant for your business listings.

Whether you need to claim local listings, verify them, or update your information, Synup does it all in a few clicks. This allows you to dedicate more time to running your business and focusing on the things that truly matter to you.

How to Get Started With Synup

Getting started with Synup is super simple. You can kick things off by booking a free demo. Just a quick exploratory chat to figure out your business needs, followed by a personalized product demonstration. Synup will tailor it to your specific requirements, so you know exactly how the tool can help your business.

Once you’re signed up, you’ll have one dashboard to monitor your listings. Synup lets you audit and manage your listings from a single spot. No more jumping between different platforms or websites; it’s all right there, showing you which listing is unclaimed or unverified and where your information might be incorrect or outdated.

When you need to update something, you can make the changes across all platforms in one go. Synup also helps clean up your listings, ensuring everything is consistent making both search engines and customers happy.

What Customers Say

1. “The user dashboard is a simple yet powerful tool that you can use on behalf of your clients or give them their own access.”

          – Smaranika S. (Mid-market Project Manager)

2. “I’ve been using Synup for listings management, review management, and local landing pages, and I can confidently say it's been a game-changer for my business! For listings management, I’ve found it incredibly efficient to keep my business info updated across all platforms. No more hunting down individual sites—it’s all in one place, saving me hours every week. Plus, having a consistent online presence has done wonders for my local SEO.

                       – Jillian, O. (Small business owner, Freelancer)

- Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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How to Claim and Verify Your Local Listings on Major Platforms: FAQs

What does it mean to claim a listing?

Claiming a listing refers to requesting ownership of business information that's already appearing in a directory. It’s typically a way of telling prospects, "Hey, this local business is mine. I offer what you're looking for, and here's how to reach out to us." It gives you control over how your business appears online, from the name to the address and even hours of operation.

How do I get Google Maps to validate my business?

To verify your business on Google Maps, you'll first need to claim it on Google My Business. After that, Google will send you a postcard with a verification code (a real snail mail). Once you receive that code, simply enter it online, and you have verified your local listings. If waiting for mail isn’t your thing, some businesses can verify through phone, email, or even instant verification.

How much time does Google take to approve my business?

Google verification can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how you verify. The postcard is the most common method, and it usually takes about 5 to 14 days to arrive. Just remember to double-check that you entered your address correctly, or you'll be waiting longer than expected. If it's been more than two weeks, you might want to reach out to Google support to claim local listings.