In the world of Local SEO, Google often takes center stage. However, Bing Maps is quietly but powerfully influencing local visibility, especially for multi-location brands. With Bing processing 12.2 billion searches per month on desktop alone and serving as the default search engine for over 1.5 billion Windows devices globally, Bing Maps is a critical platform for brands aiming to enhance their local presence.
Why Bing Maps Matters for Local Visibility
Bing Maps is more than just an alternative to Google Maps. It's indeed a powerful tool for reaching a broad audience, particularly in regions where Bing is more prevalent, like the US (6.6% share), Germany (5.9% share), Switzerland (5.9% share) among others.
In addition, 54% of Bing users actively search for products and brands, highlighting its importance for local businesses. With Bing’s integration into AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and SearchGPT, the relevance of Bing Maps for local SEO is set to grow even further.
How Bing Maps Enhances Local SEO
Broadening Your Reach:
With Bing as the default search engine for all Windows devices, your brand gains access to a massive audience base. Brands can tap into this user segment by optimizing their listings on Bing Maps, making sure their information is accurate and up-to-date.
Leveraging AI Integration:
Bing’s role extends beyond traditional search; it powers AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and SearchGPT and has its own AI chatbot, CoPilot (formerly Bing Chat). The new AI integrations allow Bing to provide more personalized search results, potentially increasing the visibility of businesses that optimize their presence on Bing Maps.
Local Advertising Opportunities:
Bing Maps offers unique advertising opportunities that are less competitive than Google’s platform, allowing brands to stand out more easily. By using Bing Ads in conjunction with Bing Places for Business, you can strategically target local audiences.
Optimizing Your Listings for Bing Maps
To make the most out of Bing Maps for local visibility, businesses should ensure that their Bing Places for Business profiles are fully optimized. This includes updating business hours, photos, services, and contact information regularly.
Consistency across all platforms is crucial for Local SEO success, and using listing management automation tools like PinMeTo can be a game-changer. PinMeTo helps brands maintain up-to-date information across multiple platforms, ensuring that details like operating hours, contact information, and addresses are accurate on all key platforms like Bing, Google, Apple or Meta.
To Sum Up
Bing Maps is an essential player in the Local SEO landscape, especially for multi-location brands looking to maximize their local visibility. With its substantial user base and integration into advanced AI platforms like ChatGPT and SearchGPT, Bing Maps offers a unique opportunity for businesses to reach and engage with their customers more effectively. By optimizing your presence on Bing Maps and leveraging the right tools, your brand can stay ahead of the curve in the evolving digital marketplace.
Lily Adamyan, September 5
