Common Questions
Everything you need to know about Baltimore, MD's premier directory.
Getting Started
What is Baltimore Only?
Baltimore Only is a community-driven business directory dedicated to showcasing the best local establishments across Baltimore. We connect residents with trusted local businesses, from restaurants and shops to professional services and entertainment venues.
Is it free to browse the directory?
Absolutely! Baltimore Only is completely free for all visitors. Browse unlimited business listings, read reviews, view photos, and discover new local favorites without any cost or account required.
Do I need to create an account?
No account is needed to browse our directory. However, creating a free account allows you to save favorite businesses, write reviews, and receive personalized recommendations based on your interests.
What areas does Baltimore Only cover?
We focus exclusively on businesses located in Baltimore, MD and the surrounding neighborhoods. Our hyperlocal approach ensures you're always discovering businesses that are truly part of your community.
For Business Owners
How can I list my business?
Click on the 'List Your Business' button in the header or footer to get started. You'll choose a listing plan, provide your business details, and submit for review. Our team manually reviews all submissions to maintain quality standards.
What are the different listing options?
We offer several listing tiers: Basic listings include essential business information. Premium listings add enhanced visibility, photos, special offers, and priority placement in search results. Contact us for enterprise solutions for multi-location businesses.
How long does it take for my listing to appear?
Most listings are reviewed and approved within 2-3 business days. Premium listings receive expedited review and typically go live within 24 hours. You'll receive an email notification once your listing is active.
Can I update my business information after listing?
Yes! Business owners can claim their listing and access our dashboard to update hours, photos, contact information, and more at any time. Simply visit your business page and click 'Claim This Business' to get started.
How do I respond to reviews?
Once you've claimed your business listing, you can respond to reviews directly from your dashboard. We encourage professional, constructive responses that help build trust with potential customers.
Reviews & Rankings
How do rankings work?
Rankings are determined by a combination of factors including review scores, community engagement, response rates, listing completeness, and verified customer interactions. This ensures the most responsive and well-regarded businesses rise to the top.
Are the reviews verified?
We employ multiple verification methods to ensure review authenticity. This includes email verification, duplicate detection, and pattern analysis. Suspicious reviews are flagged for manual review and removed if found to be fraudulent.
Can businesses pay for better rankings?
No. While premium listings receive enhanced visibility features, our ranking algorithm is based solely on authentic engagement and customer feedback. You cannot pay for a higher ranking position.
How do I report a fake or inappropriate review?
Each review has a 'Report' option. Click it to flag the review for our moderation team. Include details about why you believe the review violates our guidelines. We investigate all reports within 48 hours.
Account & Privacy
How do I delete my account?
You can delete your account from your account settings page. Please note that deleting your account will remove your reviews and saved businesses. For data deletion requests, contact us at [email protected].
Is my personal information shared with businesses?
We never sell your personal information. Businesses can only see information you choose to share, such as your name when you leave a review. Read our full Privacy Policy for more details.
How do I unsubscribe from emails?
Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link at the bottom. You can also manage your email preferences from your account settings. We respect your inbox and only send relevant updates.
Technical Support
The website isn't working properly. What should I do?
Try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or using a different browser. If the issue persists, contact us at [email protected] with details about the problem and we'll help resolve it.
How do I report incorrect business information?
Click the 'Suggest an Edit' button on any business listing page. Submit the correct information and our team will review and update the listing. Business owners can make direct edits through their dashboard.
Is there a mobile app?
Baltimore Only is designed as a responsive web application that works great on all devices. Simply visit our website on your phone's browser for the full mobile experience. Add us to your home screen for quick access!
Still have questions?
Contact our team →