Torian on Technology Leveraging technology to improve your bottom line.

Make sure your company is visible on the web.

Just as you want to be listed in the phone book, you want your business listed on the internet. A few simple steps can make sure that your customers can easily find you on the web, most at no cost.

1.  Make sure your information is current in Google local. Go to Google, and update the contact information for your business. It only takes a couple of minutes. https://www.google.com/local/add/login?hl=en-US&gl=US You will need to create a Google logon, if you do not have one already.
    
2. Look up your business in Yahoo! Local, and update it if it is not displaying accurate information. Go to http://local.yahoo.com and enter the name of your business. If you are not listed, go to: http://add.yahoo.com/fast/help/us/local/cgi_feedback and submit your company. If you are, click on the business name, to get details. A link just below the business description “own this business?” allows you to update your information and provide more details about your business. You will need to create a Yahoo! Logon account if you don’t already have one.
    
3. Get listed in DMOZ. This is the topical (edited by humans) directory used by many major search portals, including Google, AOL, Yahoo, and others. List your business by topic, and by regional, in Visalia. Instructions are here: http://dmoz.org/add.html. It can take a while to get listed, as it is reviewed by volunteers.
    
4. Check your listing with the Chamber of Commerce. See the list of Chambers by City (put hyperlink) to find yours. Many chambers have a member directory online. Make sure your listing is accurate and complete.
    
5. MSN uses CitySearch. Check your listing here: http://local.msn.com. You can enhance your listing for a fee. https://selfenroll.citysearch.com.
    
6. Update your information with Dun & Bradstreet. This is free, but be prepared for some annoying marketing follow-up to the email and phone number you provide. https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions.asp You will be assigned a DUNS number and a logon, after which you can provide them with information on your business.
    
7. Verizon Superpages provides a free listing here: http://my.superpages.com/spweb/products/business-listing. They require that you provide a credit card as part of the registration process for verification of identity.
    
8. For a list of additional directories you can be listed in, check the internet public library directory list: http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/ref80.00.00/ and the Google directory list: http://www.google.com/Top/Reference/Directories/Address_and_Phone_Numbers/ A little searching may turn up some market specific directories that will really help your business.
9. Make sure your listings with vendors are current. Often vendors provide a list of local dealers or outlets which you can be in. These are often published online.
    
10. Sign up for social networking groups if it is appropriate for your industry. Have a listing in facebook.com, linkedin.com, and other well known sites. Use with discretion, and be sure you understand how the tool interacts with your desktop data. Be careful of applications that want you to upload all your contacts. Sign up for industry specific groups as well. Spend a little time building your community.
     
11. Search Google, MSN, AOL, and Yahoo! for your full name, your last name, and your business name. You may be amazed at some of the information about you on the internet. Correct any errors where you can.
     
12. Find out who is linking to your website, and check to see what they say about you. You can search for inbound links on Google and Yahoo! by typing “link:http://www.yourcompany.com” in the search window. Be sure to include the http:// in the search URL. If your site has no inbound links, consider a link building campaign to get others to link to your web site.