Listing Data Intake and Verification (Onboarding)

Listing Data Intake and Verification (Onboarding)

1. 01

   Collect the client's legal entity name, trading name, and every historical name variant used on past directories

   Name mismatches across directories are the most common cause of duplicate listings and suppressed map rankings, so capture former DBA names, pre-rebrand spellings, and any abbreviated forms the client has used.

2. 02

   Capture the full address string exactly as the client's utility bill or lease shows it, including suite and unit formatting

   Directory data aggregators treat 'Ste 200' and 'Suite 200' as different strings. Standardize one format before distribution so downstream corrections do not multiply.

3. 03

   Record the primary phone number, any tracking numbers, and the hours of operation for each location

   Tracking numbers on core listings split citation consistency. Keep the main line on the primary profile and route tracking numbers to paid landing pages only.

4. 04

   Map every location the client operates, including service-area-only locations with no storefront

   Service-area businesses need a different listing configuration than storefronts. Mixing the two in one profile triggers verification problems that take weeks to unwind.

5. 05

   Pull the client's existing listings from at least two aggregator sources and flag duplicates, closed locations, and unclaimed profiles

   Agencies running BrightLocal or Advice Local can export this in one pass. The goal is a reconciliation sheet the client signs off on before any new listing is published.

6. 06

   Confirm category selection against the client's top three revenue services, not their full service menu

   Primary category drives map pack eligibility. Secondary categories should cover adjacent services, and the client should approve the hierarchy in writing.

7. 07

   Get written client sign-off on the intake sheet before distribution begins

   Store the approved version in the account folder. Every later correction gets diffed against this baseline, which protects the agency when a client disputes a listing change.