Although Google Maps is the most popular navigation and local business search application, it is also worth considering other solutions. According to the Statcounter ranking, as many as 4.15% of Europeans use the Bing search engine and rely on the maps provided within this system (gs.statcounter.com, 2024). Creating a listing on Bing Places for Business will help you attract new customers and showcase your offerings. Importantly, setting up an account is free and does not take much time. Learn how to set up Bing Places for Business with our step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Create a Microsoft Account
Before you start filling in business details, you must create a Microsoft account. Register and then log in to proceed with setting up your Bing Places for Business profile. Next, go to the Bing panel and select the “New User” option.
Step 2. Find Your Business Name on the Bing Places List
Before creating a Bing listing, check if your business is already on the maps. Enter your business name in the search bar and see if it appears in the Bing Places list.
If you find your business on the list, someone else has likely added it. In this case, click on your business name to be redirected to the section with basic information. There, select the option Are you the owner of this business? Claim it now!
Once you enter the configuration panel, you can change settings and gain access to your Bing listing. Here, you can complete business information and manage your company profile. The data entry process is partially automated, eliminating the need for manual input. Bing allows you to import data from your Google Business Profile, saving you a significant amount of time.
Important!
Important! Connecting your Google Business Profile with Bing Places for Business enables data synchronization every week, every two weeks, or once a month (depending on your configuration). This is a very convenient feature, as it eliminates the need to update business hours in two different places when changes occur.
Find out how to manually complete your Bing Places data step by step and explore the available options and features.
Also, see how to select the right categories in Google Business Profile.
Step 3. Fill in Basic Business Information
Verify that your business name in Bing Places is correct. Also, enter your phone number and provide details such as your company’s address and website.
Step 4. Select the Category (Industry) in Which Your Business Operates
Specify the industry in which your company operates. Bing Places offers 24 business segments, each divided into categories. Choose the option that best matches your organization’s profile. At this stage, you can also add a description of your company.
Step 5. Provide Additional Business Information
Decide whether your business location should be visible to customers. Also, specify whether you run a company or operate as an independent professional – Bing categorizes freelancers, sole proprietors, and self-employed individuals under this designation.
Step 6. Enter Contact Information
Enter your company’s email address and add links to your social media profiles.
If your business has additional social media profiles beyond Instagram or YouTube, you can include these links in the “Business Relations” section. You’ll find this option in the tabs/settings after completing the Bing Places for Business profile setup.
Step 7. Add Photos
Showcase your office, business location, or store where you offer services or sell products. Bing Places allows you to upload up to 100 photos. This is a great opportunity to select an appropriate image and set it as your business logo.
Step 8. Specify Opening Hours
Enter the hours during which your business is open.
Step 9. Provide Additional Data Related to Your Business Type
Depending on the segment and category of your business, Bing may request additional information about your company.
Step 10. Verify Your Bing Places Profile
This is the final step in setting up your Bing listing. To verify your profile, select one of the available options and follow the instructions.
Keep in mind that verifying your Bing Places for Business Profile can be challenging, so patience is required.
Setting Up a Profile on Bing Maps – Summary
Bing Maps may not be as popular as the competing Google Maps application, but their potential should not be underestimated. Creating a Bing Places for Business profile helps you stand out and attract new customers interested in your products or services. It is worth taking the time to add your business, especially since setting up an account in Bing Maps is free. Furthermore, you can import business information from your Google Profile, increasing your business’s visibility in local search results.
