As we discussed in our other article “Your business needs a NAP!“, consistency in branding your NAP, Name, Address and Phone are the key to SEO. Below are 5 steps to help you create that unity.
Step 1: Make it consistent
Begin with typing out your business name, address, and phone number so you can copy and paste it for consistency. I like to use Notepad app on my computer, but you can also email it to yourself, or make a Google Doc – so long as you keep this information somewhere accessible that’s all that matters.
For example:
VistaGraphics, Inc.
1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5689
(757) 422-8979
vistagraphicsinc.com
info@vgnet.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:00pm
Facebook: hwww.facebook.com/vistagraphicsinc
Twitter: twitter.com/VistagraphicsI
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/vistagraphics-inc.
YouTube: www.youtube.com/VistaMobi
Also, find a good copy of your logo. Preferably 512×512 pixels for uploading to social media and business listing websites.
Step 2: Verify printed versions of your NAP match the web versions
Confirm your NAP is the same as what is printed on letterheads, business cards, pamphlets, menus, etc. Again, consistency is vital. Confirm before you update everything what is printed matches what will be online.
Step 3: Make your list of social media/websites and update:
• Website Your NAP should be correctly, and prominently, displayed on your website so it’s easily found by both customers and search engines. Make sure your NAP is text and not image-based. Google, Bing and other search engines can’t read images.
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Google Business Listing If you haven’t claimed your Google Business Listing, then follow this help article from Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778?hl=en
• Bing Business Listing If you haven’t claimed your Bing Places for Business yet, you can start here: https://www.bingplaces.com/
Step 4: Use Google to find discrepancies!
Once your social media is updated, make sure your Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other listings are correct as well. Begin by googling your business name. Make sure your local Chamber of Commerce or other local listing companies are displaying your NAP correctly. The best way to do this is to look for a “contact us” page or see how to “claim the listing” depending on the website type.
Step 5: Keep a record.
Keep a record of all your listings so you can quickly refer to them if your business address or phone number ever changes. I’d also recommend making a note of who to contact to update if needed.
This may be a bit tedious and time consuming, but the payoff once it’s done will return large dividends! Happy Napping!
