A free tool that allows users to claim, verify, and manage their business listing information on Bing search and Bing Maps.
Local businesses comparing search engine performance to gauge visibility.
01What it is and how it works
Bing Places for Business works by letting you claim ownership of your business listing. You provide your business name, address, phone number (NAP), hours of operation, category, photos, and a description. Bing stores this data and uses it to display your listing in search results and on Bing Maps. Verification is required to prove you are the owner; it is done via phone, text, or a postcard containing a PIN. Once verified, any changes you make update quickly. Bing also aggregates data from third-party sources, so managing your own listing ensures your information is correct and consistent across the web.
A free dashboard where you submit your business information so it shows up correctly when people search for your company on Bing or look at Bing Maps.
02What to do about it
Sign in to the Bing Places for Business portal with a Microsoft account. Search for your business; if it exists, claim it. If not, add a new listing. Enter accurate NAP, choose the most specific category, and upload high-quality photos. Complete the verification process. Regularly check the dashboard for suggested edits or duplicates. Update hours for holidays and special closures. Respond to user reviews to build trust. Also ensure that your website contains local schema markup that matches your listing. Use Bing Webmaster Tools to monitor for any crawl issues that may affect your listing's visibility.
03How it is measured or noticed
Inside the Bing Places dashboard, you can see metrics such as total impressions, clicks, and user actions (phone calls, direction requests, website visits). These numbers tell you how often your listing is seen and engaged with. You can also see your average rating and the number of reviews. Externally, you can search for your business on Bing and check if the knowledge panel appears with correct details. Compare those metrics with Google Business Profile data to gauge relative performance. Bing Webmaster Tools also shows queries that lead to impressions of your local listing.
04Common mistakes
- Using inconsistent NAP across different platforms; this confuses Bing and may reduce trust.
- Choosing a broad category instead of a precise one, such as "Automotive" instead of "Tire Shop".
- Failing to verify the listing; Bing may display data from third-party sources that are incorrect.
- Neglecting to update hours for holidays or temporary closures, leading to customer frustration.
- Having duplicate listings for the same location; this splits reviews and misleads users.
- Ignoring user reviews — especially negative ones — which can hurt credibility and conversion.
05Limits
Bing Places for Business affects only Bing search and Maps. It does not influence Google, DuckDuckGo, or other search engines. Even on Bing, the tool does not guarantee a high rank in local packs; positions depend on relevance, distance, and prominence. The tool is not available for all business types; for example, online-only businesses without a physical location may not be eligible. It is often confused with Bing Webmaster Tools, which handles website indexing rather than listing management. Also, Bing may auto-generate listings from aggregated data, so your manual entry must match those sources exactly to avoid conflicts.
06Worked example
Sweet Rise Bakery claims its listing on Bing Places for Business. It provides NAP: "123 Main St, Springfield, IL 62701", sets category "Bakery", uploads photos of the storefront and menu, and verifies via phone. Within 48 hours, a Bing search for "bakery Springfield" shows Sweet Rise in the local pack with a 4.5-star rating, store hours, and a directions button. The dashboard reports 500 impressions and 30 clicks in the first week. When a customer leaves a 3-star review about slow service, Sweet Rise responds promptly, apologizing and offering a discount. The listing continues to generate calls and visits.
Frequently asked questions
How is Bing Places for Business different from Google Business Profile?
Bing Places for Business is the equivalent tool for Bing search and Maps, while Google Business Profile is for Google. The core functionality—claiming, verifying, and managing your listing—is similar, but the platforms are separate. You need to maintain both independently to appear on each search engine.
Should I use Bing Places for Business if I already have a Google Business Profile?
Yes, if you want your business to appear in Bing search and Maps results. Bing holds a significant share of desktop searches, so neglecting it means missing potential customers. The tool is free and the setup is quick, so it's worth the effort for most local businesses.
How do I claim my business on Bing Places for Business?
Sign in to the Bing Places for Business portal with a Microsoft account, then search for your business. If it already exists, you can claim ownership; if not, you can add a new listing. You'll need to verify ownership via a phone call or postcard before you can manage it.
Is Bing Places for Business still active and worth the effort?
Yes, Bing Places for Business is still active and maintained by Microsoft. It remains a valuable channel because Bing powers search for many devices and third-party services like Yahoo and DuckDuckGo. For local businesses, it can drive measurable traffic and calls without any cost.
What happens if I don't manage my Bing listing and someone else claims it?
If another person claims your listing, they could change your business name, address, hours, or services, leading to confused customers and lost revenue. Bing Places for Business prevents this by requiring verification, but if you never claim it, you lose control. Regularly check your listing to avoid issues.
How long does it take for changes to show up on Bing after I update my listing?
Most changes appear within a few hours to 24 hours, though full indexing may take up to a week. Bing updates its search index frequently, so edits to hours, phone numbers, or descriptions typically go live quickly. If it takes longer, you can contact Bing support through the dashboard.
Can I manage multiple locations with one account on Bing Places for Business?
Yes, you can add and manage multiple business locations from a single Microsoft account in the Bing Places portal. Each location needs its own claim and verification process. The dashboard provides a clear overview of all your listings in one place.
Asked out loud
spoken, not typedThe same term in the words somebody uses speaking to an assistant rather than typing into a box — written from the situation, which is why each one carries the situation it came from.
You need to use Bing Places for Business. It's a free tool that lets you claim and update your listing. Log into the portal with a Microsoft account, search for your restaurant, and verify ownership—then you can edit the menu and other info.
Use Bing Places for Business right now. Sign in, find your listing, and correct the address. Verification may be required, but the change will go through quickly. While on the call, you can tell the client to refresh Bing Maps in a few minutes.
You need Bing Places for Business, not the general Bing search results. Go to the Bing Places portal, sign in with your Microsoft account, and locate your listing. Once verified, you'll see an edit option for hours right there.