In the realm of digital marketing, Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the go-to platform for local businesses looking to increase visibility. However, relying solely on GBP means missing out on opportunities to reach a broader audience. Enter Bing Places for Business, a platform many overlook but one that can significantly enhance your online presence, especially for users who prefer Bing or Microsoft Edge.
As a local business, you can’t afford to ignore Bing. It powers searches across various Microsoft services like Cortana, Outlook, and is the default search engine on Windows devices. If you’re already leveraging GBP for your business, adding Bing Places for Business is a smart way to complement your strategy and ensure you’re reaching users across all major search engines.
What is Bing Places for Business?
Bing Places for Business is Microsoft’s version of Google Business Profile. It allows business owners to manage how their business appears in Bing Search results and Bing Maps, similar to how GBP works for Google. By listing your business here, you can control your online presence on the second-largest search engine, which captures around 6% of global search traffic—a significant number when considering Bing’s integration with Microsoft products.
Why Use Bing Places for Business?
While Bing’s user base might be smaller than Google’s, it brings several unique advantages to the table. Here’s why you should consider adding Bing Places for Business to your digital marketing strategy:
1. Expanded Reach with Microsoft Users
Many people overlook the fact that Microsoft’s services are deeply embedded into Windows-based devices. Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows 10 and 11, and Bing is the default search engine. Additionally, Bing powers search queries for popular Microsoft tools like Cortana, the virtual assistant, and Outlook. Listing your business on Bing Places means reaching a dedicated segment of users who prefer Microsoft’s ecosystem.
2. Bing Users Have Higher Purchasing Power
Studies have shown that Bing users tend to have higher disposable incomes compared to users of other search engines. This translates into a higher likelihood of these users converting into paying customers for your business. By listing your business on Bing Places, you’re positioning your services in front of an audience that’s more likely to spend.
3. Less Competition on Bing
With fewer businesses listing on Bing Places, the competition for visibility is much lower than on Google. This makes it easier to stand out, rank higher, and get your business noticed by potential customers. Taking advantage of this lower competition could give you a significant edge in local search results.
4. Integration with Voice Search
Bing powers voice search results for Microsoft’s Cortana and many third-party devices. Voice search is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise of smart home devices. Ensuring your business is visible on Bing helps you capture this growing trend. A Bing Places listing can improve your chances of being discovered via voice search, adding another layer to your digital marketing strategy.
How to Get Started with Bing Places for Business
Setting up your Bing Places for Business profile is straightforward, especially if you already have a Google Business Profile. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Claim or Create Your Listing
Head over to the Bing Places for Business website and search for your business. If it’s already listed, you can claim the listing. If not, you’ll be able to create a new one by providing your business name, address, and contact information.
Import from Google Business Profile
One of the best features of Bing Places is that you can import your GBP listing directly into the platform. This saves you time from having to manually enter all your business details again. Just link your GBP account, and Bing will handle the rest.
Optimize Your Listing
Just like with GBP, it’s important to ensure your business listing is complete and optimized. Add your business hours, upload high-quality images, and write a compelling business description. The more information you provide, the more likely it is that potential customers will engage with your listing.
Monitor and Update Regularly
Keep your Bing Places listing up to date with any changes to your business, such as new contact information, operating hours, or promotions. Regular updates help keep your listing fresh and improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
Don’t Miss Out on the Bing Opportunity
Bing Places for Business is often underutilized, but it offers a valuable opportunity to grow your online presence beyond Google. By adding Bing Places to your local SEO strategy, you’re ensuring that your business is visible to a wider range of potential customers who may not use Google regularly.
While managing multiple business profiles can seem overwhelming, remember that visibility is key in today’s competitive digital landscape. Platforms like Bing Places offer an easy and effective way to reach more people, drive traffic, and ultimately grow your business.
If navigating these platforms seems time-consuming, don’t worry—you focus on your business, and I’ll get you the leads. At Shareef Solutions, I help businesses like yours expand their digital reach with tailored local SEO strategies, ensuring your online presence works as hard as you do.