Essential Online Directories
Online business directories offer a public identity and presence that goes beyond what the traditional Yellow Page phonebook used to do. With Google My Business, for example, you can make a profile that includes a company logo, photos, reviews, hours of operation, directions, and more - all for free.
Directory listings are important because they help search engines create local results from what might otherwise be a global search response. For retail outlets, accurate cross-promotional listings are essential. For example, “find a dealer in your area” listings not only cross promote your business; it also helps with SEO and having a website get found online.
Which Directory Is Right For You?
Take the time to search for your business and its competition. Be sure that the company’s listings accurately reflect the latest contact information and any special offers to take full advantage of showing up in search engine results. Yellowpages, LinkedIn, Yelp, and MerchantCircle are all examples of free online business directories. Each online service directory aids in being found online when a prospective customer is searching for products and services that are similar to what your company offers. The more links to and from your website, the higher up your business will rank in search results. You can add a calendar reminder each month to check the accuracy of the listings because the internet is constantly changing.
Don’t Miss Out
Think of online directories as free advertising that promotes a business in places that one may not have anticipated boosting SEO and driving traffic to the website. The internet offers a powerful platform for businesses to be found online and without having listings on the major online directories, a company is missing out. Each online directory that a company is listed on increases the chances of being found online.