How to Create a Local.com Business Listing
On the internet, local is everything. The numbers prove it: 46 per cent of all searches on Google are local. What’s more, mobile searches for “open” + “now” + “near me” have grown by 200 per cent since 2015. And it’s not just affecting search engines — local search can mean a bigger bottom line for businesses. 72 per cent of people who conduct a local search will visit a store within 5 miles, and 78 per cent of local mobile searches result in a purchase either in-store or online. So simply put, if you’re not utilising the power of local search to keep your business visible and relevant, you’re missing out on a majority of your potential customers.
For Australian businesses, this shift means that appearing in local search results is essential for staying competitive. By optimising business listings and maintaining accurate online profiles, companies can increase their visibility and attract customers who are actively looking for services nearby.
What is Local.com?
Because of the influential power of local search, you’ll want to take advantage of local-focused tools to help boost the reach of your business. Local.com is a one-stop-shop platform designed to provide business listings and events to searchers — specific to their area. Consumers can also access reviews, directions, ratings, contact info, maps, as well as deals, services, and shopping in their area. Listings are free for businesses, but you can also pay for premium features like “Featured Listings” positions at the top of relevant searches. Plus, the platform is kind of a big deal; for four years in a row, they were included in the Deloitte Fast 500 Companies list.
Unpacking the Core Features
Beyond providing basic business information, Local.com offers several features so Australian businesses can stand out in competitive local markets. In addition to listings that include contact details, maps, and reviews, the platform allows businesses to promote local events, highlight special offers, and showcase deals that attract nearby customers.
This functionality can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in industries such as retail, hospitality and local services. By highlighting promotions or community events, businesses can create more engagement with customers who are actively searching for nearby options.
For businesses trying to increase their local visibility, using these additional features can help attract attention and encourage potential customers to learn more about the services offered.
How to Create a Local.com Business Listing
As a business, utilising podium.com.au’s business listing tool can help you get discovered by potential customers in your area, increasing the likelihood of generating leads and driving sales. Here’s how to get started.
- Claim Your Listing. On podium.com.au’s homepage, click the “Claim Your Listing” button at the top of the page. Login with your existing email and password or create a new account. After verifying your account through email, click “Add New Listing”.
- Add Business Details. Enter your business information, such as the address and contact details, then assign categories, accepted payment methods, and more. The more specific information you provide, the easier it will be for customers to find you and what they’re looking for.
- Confirm. Submit your listing. Once reviewed, your listing will be published on podium.com.au.
Smart Ways to Get More From a Local.com Listing
When setting up a listing, taking a few extra steps to optimise your information significantly improves how easily customers find your business.
Use location-specific keywords
Including suburbs, cities, or regions in your listing description can help your business appear in searches from nearby customers. For example, instead of simply listing “coffee shop,” you might include terms like “Melbourne CBD coffee shop” or “Brisbane city café.”
Choose accurate business categories
Selecting the correct categories helps Local.com match your business with the right search queries. Doing this means your listing appears for customers searching for specific services.
Provide detailed service descriptions
Adding clear descriptions of what your business offers helps potential customers quickly determine whether your services match their needs.
Keep information consistent across platforms
Ensure your business name, address, and phone number match the details listed on other platforms like Google Business Profile and your website. Consistency helps improve local search visibility.
How a Podium.com.au Listing Benefits Your Business
Your most valuable consumers are the ones in your area. To reach them, you need to target local search traffic by positioning yourself for high visibility. Visibility means engagement, and engagement means sales.
By taking advantage of business tools that support your mission to attract customers in your area, you cast a valuable net of potential leads. Because podium.com.au offers searchers information on nearby businesses, services, and events, it’s a key tool for boosting your local SEO and effectively managing your online reputation. Plus, detailed business info and a wide range of offerings means that customers can access everything they need to make informed purchases on a user-friendly platform — and you can achieve more exposure with simple maintenance.
What’s more, podium.com.au’s budget-friendly platform means that you can spend your business $$ where it matters. Listings are free (why would you not take advantage?) and if you have a few more dollars to spend, you can upgrade listings to appear in top-of-the-list Featured positions.
Local.com is a larger company, and having your business included in its listing will help make your business more visible. It’s a win-win-win all around!
See How Local Listings Support Business Visibility
Many local businesses have found that maintaining accurate online listings can significantly improve their visibility. For example, when a small café or retail store claims and optimises its listing, let’s say adding updated business hours, service descriptions, or local keywords for example, it becomes easier for nearby customers to discover the business while searching online.
By keeping listings accurate and optimised for local search terms, businesses can improve their chances of appearing in relevant search results and attracting customers who are actively looking for products or services in their area.
Turning Customer Reviews Into a Stronger Reputation
Online reviews play an important role in shaping how potential customers perceive a business. Positive feedback not only builds trust with new customers but can also influence how search engines rank your business in local results.
Search engines often consider review quantity, quality, and recency when determining which businesses appear in local listings. This means that encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews can help strengthen both your reputation and your search visibility.
Businesses should also actively monitor reviews and respond when possible. Thanking customers for positive feedback and addressing concerns professionally demonstrates transparency and helps reinforce trust within the local community.
Local.com FAQs
What is local.com?
Local.com is a one-stop-shop platform designed to help users find businesses near them.
Is local.com legit?
Yes. Local.com is a trusted website and listing your business there will help you improve your online visibility.
Is local.com free?
Yes. You can claim your local.com business listing for free here. You can also pay for premium features like “featured listings” which appear at the top of relevant searches.
How do I list my business on local.com?
- Go to the Local.com homepage and click the “claim your listing” button.
- If you don’t already have one, create a free account.
- Enter your business details, then click “Submit & Confirm.”
- Your listing will be published after it is reviewed and approved.
A Win/win for Local Business
When working to target potential customers for your business, think local. A listing on local.com.au can improve your local SEO and find and reach those in your area primed for purchasing. By regularly maintaining a listing with up-to-date, accurate, and detailed info, you join a rich community of businesses and boost your bottom line.
