If you own a business, you already know about the Better Business Bureau and the importance of its ratings. But that isn’t all the BBB has to offer.

Below is a list of some lesser-known features of the BBB and how they might be able to boost your business growth.

e-Quote

BBB e-Quote is a program that allows consumers to request a quote or proposal for a product or service from BBB accredited businesses.

Customers can request a quote from a specific business or just choose a business category to get quotes from multiple businesses. Once the BBB receives a quote request, it is emailed or text messaged directly to the company so they can contact the customer.

SEO Optimized Reviews

BBB Business Reviews are SEO optimized, meaning that businesses can actually improve their own SEO by appearing on the BBB website.

The BBB aims to have all reviews appear on the first page of search results when a person searches with the business’s name.

Domain Authority

BBB.org also has a high domain authority score, which means that search engines recognize it as an authority and allow it to move higher up in search results.

For businesses, this means that linking to the BBB site can improve SEO for your own website.

Mediation and Arbitration Services

If the BBB isn’t able to resolve disagreements between businesses and customers through its traditional process, it also offers mediation and arbitration services which involve a professionally trained mediator who meets with each side and helps them come up with a solution.

This serves as a less expensive way to resolve disputes instead of relying on the court system.

Legal Line

BBB accredited businesses can call the BBB Legal Line to ask simple legal questions.  There is no fee if the question can be answered during the initial phone call.  If the question is complex or requires further investigation, an attorney will notify the business of how much the legal expense will be to pursue the matter further.

Business-to-Business Discount Program

BBB accredited businesses can use the Business-to-Business Discount Program to offer discounts to other businesses. This encourages cooperation between BBB accredited businesses while allowing them to grow their customer bases.

Networking Events

Companies have the opportunity to host BBB networking events in their area to introduce services or products to other local BBB accredited businesses.

Co-op Advertising

BBB branches have co-op advertising programs that allow accredited businesses to invest in advertising with local print media. Ads include the company names along with information about the BBB, so consumers can learn about the individual businesses but also see the affiliation with the BBB.

Search Engine Marketing

BBB also offers an online advertising program for businesses through Google search ads. Select companies can use keywords to upgrade their search visibility while also leveraging the recognition and trust of the BBB name.

Online Directory

BBB’s Online Directory lists all BBB accredited businesses by category.  All accredited businesses receive a free listing that includes basic company information.

Accredited businesses can also purchase enhanced online listings, which receive up to five times more exposure than traditional listings and can feature more information like coupons and logos.

This is a simple feature but can also help to increase online visibility. The Akron branch alone sees over 15,000 views per month to its online directory.

Courtesy: Small Biz Trends

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