The marriage of Yext and MapQuest

A few months ago, Mapquest and Yext tied the knot.  From the outside, it seems  like a strange partnership, but I'm sure they have their reasons.  (It's obvious that one reason is to make more money.)  I have tried Yext and found it's reports to be incorrect and misleading.  However, MapQuest has some nice features.  Most importantly, 3rd party sites such as MapQuest are especially important for small business to increase online visibility.  

The new marriage has confused MapQuest listing generation, claiming, and updating.  You will now find it difficult to create or update a MapQuest listing without it looking like you have to pay for it.  (Key word, "looking like.")  Let's be clear, you don’t have to pay for a MapQuest listing for your business if you following my advice below.  Good luck!   

First-hand advice, “follow this method, and you won't be charged”

#1  Search to see if you have an existing listing for your business:  http://www.mapquest.com/

#2  If you find it, claim it.  You’ll need to go BACK to http://www.mapquest.com/ and ‘sign in.’

#3  ‘Sign in’ is in the upper right corner.  When you get there, you’ll see how an account can be setup using your Facebook account.

Important:  If your claiming process comes to a request for payment, you are on the wrong path....go back!

 Side note:   I researched the results of my business Yext report and found the data to be incorrect and misleading. Yext is a computer program, not a person.  The best way to manage your online reputation is to do it yourself, (if you have an extra 10 or so hours per month).  Google, Yahoo and others have some nifty online tools.   Your online reputation is at stake...if you don't have the time, hire a professional like The Leaning Tree Marketing.