When, Why, and How to Get Listed on Bing Places for Business

If you’re a local business owner looking to improve your online presence and attract more customers, you may already know about Google and Yelp. But have you considered Bing Places for Business? Often overshadowed by its more popular competitors, Bing still holds a significant share of search traffic. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of getting listed on Bing Places, the steps to set up your profile, and how this platform integrates with other marketing tools—helping your business gain more local visibility.


When to Get Listed on Bing Places for Business

While Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) often gets all the attention, Bing is still a major search engine with millions of users, especially in certain demographics. If you’re aiming to expand your reach and connect with customers who may prefer or default to Bing, getting listed on Bing Places for Business is a smart move.

Here’s when you should consider setting up a Bing Places profile:

  • If you’re already listed on Google: If you’ve already claimed your business on Google My Business, adding your business to Bing Places helps diversify your online presence and attract more customers who use Bing or Yahoo.
  • If you want to target a specific audience: Bing users tend to skew older, with higher income levels. If your target demographic falls into this category, optimizing for Bing could give you a competitive advantage.
  • Expanding your online marketing strategy: If you’re serious about digital marketing and increasing local visibility, you shouldn’t rely on just one platform. A listing on Bing Places, alongside your Yelp and Google profiles, will ensure you’re accessible to as many potential customers as possible.
  • Improving local search visibility: Local businesses can rank highly on Bing Places even with fewer reviews and less competition than on Google. This is an opportunity for businesses to stand out in their local area.

Why Use Bing Places for Business?

Bing Places offers several benefits for local businesses that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here’s why you should consider using it:

  1. Bing’s Search Market Share: Bing powers search results for not only the Bing search engine but also Yahoo and AOL. As a result, your business can reach a large, engaged audience. In the U.S., Bing accounts for around 25% of search engine traffic, which means millions of potential customers.
  2. Free Business Listing: Just like Google My Business, Bing Places for Business is free to use. You don’t have to pay to create a listing, making it an easy and cost-effective way to increase your business’s online visibility.
  3. Local Search Visibility: Bing Places allows you to showcase your business on local searches and in Bing Maps. This can make a big difference when local customers are searching for businesses nearby.
  4. Easy Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: For businesses that use Microsoft products such as Microsoft Advertising, having your business on Bing Places can help streamline your digital marketing. Bing Places integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services, making it easier to run ads and track performance.
  5. Detailed Insights: Bing Places offers analytics tools that let you track the number of views, clicks, and directions requested from your business listing. These insights help you understand your audience and optimize your local marketing efforts.
  6. Rich Business Details: Bing allows businesses to include detailed business information such as photos, descriptions, hours, and even special offers. This can enhance your listing and make it stand out to potential customers.

How to Get Listed on Bing Places for Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the benefits of Bing Places, let’s walk through the process of getting listed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your business is properly set up on Bing Places.

Step 1: Create a Bing Places Account

To get started, you’ll need to sign up for a Bing Places account:

  1. Go to the Bing Places for Business website.
  2. Click on “Get Started” to create a new account. If you already have a Microsoft account, you can sign in with it.
  3. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, you’ll need to create one. This will allow you to manage your business listing and access analytics tools.

Step 2: Add Your Business

Once you’ve logged into Bing Places, follow these steps to add your business:

  1. Click on “Add a Business”.
  2. Search for your business: Bing will try to auto-fill your business name and address based on its data. If it’s already listed, you can simply claim your listing. If it’s not listed, click “Add your business” to create a new profile.
  3. Enter your business details: Fill in the necessary fields:
    • Business name
    • Address (make sure it’s accurate for local searches)
    • Phone number
    • Business hours
    • Website (if applicable)
    • Business category (e.g., restaurant, home services, medical practice)

Step 3: Verify Your Business

Just like other business listing platforms, Bing Places requires verification to ensure the information is legitimate. Bing may use one of the following methods:

  • Postcard verification: Bing will send a physical postcard with a verification code to the address you provided.
  • Phone verification: Some businesses can be verified via phone call. You’ll receive a code to enter into your Bing Places account.
  • Email verification: In some cases, businesses can verify their listing by responding to an email from Bing.

Step 4: Optimize Your Listing

Once your business is verified, make sure to fully optimize your Bing Places profile. Here’s what you should include:

  • Business description: Write a clear, concise description of your business. Highlight what makes you unique and the services you offer.
  • Photos: Upload high-quality images of your business, products, or services. Listings with photos are more likely to get viewed and clicked.
  • Business hours: Make sure your operating hours are correct so potential customers know when you’re open.
  • Menu or services: For restaurants, upload your menu. For other businesses, list your services or specialties.
  • Special offers: Bing allows you to highlight promotions and special offers. This can be a great way to attract attention.

Step 5: Monitor and Respond to Reviews

While Bing Places is not as review-focused as Yelp or Google, it’s still important to keep an eye on feedback from customers. Responding to reviews (both positive and negative) shows potential customers that you care about their experience and are engaged with your audience.

  • Track Analytics: Bing Places provides data on how often your business listing is viewed, clicked, and used for directions. These insights can help you refine your local marketing strategy.
  • Update Your Listing Regularly: Keep your listing fresh by updating business hours, adding seasonal photos, and promoting new offers.

Pros and Cons of Bing Places for Business

Pros:

  1. Increased Visibility: Bing Places helps your business appear in local search results and on Bing Maps, increasing your visibility to customers in your area.
  2. Free: Bing Places is completely free to use, making it a cost-effective way to get found by local customers.
  3. Integrated with Microsoft Services: Bing Places integrates with Microsoft tools like Microsoft Advertising, allowing you to run ads and track performance across platforms.
  4. Detailed Insights: The platform offers useful insights into how customers are interacting with your listing, helping you improve your local SEO strategy.
  5. Rich Business Profiles: You can add a variety of business details to your profile, including descriptions, hours, photos, and promotions.

Cons:

  1. Smaller User Base: While Bing has a sizable audience, it’s still smaller than Google. Your business may get fewer impressions compared to a Google Business Profile.
  2. Less Review Focused: Unlike Yelp or Google, Bing Places doesn’t rely as heavily on customer reviews, which can be a disadvantage for businesses that rely on customer feedback to drive sales.
  3. Limited Features: While Bing Places offers a lot of the basics, it doesn’t have as many advanced features as Google My Business or other platforms like Yelp.
  4. Postcard Verification Delay: The postcard verification process can take up to 2 weeks, which may be frustrating for businesses that want to get listed immediately.

How Bing Places Integrates with Other Platforms

Bing Places works well in conjunction with other platforms, including Google My Business, Yelp, and Apple Maps. By ensuring that your business is listed across multiple platforms, you increase your chances of being discovered by local customers.

  • Google My Business: While Bing Places is a great platform, you should also list your business on Google My Business to ensure you’re found by users on Google search and Google Maps.
  • Yelp: If you’re a service-based business, having a Yelp profile can increase your credibility with reviews. You can link your Yelp profile from your Bing Places listing.
  • Apple Maps: Many iPhone users rely on Apple Maps for local searches. Make sure you’re listed on Apple Maps for even broader visibility.

Summary and Call to Action

Listing your business on Bing Places for Business is a smart move for improving local visibility and connecting with customers who prefer Bing’s search engine. With a free profile, rich business