Doing business in Detroit: where to check licences, and how to list by category

Detroit customers often search by what they need ("brake repair", "commercial cleaning", "catering") before they search by name. Choosing the right categories matters as much as the name on your sign.

Choose two or three categories, not ten. List the work you are known for. A body shop that also details cars might pick "body shops" and "auto detailing", not every automotive category on the site. Fewer, accurate categories put you in front of the right people.

Write a one-line description a customer can scan. "Family-run auto glass repair, mobile service across the east side" tells a reader more than "Quality service since forever".

Use one phone number. If calls go to a cell phone, list that number everywhere. If the number ever changes, every listing has to change with it, so pick the one you'll keep.

Check the city's requirements at the source. If your business needs a city licence or permit, the City of Detroit publishes its requirements on its website (detroitmi.gov). Read them there; requirements change, and a directory is the wrong place to learn them.

Claim your listing here. Use "Is this your business?" on your listing page. After a quick check you can update hours, description and website yourself.