While it’s no secret that most businesses focus heavily on Google, Bing offers a valuable platform that shouldn’t be overlooked. Optimizing your Bing Places for Business profile should be an important step you take when diversifying your online presence and reaching a broader audience. Let’s explore why Bing deserves your attention and how you can leverage it to benefit your sign shop.
Does Bing Even Matter?
While Google may dominate the search engine landscape today, it’s important to remember that Bing, introduced by Microsoft in 2009, has consistently been a key competitor in the search engine market
Just because Bing holds a smaller portion of the search engine market, does not mean it’s insignificant. As of recent data, Bing accounts for 10.55% of the desktop market share. Listing your sign shop on Bing Places for Business taps into this audience, which might be missed if solely focusing on Google, thereby diversifying your online presence and maximizing your visibility across different user bases.
Why Bing Matters
Bing covers a significant portion of the search engine market, with unique demographic reach that can tap into an audience not fully covered by Google. The platform offers integration with Microsoft products, which many businesses and consumers use daily. By listing your sign shop on Bing, you can connect with potential customers who prefer this search engine and its associated services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Bing Places for Business
1. Starting the Process:
To get started, you can import your existing Google Business Profile to Bing, which simplifies the setup process. This ensures consistency across your online profiles, which is good for your brand’s credibility and search engine optimization purposes.
2. Filling Out Your Profile:
Detail every aspect of your business:
- Business Name and Address: Ensure these are consistent with your other online listings to improve your SEO.
- Service Categories: Select relevant categories like “Sign Shop,” “Graphic Designer,” and “Banner Store.” Accurate categorization improves your shop’s discoverability.
3. Adding Visuals:
Upload high-quality images of your signs and installations. Having striking visuals will significantly impact how potential customers perceive your business and can be a deciding factor when they choose whether or not to engage your services.
4. Verification Process:
Completing Bing’s verification process boosts your listing’s visibility and trustworthiness. It typically involves receiving a verification code via phone or mail.
How to Optimize Your Bing Profile
Use Keywords and Descriptions:
Use strategic keywords that potential customers might use to find your services, such as “custom neon signs” or “commercial signage.”
Your descriptions should be compelling and highlight the unique aspects of your services.
Post Regular Updates:
Keep your profile updated with the latest projects, promotions, and sign examples. Frequent updates keep your profile active and engaging, improving its ranking in search results.
Engage with Customer Reviews
Encourage your customers to leave reviews and make sure to respond to them, especially the negative ones. This interaction not only demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction but also helps manage your online reputation effectively.
Monitoring and Analyzing Your Bing Presence
Take advantage of Bing’s analytics tools to monitor how your listing performs. Track metrics such as views, clicks, and customer interactions to understand what works and what needs improvement. This data is crucial for refining your marketing strategies and optimizing your profile.
Bing Places for Business is an excellent tool for enhancing your sign shop’s online visibility. Establishing a presence on Bing will complement your Google strategies and cast a wider net for capturing customers.
Remember, the key to effective online marketing is diversity; utilizing multiple platforms ensures you do not miss out on potential business opportunities.
