As EOFY creeps up across Australia, we’re hearing more business owners asking the same thing: should I bother claiming my Bing Places listing? It’s a fair question. Google tends to dominate the search space, but Bing still holds value, especially with business users who stick with Microsoft tools. Now’s the time to get all your digital marketing ducks in a row, and Bing shouldn’t be left off the list.
What many people don’t realise is that marketing spend on things like digital listings can be tax-deductible. That means something as simple as updating or claiming your Bing Places listing could help with EOFY deductions. If you’re reviewing expenses and preparing submissions, this is one of those quick wins that can save you time and make your marketing count. If you’re working with a marketing agency in Brisbane, now’s a good time to flag this as part of your tax-year tidy-up.
Why Claiming Your Bing Places Listing Matters Before EOFY
Even if you’re thinking, “We don’t use Bing,” that doesn’t mean your customers aren’t. Devices running Microsoft software push Bing by default, and many people won’t bother switching. You could be missing out on visibility just because you didn’t tick this one box.
More importantly, paid digital assets like business listings and profile management can fall under marketing expenses. That includes the time and effort involved in claiming and setting up your Bing Places listing. If the setup work is done before 30 June, you may be able to claim it in this financial year.
We’ve seen business owners leave this task too late, right when accountants are asking for proof of spend. Setting up the listing now means you’ve got one more item ready to show as a genuine cost aimed at supporting growth. It’s all about showing intent and keeping a consistent digital presence across platforms, Bing included.
Your Digital Solution helps businesses in Brisbane set up, optimise, and manage all types of digital listings, including Bing Places. Our digital consulting services focus on improving your online visibility and aligning all your business listings for consistency and trust.
What You Need Before You Get Started
Getting started with Bing Places doesn’t take much, but it’s worth doing it properly. These are a few basics you’ll want to have on hand:
- Confirm that your name, address, and phone number match other online entries. This keeps your NAP data consistent, which helps with both search rankings and trust.
- Have your key business details ready, such as registration number, phone, and email address. These may be needed for verification.
- Choose category labels that truly match what you offer. This is how potential customers will find you when browsing or searching.
If you’re not sure which category to pick, you’re not alone. Many listings are set up incorrectly and miss out on leads because they appear under vague or unrelated terms. Double-checking this part is worth it. A marketing agency in Brisbane would be familiar with what’s working locally and help you pick wisely.
Simple Steps to Claim Your Bing Places Listing
The process itself is pretty simple once you have your information ready:
- Go to the Bing Places website and hit “Claim or add your business.”
- Type in your business name to see if a listing already exists. Sometimes, Bing creates entries from public data, so double-check.
- If your business is listed, follow the steps to claim it. If not, select “Create new listing.”
- Add your full contact details, trading hours, description, and service area. Be clear and consistent, especially with your description.
- Bing will ask you to verify ownership, usually by phone call, email, or postcard. Choose whichever works best.
- Once verification is complete, you’re good to hit publish.
After that, keep your listing up to date. You don’t need to manage it every day, but your business hours and service info should always be correct, especially in EOFY season when clients might be reaching out to book services or close deals.
What Else to Watch Out For
Setting up your listing is one part, but making sure it works for you takes a little extra attention.
- Look for duplicate or outdated listings. If your business has changed names or moved recently, you might find older versions still floating around.
- Be sure the data you enter matches your Google Business Profile. It may seem small, but these things build trust with both search platforms and customers.
- Some updates you make could carry over to other platforms connected to Bing, so try not to make hasty, unverified changes.
Keep a record of your changes too. You may need proof of when updates were made, especially if you decide to claim the time or cost through your EOFY records.
Our team at Your Digital Solution supports Brisbane businesses by auditing and streamlining business listing details to boost accuracy, which can help prevent confusion for both clients and search engines. Our digital solutions extend beyond the basics, ensuring listings reflect your full range of services and match all other directory information across Google, Bing, and social media.
FAQ
Q: Is Bing Places relevant if most people use Google?
A: Yes. Plenty of users still use Bing by default, especially on Microsoft devices. It gives you another way to be found online without needing extra budget.
Q: Can claiming a Bing listing count as a marketing expense?
A: Yes, as long as it’s part of your digital strategy and work is done during the tax year. The ATO recognises advertising and marketing costs as business deductions.
Q: What if I have an old Bing listing I no longer use?
A: You can still claim and update it. If you spot duplicates, take the time to remove them to avoid confusing potential customers.
Q: Can an agency help with this or should I do it myself?
A: Working with someone who knows how to set it up correctly can save you time and avoid mistakes, especially when tax timing is tight.
Get Found and Get Ready for Tax Time
Bing Places might not be the platform that grabs headlines, but it’s a smart, low-effort way to expand your visibility and support your tax goals. When tagged correctly, setup and management work can become a legitimate tax line against your EOFY totals.
If you’ve already taken care of your Google listings, this is one more place to show up for customers who are ready to act. With EOFY right around the corner, now’s the time to get your digital presence in check. Start with Bing so you’re ready for search, and for your accountant.
Sorting out your digital touchpoints before the end of financial year doesn’t have to be complicated. Claiming your marketing agency in Brisbane listing can support your business growth and may even qualify as a deductible marketing cost. Making this part of your strategy means you’re not just more visible, you’re also making smart choices with your budget. At Your Digital Solution, we help you identify simple actions that can deliver tax benefits and real results. Reach out today to find the right fit for your goals.