# What is CoverClap ? So, what's this all about? CoverClap is an online [business directory](/getting-started/directory-of-beauty-pros) focused on discovering Montreal's vibrant community of beauty artists. Montrealers rely on us to discover exclusive beauty artists, and our mission is to connect them with the finest artists nearby. Unlike traditional directories, CoverClap is built to elevate numerous solopreneurs through a sophisticated blend of AI, marketing technology, and seamless integration with social media. This unique approach aims to effectively showcase the diverse talents of the artists we support. # Directory of Beauty Pros Connecting MTL artists in the beauty industry. When I first arrived in Montreal in 2017, I didn't know much about the city and my new neighborhood. Fortunately, I was able to settle in and make some great connections, including one very important friend: **Google**! Thanks to the Google search engine, I was able to find and connect with various businesses and experts in my neighborhood, such as a fantastic hair salon, a gym, and a trustworthy appliance repairman. {% hint style="info" %} Every day, 3.5 billion searches are performed on Google. {% endhint %} Of course, none of this would have been possible without those businesses investing in online business directories, also known as local marketing. ## Leveraging the Power of Search Engines Google handles more than 3.5 billion searches per day and has a 92% share of the global search engine market. It is the [most-visited website in the world](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_visited_websites). Additionally, it is the most searched and used search engine worldwide. ### Why are search engines so attractive to us? When we type something into Google’s search bar, we generally have a good reason for doing so, and our **satisfaction** with search results depends on how well Google **understands** the intent behind that query. 1. **Informational Queries** We are looking for information or answers to a specific question. (e.g., "How does photosynthesis work?"). 2. **Navigational Queries** Users are trying to reach a specific website or page. (e.g., "Facebook login"). 3. **Transactional Queries** Users intend to perform a specific action, like making a purchase or downloading something (e.g., "buy iPhone online"). 4. **Commercial Investigation Queries** We are researching and intending to make a purchase decision but have not yet decided where or what to buy. (e.g., "Best laptops 2023" or "Compare digital cameras."). ## Attracting Local Searchers As a thriving online business, CoverClap excels in targeting transactional and commercial searchers, having perfected the art of promoting beauty products and services seamlessly to millions of online users every day. ### Google Search case: "Balayage Vs Ombre" The query "Balayage Vs Ombre" is performed 15,000 times each month on Google. As mentioned earlier, it represents a commercial investigation query used by individuals before making purchase decisions. > "Every online search query is a gateway to a new business opportunity." - [Google](https://smallbusiness.withgoogle.com/free-google-training/how-to-use-google-trends/#!/) At this stage of their journey, they're seeking assistance from hair experts: *What's the difference? What's the best option for my hair? What are the risks? How long does the color last?* And, the same applies to millions of queries performed every day: * Cheap hair salon near me * Makeup artist Montreal * Korean hair salon near me * Knotless braids Montreal * ... Now, if I tell you that 3% of searchers are in the same neighborhood as your hair salon. Wouldn't you be eager to learn more and connect with them? Naturally, considering the opportunity to provide them, at the very least, a consultation. This is the essence of local marketing! CoverClap specifically targets consumers within a certain radius of your business's physical location. In local marketing, businesses proactively promote their products and services to potential customers in close proximity, as opposed to attempting to reach a broader audience, as is common in social media marketing. ### Business Directories CoverClap is built as a website or an online database that compiles a list of beauty pros. within a specific location, and category. Our directory offers public information about local professionals, helping consumers find products and services in their area. Benefits: * **Trust and reputation** Curation is a common practice among online directories. This helps ensure that the offerings on the platform meet certain standards of quality. By curating the listed companies, the platform maintains consistency and reliability, enhancing the overall user experience. Users trust directories that curate and verify business information. * **Search engine visibility**\ Most business directories focus on local businesses, making them particularly valuable for local SEO. When your hair salon is listed in relevant directories, it helps search engines understand the locality and relevance of your business, greatly improving your ranking in search engine results. * **Access to a targeted audience** Many business directories categorize listings based on industry, location, or other relevant criteria. This helps in reaching a more targeted audience interested in your specific products or services. * **Cost-effective marketing**\ You can list your business in a directory for free or at an affordable cost, providing a cost-effective method to promote your business, particularly for small or local businesses with limited marketing budgets. ## CoverClap CoverClap is built on the foundation of a multitude of daily search queries from individuals seeking specific and professional beauty services in MTL. Our mission is to connect each user with their ideal expert nearby. For a more comprehensive overview of our process, explore our [case studies](/learning/case-studies). \#hairsalonMTL, #braids, #menshaircut, #makeup, #balayage, #Koreansalon, #hairextensions, #hairwigs, #blacksalon, #curlyhair ... Curious to see how many visitors are near your shop with CoverClap? Head to the [quickstart guide](/getting-started/quickstart). ### Quickstart # Quickstart How to be featured on CoverClap in 2 minutes. CoverClap is a home for hair and makeup artists in Montreal. We are all about advertising top-notch businesses that cater to the specific needs of individuals. Before I guide you on getting started with CoverClap, let's ensure that what you're offering aligns with the platform. ## What to promote for beauty on CoverClap? Start with a compelling message about what makes you stand out, enabling visitors to quickly understand the merits and value you provide on the platform.
* **Hair and Barbering Services**: Haircuts, Hair set and styling, Braiding, Hair coloring, Wigs, Extensions ... * **Makeup Services**: Permanent makeup, Bridal Services, Lower eyeliner, Microblading ... * **Eyelash (soon)** * **Courses (soon)** ## Before you start Once you've outlined your offerings and what sets you apart, it's time to kickstart your foundational branding. ### Your Brand Name As many of you already have an Instagram business account, I recommend using the same name. Our integration works like a charm with the social network. Once set, please note that you can only change your shop name once, so choose carefully. ### Your Logo Connecting the dots in your branding strategy, the logo acts as the key link. It will be prominently displayed in search results on platforms like CoverClap, search engines, and affiliate sites, always alongside your brand name. Make sure you have ownership of the image in the standard format JPEG or PNG. ## Getting Started: Step-by-Step ### Creating your account Currently, CoverClap works by referral and private invitations. You can request a business account [here](https://coverclap.com/). ### Adding your first service Once your profile is approved, sign in and head to the services menu page. You'll be asked to create at least two services with their respective details.
### Image Portfolio Next, upload a minimum of 5 images from your portfolio to finalize and make it promotion-ready.
### All Set to Start Your business profile is officially live on CoverClap. Visitors are actively seeking services like yours. Boost discoverability by optimizing your profile and listings for CoverClap Search. Explore our [optimization tips](/learning/optimizing-your-profile-for-discovery) for guidance. # Case Studies # Korean Hair Salon # Makeup Trainning # Hair Braiding # Optimizing Your Profile For Discovery How visitors near you find your artist profile. Shoppers are coming to CoverClap looking for special services like yours. Make sure they can find them by optimizing your shop and listings for CoverClap Search. A lot of factors go into CoverClap search ranking, but you control some of the most important ones. Follow these best practices to create more opportunities to match your services with visitors’ searches and improve your placement in those results. # How Much Does It Cost? Free Edition - No credit card required The CoverClap Free Edition offers beauty artists the opportunity to explore and try out CoverClap features without any cost. CoverClap introduces a comprehensive free edition of its business directory platform, providing robust marketing features, powerful integrations, and secure cloud storage—all accessible at no charge. This offering is designed to assist new CoverClap artists by providing free services to jumpstart the promotion of their businesses online. # FAQ
How do I contact support? Our friendly support team is here to help. Learn what information to share and when can you expect a response. To get in touch with us, you can email directly.
How do I report bugs? Encountered a bug? In order to get the best help possible, please provide as much context on how you encountered the bug. Bugs should be reported by sending an email to
How to create a business account on CoverClap? Currently, CoverClap works by referral and private invitations. At any time you can request a business account to access features that can help you grow your business. Refer to the [startup guide](/getting-started/quickstart#getting-started-step-by-step) for guidance.