Half of small businesses never update their online search, directory listings

Most small businesses (85%) know the importance of being found on major search engines, apps and directory sites. Over three-quarters (78%) believe it is through these channels that they gain new customers.

However, despite knowing the importance of providing consumers with their business information, SinglePlatform's poll also reveals that 49% have never updated their online or mobile listings. Just as worrying is that half of businesses have seen business listings that are inaccurate.

"Consumers are using the internet as a discovery engine and the opportunity for a local business to be found by their next great customer continues to grow," said Wiley Cerilli, vice president and general manager of SinglePlatform. "It is important for small businesses to list their products, services, and menus across the sites that consumers use to make their purchasing decisions."

So why aren't businesses keeping their online information up to date? For 70% it's a case of not having the time to manage and maintain their listings.

"We know that small businesses are both time- and resource-starved, limiting their ability to update listings on every major site and app," said Cerilli.

That's where services such as SinglePlatform and UBL come in. They enable businesses to update listings from one place, ensuring that the information consumers discover online, and via mobile, is the most up to date.

Tags: business listing, Internet, online listing, poll, search marketing, small business, SMB