How to Create a Business Profile
A business profile is an excellent way to advertise your business. Use it on your website to give potential customers a feel for your business, experience and core principles. Use it in business directories, both online and offline to give your business a degree of legitimacy and give potential customers a sense of comfort in knowing that your business exists on the books---or use it as a way to sell yourself to potential clients. No matter what you use your business profile for, it should include a number of important details.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Include technical details such as your business name and contact information such as your phone number and email address, as well as store hours (if relevant) and your website address. Only include an email address if you check it regularly. If you are just starting out, be sure the name you choose is one you will keep. Changing your business name could confuse your audience. Consistency in your business name across all directories, profiles and advertising outlets is important and gives your business credibility and familiarity.
-
2
Make sure the address you include in your profile is easy to find, if you have a physical location. Test it in MapQuest, Google Maps and Yahoo Maps to see if it comes up accurately. If not, consider the language, including street abbreviations and street numbers. If you business is home-based, consider renting a box at a UPS store and using that address in your business profile.
-
-
3
Include background about your business such as a brief history, your business philosophy, the future of your company and the amenities, services or products your business provides or will provide. Here, include the locales you serve (if you have a physical store). Include plans for expansion into new locales or markets.
-
4
Create short bios of key personnel, such as the CEO, vice president or owners. Include their experience, educational background and any accomplishments that they've had since joining the company.
-
5
Arrange the information into a logical presentation with your contact information at the beginning.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Business profiles vary greatly. Don't just follow one model, adjust yours so that it best represents your company's image. Allow for user ratings and reviews on the directories. Ask satisfied customers if they would be willing to write an online review that can be listed with your profile. For negative reviews, contact the web host to see if you can add a response to the review. Be sure your business is listed in the correct category (categories) within a directory. If you are a small business, it isn't necessary to include financial details such as quarterly financial statements. Include your company logo within your directory profile.
