If you’re a business owner and still haven’t claimed your Bing Places listing, you’re leaving serious visibility (and money) on the table. Let’s face it, Google’s the big dog in the yard, but Bing? It’s the underdog that’s growing fast—and a smart business never underestimates an underdog.
Here’s why Bing Places matters: around 1 in 3 desktop searches in the U.S. happen on Bing. So, yeah, it’s time to step up and get your business noticed. Whether you’re running a local coffee shop or managing a sprawling chain of fitness centers, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to claiming—or adding—your business to Bing Places for Business.
Step 1: Sign Up or Log In to Your Bing Places Account
First things first, head over to Bing Places for Business. If you don’t already have a Microsoft account, now’s the time to create one. Sure, it’s not required, but trust me, it makes your life a lot easier. Once you’re logged in, you’re ready to claim your stake in the Bing world.
Step 2: Search for Your Business
This step is all about finding out whether Bing already knows about you. Use either your business phone number or a combo of your business name and location to search. This is where Bing flexes its muscle—if your business is already in the system, you’ll see it pop up. Just hit "Claim Business" and move on to the next step.
Step 3: Can’t Find Your Business? No Problem—Add It!
If your business isn’t listed, don’t sweat it. Just click on “Create New Business,” and you’re in. From here, you’ll be asked to fill in all the basic details, including your business name, address, and phone number. Remember: precision matters. You don’t want customers going to the wrong place because you got lazy on the form.
Step 4: Pin Your Business on the Map
This part’s crucial. Bing allows you to manually move the pin that shows where your business is located. Double-check this—customers will use this to navigate to you. If your pin is off, you’re sending them on a wild goose chase.
Step 5: Select Your Business Category and Add a Description
Here’s your chance to shine. Pick a category that matches your business (Bing has a set list, so no getting creative here) and add a short, punchy description. Keep it simple, and make sure to emphasize what makes your business special.
Step 6: Set Your Business Hours (or Skip This)
Got set hours? Add them. If not, just hit “Skip.” It’s that simple.
Step 7: Upload Photos—Starting with Your Logo
Your first photo will serve as the face of your listing, so make it count. Ideally, this is where your logo goes, but feel free to showcase a few high-quality shots of your storefront or products. People trust businesses they can see.
Step 8: Verify Your Business
Now comes the fun part—verification. Bing offers several ways to verify your business, from phone to email to postcard. Yep, that’s right, a physical postcard might show up in your mailbox with a code you’ll need to enter online. It can take up to two weeks, so be patient. But once you’re verified? Boom, you’re live.
Large Businesses: Import Your Google My Business Data
If you’re managing 10 or more locations, Bing lets you import your data straight from Google My Business. This is a huge time-saver—especially for chains or franchises. Just choose “Import from Google My Business” and follow the prompts to sync your data. It’s that simple.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the deal: if you’re serious about growing your business, you can’t ignore Bing. Sure, it’s not Google, but there’s a significant audience there just waiting for you to show up. Don’t wait another day—claim your Bing Places for Business listing and make sure your business is visible where it matters.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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