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FAQ - ThinkLocal®
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About ThinkLocal TM
What is ThinkLocal?
ThinkLocal® is a search engine for local businesses. With over 17 million U.S. business
listings we're committed to connecting our users with the businesses they are seeking
in their town.
Who visits ThinkLocal?
ThinkLocal is a free online business directory that helps businesses connect with
local customers who are searching for their products and services. Web users often
find ThinkLocal through the online advertising that we buy to drive traffic to our
site. For that reason, businesses who are listed on ThinkLocal can benefit from
all the traffic we bring in.
How did my business get on your Web site?
In an effort to provide our customers with a comprehensive list of local services,
we’ve gathered publicly available business directory listings from yellow pages
across the nation. We apologize if you notice any incorrect or outdated information
related to your listing. To modify your listing details, simply create a free ThinkLocal account. You’ll be able to change
and enhance your business listing.
My business is not listed on your Web site. How can I add it and is there a charge
for doing so?
Please create a ThinkLocal account. From there,
you will be able to add business listings that do not appear on ThinkLocal or take
ownership of those that do. There is NO CHARGE for our standard listings.
How do I search for something? What is the best way to search?
Searching at ThinkLocal is based on two things, a "what" and a "where." We focus
on what you are looking for and where geographically you want to find it. You can
search by the standard yellow page headings that will automatically produce suggestions
as you type. Or, you can enter the business name or keyword of what you're looking
for. When indicating where you want to search, simply enter a city and state or
a ZIP code. The search results will display results relevant to the chosen city,
as well as its neighboring communities.
Search Concerns & Issues
Why am I not getting any search results?
First, make sure that you've entered a city and state or a ZIP code into the location
field. Location results are based on longitude and latitude, so if we can't figure
out the longitude and latitude of the city and state or ZIP code you've indicated,
we won't be able to pull you any results.
I am listed in the phone book, so why am I not listed in ThinkLocal?
With over 17 million records, we have cover most of the business listings found
in phone books nationwide. However, we cannot guarantee that we’ve listed every
business. The easiest way to figure out if you are in our records is to search directly
for your business name and ZIP code. If you cannot find your listing, you can add
one. Simply create your free ThinkLocal account
today.
Do I have to enter a location?
Yes, business searching is based on nearness to your target location, so it is important
that you specify your location. If you don't enter an address, we will try to guess
which city you might be interested in, based on your IP address, and your search
results will reflect this guess. However, for the best results, you will need to
enter a city and state or ZIP code.
I can't find my city among the suggested cities in the dropdown menu, is that a problem?
Not really. It simply means we won't be able figure out where you are, and thus
won't be able to search for businesses near you. In this case try your ZIP code
or a neighboring city.
Why doesn't ThinkLocal recognize my zip code?
We're able to look up the longitude and latitude for more than 44,000 ZIP codes.
If yours is not one of them, try indicating your city and state.
I know what I am looking for. Can I just type in the name of the business or establishment?
Absolutely. You can search by keyword phrase, as well as by partial or whole business
names, to find businesses that pertain to what you are seeking. All results are
also categorized by yellow page headings, so you can also choose a heading to receive
a list of relevant businesses names.
How can I refine my search?
With ThinkLocal’s advanced search capability, you can search by keyword or by business
name. If you choose to search by keyword, make sure that you select the keyword
option under the 'Search for' field. To retrieve a list of relevant businesses in
your area, search for common phrases or words likes 'auto repair,' 'restaurants,'
'pizza,' 'dentist' or 'lawyer.' Using terms that are either too broad or too specific
may limit the success of your search.
You may also choose to search by business name. Simply select the business name
option under the 'Search for' field. Then enter the name of the business you are
searching for. Our system will try to match your entry with the business names in
our database and present you with a list of business names that include the terms
you have entered. It is not always necessary to enter the entire name of a business,
but the more specific your entry is, the more relevant your results will be.
How to Manage My Listing
My business is in the directory, but the information is incorrect. What do I do?
You are the best source of information about your business. Therefore, create a
ThinkLocal® account using our Account Manager,
and make the changes you need. ThinkLocal accounts are free. We want you to be able
to update your listings, so can offer your potential customers the most accurate
information available. Once you’ve set up an account in the Account Manager, you
will be able to modify and enhance your listing.
I need to update my listing. How can I change my business information?
Log in to your Account Manager. If you do not
have a ThinkLocal account already, it only takes a minute to create one. Once you
are logged in, simply choose the listing you wish to update. Any changes made to
your standard listing can take up to 24 hours to process. You can make changes to
your enhanced listing package by editing your package details. Please note that
your monthly fee may change with adjustments to your Enhanced Listing package.
Will I receive an e-mail regarding my ThinkLocal listing?
You may receive e-mails from ThinkLocal as a result of changes that you make to
your service or if there are issues regarding processing payment. We will also give
you the opportunity to take advantage of new promotions and learn more about how
you can increase the visibility of your business listing.
How to Make My Business Easy To Find
How can I tell if anyone has seen my listing?
Simply log in to your Account Manager to find out how many impressions your listing
is generating for your business. If you’ve selected an enhanced listing, you will
also receive access to advanced reporting capabilities, including the number of
times your listing has been forwarded and the types of keywords that are used to
search for your business.
I want more people to find my business. What can I do?
ThinkLocal offers our business customers multiple ways to improve their online business
directory listings. One great way is to upgrade to an enhanced listings package.
To sign up for this visibility-boosting service, log in to your Account Manager
and select the listing that you’d like to improve. After this, choose the geographic
and category targeting that you believe will be ideal for your listing’s visibility
and present you with better results. Then, regularly access the statistics available
to you in Account Manager to track listing’s performance.
Where will my listing appear?
Your standard listing will appear in the category that you assign when you set up
your account for searches that take place within or near your business zip code.
If you choose to expand the visibility of your listing through an enhanced package,
you may be able to reach a broader audience and receive preferred placements at
the top section of each relevant results page. See the details on the screens in
Account Manager for illustrations of what an enhanced listing will look like.
What is the difference between a Standard and an Enhanced Listing?
Every customer has the opportunity to take advantage of a free ThinkLocal standard
listing, but to gain access to our advanced statistics tool, customize your audience
base and receive preferred placement, you will need to sign up for an enhanced listing
package, which is available for a low monthly fee. Simply log in to your Account Manager, choose the listing that you wish to make more
visible and select your geographic and category targeting from the options presented
to you. Once you’ve upgraded your account, you will be able to track the performance
of your Enhanced Listing, using the reporting available to you through your Account
Manager.
What happens if I want to target outside of my local area?
ThinkLocal is specifically tailored to customers who want to promote their business
to a local audience.
Why are there different prices for geography and category?
Our geographic pricing is based on three levels: city, region and state. Prices
within each of those geographic cuts are based on population. Consequently, more
populous regions are priced at a different rate than those which are less populous.
Our category pricing is based on the search frequency of the category you have selected.
More frequently searched categories are priced differently from less frequently
searched categories. Together, your selections reflect the price that you are charged
on a monthly basis. That price point remains in effect until you change your selections.
How Do Enhanced Listing Charges Work?
Can I make changes to my listing in the middle of a billing cycle?
If you have chosen to increase the visibility of your listing but want to change
your targeting, log in to your Account Manager
to make your modifications. If your changes are made within the first five days
of your billing cycle, they will take effect immediately, and you will be charged
or credited the difference in package costs. Anytime after the first five days,
your changes will take effect upon the next billing cycle. Please note that you
may be asked to provide your credit card number again to ensure that we can efficiently
process your adjustment.
Why am I being billed monthly?
If you have chosen to upgrade your listing using our enhanced packages, you will
be presented with a monthly charge for the added value that you are receiving through
ThinkLocal. Currently, we offer monthly packages only. Use you Account Manager to
track the performance of your listings.
How can I find out when my billing cycle begins?
The first day of your billing cycle is the date that your credit card is charged.
Contact your credit card company to find out more about the charge details.
How will these charges appear on my credit card statement?
You will see a line item called "ThinkLocal." One line will appear for each listing
you choose to enhance.
How do I cancel my enhanced listing?
Log into you Account Manager, select the listing
with the purchased package, click on the enhanced listing link and select the cancel
button. If you cancel the service within the first 5 days of your billing cycle,
your account will be credited. Please note that you may be asked to provide your
credit card number again to ensure that we can efficiently process your credit.
My business no longer exists. How do I remove it from ThinkLocal?
If you would like to have your business listing removed from ThinkLocal, please
email us at service@thinklocal.com.
My Account Information
How can I change my account information?
Log in to your Account Manager to make your
edits. If you are trying to modify your listing, choose the business to which you’d
like to make your changes. If you are trying to modify your account holder information,
select the button marked “Preferences” and follow the instructions to make your
changes.
How do I activate my account?
If you’ve identified a listing that is a business you own or manage, set up a ThinkLocal
account to take ownership of that listing. There is no charge for the service.
Can I manage multiple listings in one account?
Yes, your Account Manager is a one-stop-shop to manage all of the businesses you
have listed on ThinkLocal.
I’ve forgotten my password. What do I do?
If you’ve forgotten your password, go to the ThinkLocal
Sign In page. You will see a link labeled "Forgot My Password." Follow those
instructions to generate a new password.
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