What is NAP? When operating a company, many fine details go into building a successful business. And with the digital age, company owners can add even more complexity to their operations. But regardless of how tech-savvy you may be, one of the most fundamental pieces of information for any business is its NAP: Name, Address, and Phone.
While this acronym might not sound like a priority, ensuring your customers can find you is essential. And if they can’t? That could be a problem for business owners relying on local customers for success.
What Is NAP?
NAP represents the fundamental information that identifies your business in the digital world. Your business name, accurate address, and up-to-date phone number are the building blocks that enable customers to find you easily and establish trust in your online presence.
Business Name
Everyone understands that your business name, or brand, is how customers associate with your business. However, ensuring that your name is consistent across all digital and physical platforms is essential. For example, Your company is listed as “Joe’s Cleaning Service” on your website. However, it’s listed as “Joseph’s Professional Cleaners” across internet platforms such as Google and Yelp; potential customers might think you’ve gone out of business, moved, or changed your name. This mixup is problematic!
Address
Not surprisingly, your business address will have much to do with how you attract local customers. And with the growing adaption of local, mobile, and map searches, accurate NAP data matters. Providing outdated or incorrect address information can cause serious customer confusion. Studies find that people who search for a business, product, or service from their mobile phone are likely to visit or reach out to that business within 24 hours. Having the correct business address across all internet platforms, including your Google Business Profile, helps ensure they reach your door, not your competitor’s.
Phone
Sometimes, potential clients have quick questions or need help making an appointment. But suppose you have old, outdated, or incorrect phone numbers listed across multiple internet platforms. In that case, the situation gets messy and can cause significant business issues, such as people assuming that you’ve moved or, worse, gone out of business.
In conclusion, correctly utilizing your NAP – Name, Address, and Phone – helps customers find you quickly and easily online. As such, it’s something that every business owner should prioritize. Local business owners are setting themselves up for tremendous success by ensuring accuracy across all digital platforms.
Both New And Established Companies Need Accurate NAP Information
Ensure your NAP information is accurate across all digital platforms regardless of your business size or status.
New companies should ensure that they establish a Google Business Profile and other local directories and search engines with consistent information.
Established companies should also review their NAP information occasionally and update it whenever necessary. While change can be good, if your company has recently moved, changed or added phone numbers, or made a name change, you’ll want to make sure that the trusted online data aggregators, such as Neustar, are updated.
The bottom line is that NAP accuracy should be a priority for any local business owner. Not only will it help your customers find you more readily, but it also helps your business maintain a professional and trustworthy presence on the web.
Find Out What Information Data Aggregators Are Providing To Visitors
Sorting through the mounds of data on the internet can be a daunting task. But it’s worth reviewing what information is available about your business – if there are errors, you’ll want them fixed.
Data aggregators collect and provide NAP information about businesses across multiple platforms, meaning there is much room for error. Especially for companies with a long operating history and more than one location, it’s essential to ensure that the data is up-to-date and accurate.
If you’d like a hand in checking for errors, our local SEO experts can help review your company’s NAP information across multiple platforms.
Our Experienced Digital team Is Available To Help!
By prioritizing NAP accuracy, you’re ensuring your business’s visibility and paving the way for greater success in the digital age.
If you need assistance checking for errors and optimizing your NAP information across multiple platforms, our local SEO experts are here to help.
Contact us today to initiate the conversation and take advantage of a free Local SEO audit. You can call us at 440-306-3081, initiate an online chat, or send us a message using our contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!
Updated: 09/29/2023