Bing Can NO LONGER Be Ignored for Local SEO

With ChatGPT and AI on the scene, Bing Places has become a must claim listing.

Businesses that want to show up in ChatGPT's local results need a strong Bing presence.

ChatGPT is changing how customers find local services. It doesn’t only trust Google - it pulls data from Bing and other sources.

If your business is only on Google, you’re likely invisible in these AI driven searches.

You need to be visible on Bing Places, Localist and other platforms ChatGPT taps for local info

Why Bing Places? Because ChatGPT often leans on Bing’s search index to pick out local recommendations. In fact, ChatGPT appears to prefer businesses with a verified, complete Bing Places listing.

No Bing listing = a much lower chance you will be mentioned when someone asks ChatGPT for "the best [your service] in Auckland."

The good news: getting on Bing Places is easy - you can import your Google Business Profile directly.

Microsoft lets you one click transfer your Google listing into Bing, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Here’s a step by step guide to claim and optimise your Bing Places listing:

STEP 1: Visit BingPlaces.com and sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one).

Click "Import from Google Business Profile" - Bing will pull in your existing info. Make sure to check "I want to sync my business data" and choose how often to sync (e.g. weekly).

This way, any updates you make on Google (new photos, hours, etc.) automatically sync to Bing!

STEP 2: Sign in to your Google account when prompted and allow Bing Places to access your Business Profile data.

If you manage multiple locations, select the correct business from your Google listings to import.

Bing will then automatically import your business name, address, phone, website, hours, photos, all that good stuff - right into Bing Places.

STEP 3: Fill in a few extra details that Bing asks for after import:

Segment of Business: Choose a broad category segment for your business (e.g. Business-to-Business, Healthcare, Home Services, etc.) This is a unique Bing step - think of it as an extra layer above your specific category.

Primary Category: Confirm or select the specific category that best fits your service (similar to how you have a category in Google). You can add additional categories if relevant.

Address Visibility: If you’re a home based or service area business (e.g. a plumber who goes to customers), Bing still requires an address for verification. Enter your address - you can hide it from public view by selecting "No, hide this address" so it won’t show up on the listing. This way, you get verified but keep your home address private.

Photos & Details: Upload a clear logo and any service photos. Add a detailed business description and double check your hours. Bing even lets you add links to Facebook, Yellow Pages, etc. and other details (e.g. service areas, amenities) in its dashboard.

Complete profiles stand out more in search results!

STEP 4: Submit and verify your listing.

Bing might ask to verify ownership by sending a PIN postcard to your address (similar to Google’s process).

Follow the instructions to enter the PIN and verify. Now be patient - Bing says it can take up to 14 days for your business to appear in Bing search results (in one case it took ~28 days, so don’t panic if it isn’t instant!)

You’ll get an email once your listing is live, along with a link to view your business on Bing Maps

Bottom line: Claiming and optimising your Bing Places listing is a strategic move to stay ahead. It boosts your local visibility on Bing (the #2 search engine) and increases your chances of showing up in ChatGPT's answers and other AI-driven results. You want to be where your competitors might not be yet.

Bing is definitely gonna play a more important role soon. ChatGPT & Bing are both owned by Microsoft. It’s a battle between Google and Microsoft!

So don’t let them have the edge. Get your Bing Places in shape and capture that AI powered local search traffic!!!!