ONLINE DIRECTORY LISTINGS – ARE THEY NECESSARY?
ONLINE DIRECTORY LISTINGS – ARE THEY NECESSARY?
Online directories are a great way to increase exposure for your business and to increase your website’s visibility. They are also cheap and easy to set up. Invest the time to list on 10 best directories and you can avoid hearing ‘Not happy Jan’!
Easy and Economical
Just like the thick books of the Yellow Pages of the past, an online directory lists a business’s details within the directory’s extensive database of industry categories, which is then searched by visitors. Creating a basic entry containing the business name, address, contact details and website is usually free. The information listed should be consistent. Ensure your phone number and address details are the same for all directories.
Easy and Economical
Just like the thick books of the Yellow Pages of the past, an online directory lists a business’s details within the directory’s extensive database of industry categories, which is then searched by visitors. Creating a basic entry containing the business name, address, contact details and website is usually free. The information listed should be consistent. Ensure your phone number and address details are the same for all directories.
Exposure
Creating an entry for your business helps your business gain exposure through being part of this database. The addition of your website in the listing, gives another avenue for inbound traffic through clicking on your link and being redirected to your website, resulting in more exposure.
Good for SEO
The major directories such as Google My Business and Yellow Pages are seen as respected sites. Being linked to respected sites helps with search engine optimisation by raising the status of your website with respect to search engine crawlers. This contributes to giving your website a higher page ranking and a higher search engine result rank will get more people clicking on your site.
Prove it
Once your business is listed ask for reviews. When making a decision, a potential customer will compare businesses within an industry. Positive reviews are the proof needed that your product and service is the stand out choice. Reviews can also be gained through incentives, referrals, nurturing strategies such as surveys and responding to comments.
While it is easy to set up directory listings, you can become bogged down in a array of passwords and logins. Keep a list of your login and password details, so if you need to make changes in future in can be a streamlined and efficient exercise.
If this is a good idea, but too time consuming and you need help, contact me, I will be happy to assist. Owner operators and small businesses don’t want to miss out on any of the basic marketing avenues available.
Creating an entry for your business helps your business gain exposure through being part of this database. The addition of your website in the listing, gives another avenue for inbound traffic through clicking on your link and being redirected to your website, resulting in more exposure.
Good for SEO
The major directories such as Google My Business and Yellow Pages are seen as respected sites. Being linked to respected sites helps with search engine optimisation by raising the status of your website with respect to search engine crawlers. This contributes to giving your website a higher page ranking and a higher search engine result rank will get more people clicking on your site.
Prove it
Once your business is listed ask for reviews. When making a decision, a potential customer will compare businesses within an industry. Positive reviews are the proof needed that your product and service is the stand out choice. Reviews can also be gained through incentives, referrals, nurturing strategies such as surveys and responding to comments.
While it is easy to set up directory listings, you can become bogged down in a array of passwords and logins. Keep a list of your login and password details, so if you need to make changes in future in can be a streamlined and efficient exercise.
If this is a good idea, but too time consuming and you need help, contact me, I will be happy to assist. Owner operators and small businesses don’t want to miss out on any of the basic marketing avenues available.
I have been specialising in graphic design for start-up owner operated and small businesses for just over 10 years. I can create a brand or develop your current logo into a brand which is unique and gives your business a consistent look and effectively gets your message across.