Common mistakes to avoid when listing your business

Listing your business, whether on online directories, social media platforms, or property marketplaces, is a vital aspect of establishing a local presence in Thailand. As the digital landscape grows increasingly competitive, the way you present your business can make or break your success. Thailand’s unique business environment and culture make it essential to take special care in ensuring your listing avoids the typical pitfalls. Below, we explore common mistakes to avoid when listing your business and offer insights into effectively capturing local customers.

Nine common mistakes people make when listing their businesses on online directories

1. Inaccurate business information

The foundation of a successful business listing is providing accurate information. This sounds simple enough, but many businesses, especially new startups, often overlook essential details or provide outdated information. Missing phone numbers, incorrect locations, or ambiguous opening hours can frustrate customers.

Common Information Errors:

Tips to avoid these mistakes:

• Regularly update information: Set reminders every quarter to verify your business information on all listing platforms.
• Test contact points: Have a friend or employee call your listed number to ensure it works.
• Use consistent naming: Always use the same official business name across platforms to prevent confusion and build trust.

2. Ignoring Thai localisation

Thailand is a unique market, and ignoring localisation can hurt your business listing’s effectiveness. Localisation doesn’t simply mean translating your listing into Thai; it also includes cultural considerations that influence how your business is perceived.

For instance, Thai customers highly value friendliness and approachability. Businesses that overlook this aspect in their listings might appear too cold or corporate, which could discourage potential customers.

Localisation issues:

Tips for proper localisation:

• Bilingual listings: Make sure your business description is available in both Thai and English. This is essential for local customers who might not be comfortable with English.
• Understand Thai values: Respect Thai culture by highlighting how your business supports the community or aligns with local traditions.
• Provide local payment options: If your business is e-commerce, offering local payment methods like PromptPay or payment-on-delivery options will be crucial.

3. Poor quality visuals

When listing your business, the importance of visuals cannot be overstated. Low-quality, grainy, or unprofessional photos can significantly deter potential customers, as they may question the professionalism or quality of your services. Additionally, using only one photo or failing to showcase various aspects of your business, such as the interior, products, or staff, limits customers’ ability to fully understand what you offer. It’s also important to ensure that your images are optimised for mobile devices, as unoptimised images can load slowly and frustrate users, especially considering the high rate of mobile usage in Thailand.

Tips for high-quality visuals:

• Hire a professional photographer: If budget allows, hire a photographer who understands how to create inviting images that appeal to local customers.
• Include relevant shots: Photos of staff smiling, customers enjoying your services, and even events can convey a welcoming vibe.
• Optimise for mobile: In Thailand, mobile usage is exceptionally high. Ensure all images load quickly and look great on mobile devices.

4. Failing to include reviews or testimonials

In Thailand, word-of-mouth and social proof are extremely influential. Ignoring this aspect in your business listing is a significant mistake. Listings without reviews appear less credible, and you might miss out on opportunities to build trust with potential customers. Many businesses fail to integrate a review section or ignore negative reviews, which can give the impression that they do not care about customer experience. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews and responding to all feedback—whether positive or negative—demonstrates that you value customer input. Being polite and empathetic when addressing complaints can go a long way in building trust and enhancing your reputation.

5. Missing out on SEO best practices

Search engine optimization (SEO) isn’t just for websites—it applies to listings too. Many business owners in Thailand overlook this, especially if they are not tech-savvy. Not optimising your business listing can mean losing out on visibility when potential customers search online for services like yours.

SEO oversights:

• Lack of keywords: Missing essential keywords related to your business.
• Generic descriptions: Using plain, non-descriptive text that doesn’t include location-based keywords.
• No link to the website: Not including a link to your website affects both SEO and customer trust.

To effectively optimise your listing, use local keywords that are relevant to your area of operation, such as “restaurant in Sukhumvit, Bangkok,” to increase your chances of being found by local customers. Make sure to complete all fields in your listing, as many platforms use this information to determine ranking. Additionally, adding a backlink to your business website can provide more information for potential customers and help drive traffic, boosting your overall visibility.

Check out our other article on why listing your business in various directories is good for SEO.

6. Lack of clear call-to-action (CTA)

A call-to-action is what drives your customers to take the next step. Without a clear CTA, customers might be unsure what to do after viewing your listing. CTAs are even more important in Thailand, where consumers prefer explicit guidance on actions like “call now” or “visit us.” Common mistakes include not having a CTA at all, leaving customers without a clear direction on what to do next, or using weak or vague CTAs like “learn more,” which don’t convey urgency or provide enough direction. Instead, use action-oriented phrases such as “Call us today for a free consultation” or “Visit our store now for exclusive discounts.” Additionally, ensure that your CTA respects Thai values—being polite and friendly can make a huge difference in the response rate.

7. Not taking advantage of local business platforms

Another common mistake is failing to list your business on Thailand-specific platforms. While international platforms like Google and TripAdvisor are important, using Thai platforms such as Wongnai, Pantip, or Line also adds significant value.

Recommended platforms for Thai businesses:

8. Ignoring analytics and performance metrics

Listing your business isn’t a one-and-done task. Many business owners make the mistake of setting up their listings and never revisiting them to check for effectiveness. If you’re not using tools to measure traffic or track conversions, you may be missing out on critical opportunities for growth.

Performance metrics mistakes:

• No tracking tools: Failing to track clicks or views on your business listing.
• Ignoring user behaviour: Not paying attention to what customers do after visiting your listing.

Tips for tracking performance:

• Use Google Analytics: For listings that allow it, integrate Google Analytics to understand user behaviour.
• A/B Test listings: Modify your listing periodically to see if certain images, descriptions, or CTAs perform better.
• Engage with insights: Platforms like Google My Business provide insights—use these to assess how well your listing is doing.

9. Not leveraging promotions or special offers

Thai consumers love promotions. Not highlighting any discounts or offers is a missed opportunity. A simple promotion might be the deciding factor for a customer choosing between your business and a competitor.

Common promotion mistakes:

• No mention of discounts: Not listing available offers or promotions.
• Not localising offers: Promotions that don’t align with Thai holidays or events can miss their mark.

Tips for effective promotions:

• Align with Thai holidays: Offer promotions during Songkran or Loy Krathong. It adds a local touch that customers appreciate.
• Highlight the promotion: If you’re running a promotion, ensure it’s prominently displayed on your listing with an eye-catching graphic or banner.

By avoiding common mistakes such as providing inaccurate information, ignoring Thai localisation, and underestimating the importance of visuals and reviews, you can make your business stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Always remember to think from the perspective of local customers, adopt an adaptable strategy, and regularly update your listing to ensure its relevance and attractiveness.

Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to refine your online presence, being mindful of these common mistakes will help enhance your visibility and connect with customers more effectively in Thailand.

Other articles on business directories in Thailand

• Where to find a reliable business directory in Thailand
• How to choose the right online directory for your business