Nextdoor has become one of the most popular platforms for local communities to connect, share information, and recommend local businesses. With over 75% of U.S. neighborhoods using the platform, Nextdoor offers an unparalleled opportunity for small businesses to reach a highly engaged, local audience. FBL will walk you through how to get your business listed on Nextdoor, explore why the platform became so popular so quickly, and explain why it’s worth your time to get your business on board.
Why Nextdoor is So Popular and Why Your Business Should Be There
The Rise of Nextdoor: Nextdoor was founded in 2008, but it wasn’t until recently that the platform began to gain significant traction. The idea behind Nextdoor was simple yet powerful: create a private social network where neighbors can connect, share recommendations, and stay informed about what's happening in their local area. The platform’s focus on hyper-local content, privacy, and real identity verification resonated with users who were looking for a safe, trusted space to engage with their community.
The platform’s popularity exploded as more people recognized the value of staying connected with their neighbors, particularly during significant events like natural disasters, community events, or even global pandemics. As a result, Nextdoor quickly grew to cover a vast number of U.S. neighborhoods and expanded internationally.
Why List Your Business on Nextdoor: For small businesses, Nextdoor offers a unique opportunity to connect with local customers in a way that other platforms simply can’t match. Here’s why it’s worth listing your business on Nextdoor:
- Highly Engaged Local Audience: Nextdoor users are actively seeking recommendations for local businesses, making them more likely to engage with your business.
- Trusted Recommendations: The platform’s focus on real identities means that recommendations and reviews carry more weight, as they come from verified members of the community.
- Targeted Advertising: Nextdoor allows businesses to run highly targeted ads to reach specific neighborhoods, ensuring that your marketing efforts are focused on the customers who matter most.
- Community Connection: By being present on Nextdoor, your business can participate in community discussions, respond to feedback, and build stronger relationships with local customers.
How to Get Your Business Listed on Nextdoor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your business listed on Nextdoor is a straightforward process, and the benefits of doing so can be substantial. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Sign Up for a Business Account
- Visit the Nextdoor for Business Page: Go to Nextdoor for Business and click on "Claim Your Free Business Page."
- Create Your Account: You’ll be prompted to create a business account. You can sign up using your email or link it to your Google account for easier access.
- Enter Your Business Information: Provide essential details about your business, including your business name, address, phone number, and website. Make sure this information is accurate and consistent with other online listings to avoid confusion.
Step 2: Verify Your Business
- Verification Process: Nextdoor will ask you to verify that you’re the owner or authorized representative of the business. This can be done via phone, email, or by providing a business document.
- Real Identity: Verification is a key feature of Nextdoor, ensuring that businesses and users are real and trustworthy.
Step 3: Complete Your Business Profile
- Business Description: Write a clear and compelling description of your business. Include relevant keywords that potential customers might use when searching for businesses like yours.
- Add Photos: Upload high-quality images of your business, products, or services. Visual content is essential for making a strong first impression.
- Choose Categories: Select the categories that best describe your business. This helps Nextdoor users find you when they’re searching for specific types of businesses.
Step 4: Engage with Your Community
- Post Regular Updates: Share news, promotions, events, or any other relevant information with your neighbors. Regular posts keep your business top of mind and show that you’re active in the community.
- Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers who leave reviews on your business page. Thank them for their positive feedback or address any concerns they may have.
- Join Conversations: Participate in local discussions where your business can add value. Whether it’s recommending your services in response to a question or providing helpful tips, engagement builds trust and visibility.
Step 5: Utilize Nextdoor Advertising (Optional)
- Local Deals: Nextdoor offers the ability to create Local Deals, which are special promotions visible to users in your targeted neighborhoods.
- Sponsored Posts: You can also create Sponsored Posts to promote your business to a broader audience within your chosen area.
Step 6: Monitor and Optimize
- Track Your Performance: Use Nextdoor’s business tools to monitor the performance of your listings and advertisements. Pay attention to metrics like views, clicks, and customer engagement.
- Update Regularly: Keep your business profile up to date with the latest information, photos, and promotions to ensure you’re always presenting the best version of your business to the community.
Nextdoor is more than just a social network; it’s a powerful platform for local businesses to connect with their community and attract new customers. By following these steps to get your business listed on Nextdoor, you’ll tap into a highly engaged, local audience that’s eager to support neighborhood businesses. Whether you’re looking to increase foot traffic, boost your online presence, or build stronger relationships with local customers, Nextdoor offers the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
