A simple guide to setting up your business presence online - especially for small UK businesses
If you run a local business, making sure people can find you online is essential. This guide covers the most important places your business should be listed - and how to set them up properly.
Having a professional website is just one part of your online presence. To complete your setup, you'll also want professional email addresses that match your business domain.
Why Online Listings Matter
When someone searches for your business type—like "plumber in Kent" or "hairdresser near me", the results often come from online directories like Google Maps, Facebook, and others.
Getting listed (and listed correctly) helps your business:
- Show up in local searches
- Appear on map apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps)
- Look trustworthy with consistent details and photos
And the best part? Once set up properly, these listings largely take care of themselves. Just remember to keep your opening hours and business info up to date.
Start With Consistent Business Info
Before setting up any directories, decide exactly how your business information will appear across the web. This consistency helps search engines trust your listing.
Key Information (NAP)
NAP stands for:
- Name: use your official business name (don't add keywords or slogans)
- Address: always write it the same way (e.g. "Street" not sometimes "St")
- Phone number: ideally a local number with the same format everywhere
Other Details to Prepare
- 8-10 good quality photos of your business and services
- A short business description (around 150 words)
- Your business hours (include any holiday changes)
- A list of your main services
- Your website address - if you don't have one yet, it's well worth setting one up as it builds trust and gives customers a place to learn more about your services. Get a professional website with no upfront design fee.
- Social media links (if you use them)
- Your professional email (e.g. [email protected])
Top Platforms to List Your Business
1. Google Business Profile (Most Important)
Google powers local map results and is where most people start their search.
How to Set It Up:
- Go to business.google.com
- Search for your business (in case it's already listed)
- Claim or add your business
- Choose your main business category carefully
- Verify your business using one of the available methods
Once Verified, Complete Your Profile:
- Business description
- List of services
- Website URL - highly recommended, even a simple one can make a big difference
- Service area (if you visit customers)
- Opening hours
- Photos (varied, your work, your team)
Pro Tip: Respond to all reviews and occasionally post updates like offers, news, or tips.
2. Facebook Business Page
Facebook is widely used across all age groups and lets people recommend your business.
Set It Up:
- Go to facebook.com/pages/create
- Select "Business or Brand"
- Fill in your business details, matching your NAP and include your website if possible
- Add your opening hours and services
- Upload a cover photo and profile picture
- Enable messaging and reviews
3. Bing Places for Business
Bing is the search engine used on many Windows PCs and Microsoft products.
Set It Up:
- Go to bingplaces.com
- You can import your listing from Google to save time
- Verify your business (via phone or post)
- Make sure all details are complete and match your other listings
4. Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the default app for iPhones and iPads. It also powers Siri searches.
Set It Up:
- Go to mapsconnect.apple.com
- Sign in with an Apple ID
- Add your business details (use your NAP)
- Verify by phone or email
- Add photos and complete all available sections
Extra Listings Worth Considering
These aren't essential for every business, but can be useful depending on your industry:
Yelp
- Great for restaurants, trades and service-based businesses
- Set up a free listing at biz.yelp.co.uk
Industry-Specific Sites
Depending on your work, you might consider:
- Trades: Checkatrade, TrustATrader, Rated People
- Healthcare: Doctify, WhatClinic
- Legal: Law Society directory
- Automotive: The Motor Ombudsman, AutoTrader
Keeping Your Listings Up To Date
Once you're listed, keep an eye on your info every few months:
- Update opening hours (especially for holidays)
- Add new photos occasionally
- Respond to reviews
- Make sure everything's still accurate
Quick Tips for Managing Reviews
Good reviews: Thank your customers, be personal, and invite them to return.
Negative reviews: Stay polite, apologise if needed, and offer to resolve the issue privately. Always remain professional—your reply is public.
Things to Avoid
- Don't use different names or phone numbers across platforms
- Never buy fake reviews (Google can penalise you)
- Don't use stock photos, real ones build trust
- Avoid using a PO Box as your address unless you're an online-only business
- Don't ignore negative reviews—respond calmly and constructively
How to Know It's Working
You'll know your efforts are paying off when:
- More people mention they found you on Google or Facebook
- You start receiving more phone calls
- You appear in local search results and map listings
- New customers start leaving reviews
- Website traffic increases (if you've got one)
Need Help Getting Started?
If you don't have time or just want to make sure everything is done right, I can help with:
- A simple, professional website that's easy to update
- Domain name registration and setup
- A professional email address (e.g. [email protected])
- Basic help getting your Google and Facebook profiles listed correctly
- Tips on keeping things consistent across platforms
Ready to establish your professional online presence? Contact Designs Decoded today to learn how we can help your local business get found online.