When locals find your business in a directory, they decide in a few seconds whether to call you or keep scrolling. A clear, complete listing makes that decision easy. Here’s how to write a business listing that works, whether you’re listing on Local Business Near Me, Google or anywhere else.
Use your real business name
List your business under the name on your signage, vans and invoices. Avoid stuffing extra keywords into the name, such as “Best Plumber Epping Cheap”. It looks spammy to customers, and Google can suspend a Business Profile for it. Put the services and suburbs in your description instead.
Pick the right category
Choose the category that best matches your main service, as that’s where most people will find you. If you do more than one thing, lead with the service most customers come to you for and mention the rest in your description.
Write a description for people, not search engines
A good description answers four questions in plain language:
- What do you do? Be specific. “Residential electrician for repairs, lighting and switchboard upgrades” says more than “electrical services”.
- Where do you work? Name the suburbs you cover, such as Epping, Thomastown and Lalor.
- Who is it for? Homeowners, renters, landlords, businesses or families.
- Why choose you? Years in business, family owned, after-hours service, languages spoken or anything else that sets you apart.
Keep it to a few short paragraphs. Write the way you’d explain your business to a customer on the phone.
Get the basics exactly right
Your phone number, website and opening hours should match what’s on your website and Google Business Profile. Use a number someone actually answers, and update your hours for public holidays and the Christmas break. Nothing loses a customer faster than turning up to a closed door.
Add real photos
Photos of your actual work, your shopfront and your team build far more trust than stock images. Tradies can show before-and-after shots, cafés their food and counter, and clinics their waiting room. Upload a square business icon too, so your listing is easy to spot in search results.
Show you’re licensed and insured
If your trade needs a licence or registration, mention it in your description. Customers in Victoria are encouraged to check licences before they book, and saying so up front saves them a step and sets you apart from anyone who doesn’t.
Keep it up to date
Set a reminder to check your listing every few months. Add new services, swap in fresh photos and remove anything you no longer offer. An up-to-date listing tells customers you’re still active and still local.
Add or claim your free listing
Listing on Local Business Near Me is free for every business in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with every feature included and no paid rankings. If you’re not listed yet, add your business. If you can see your business already, claim your listing and make it your own. For more ideas, read 7 free ways to get your local business found online.
