10 reasons to join
an online local
business directory
Google signed the death warrant of the Yellow Pages. But random internet search results can be quite dodgy – it’s a jungle out there! Consumers prefer the reliability of local online business directories: according to Localogy,
8 out of 10 people will use a local business directory to find products and services.
Getting listed on a good business directory has never been so important.
Here are 10 reasons why joining an online local directory is great for business.
Boost your online presence
Getting listed in a good business directory is an essential strategy in today’s digital world. 79% of consumers now do online research before making purchasing decisions. This means listings are great for maintaining an edge over competition and increasing visibility among the local audience.
Listings can increase your web traffic in two ways: directly, when people click the link to your website featured in a popular directory; and indirectly, as they start to see and recognize your brand on more platforms and through more search engine results.
A good online local listing is like having a 24/7 advertisement for your business in a place that is regularly used by potential customers.
Improve your SEO
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial when it comes to online marketing. Essentially, this is how well your business performs when someone types a keyword (e.g. insurance) into a search engine.
The likes of Google, Bing and Ecosia will use data such as the number of times your website is linked on other websites to rank it in their search results. These links are called backlinks, and each backlink provides you with link juice. The more reputable and popular the website on which you’re listed, the stronger the juice! This means the more you appear in reputable directories, the higher your business itself will appear in search engine results. It’s a great way to increase your web traffic.
Be in control
With an online business directory, unlike with review websites such as Yelp or TravelAdvisor, you control what your online listing says.- You can write your own custom description of the products and services you offer.
Tip: A good online directory will then optimize it for SEO!
- You can pick to what page of your website your listing will link.
Tip: A professional directory will add a special code to that link that allows you to track your customer from click to sale!
- You can decide what contact information to give: your address, your phone number, your email.
Tip: a comprehensive online directory will even include links to your social media profiles.
- You can often add a logo or images to make your listing more attractive and increase your brand recognition.
Target a ready-to-buy market
If people are searching a directory or Googling products and services, they’re more likely to make a purchase than if they randomly chance across an ad.
Furthermore, if your business is within easy reach, customers are more likely to visit if you have a store or outlet. Research shows that 88% of those searching local businesses on a mobile device either call or visit within 24 hours.
You can make your business more accessible to those ready to buy if you have a good listing in a local directory. Many listings sites have search filters or maps, for example by neighbourhood, product type or delivery option. This means that you’re probably a good match for customers by the time they connect with you through the listings.
Reach a new customer base
There are many different online listings platforms spread across diverse sectors of the internet. This means you can choose a local business directory that will enable you to tap into new ready-made markets. Not only will you benefit from that directory’s audience, but search engines will soon understand this is also your market and feature your own website on relevant search results.
Expatica has a worldwide audience of over 12 million yearly visitors spread across 15 countries and growing. By being featured in one of our local directories, you will expand your reach among educated and high-earning expats.
Save money
Marketing can be an expensive pursuit, especially for smaller or newer businesses fighting to establish their brand name. Local listings are a highly cost-effective way of boosting your presence. Customers are presented with the vital information only and don’t have to wade through paragraphs of fluffy promotional messaging.
Many listings companies offer tailored packages including discounted rates for small businesses and charities. This helps keep fees manageable and ensures that you get good value for money.
Save time
Not only does advertising in local online listings save money, it also saves time. Using local directories can yield great results from simply filling out a few fields with basic information. All you need to remember is to keep the information up-to-date. Other than that, you can sit back and wait for the steady increase in customers.
Boost your reputation
Marketing can be an expensive pursuit, especially for smaller or newer businesses fighting to establish their brand name. Local listings are a highly cost-effective way of boosting your presence. Customers are presented with the vital information only and don’t have to wade through paragraphs of fluffy promotional messaging.
Build brand awareness
Listings directories give businesses the chance to get their name and logo seen by customers. This means that, even if a visitor doesn’t click on your website link, they become aware of your brand’s existence.
Everyone who sees your company name, logo and details is a potential future customer. Even if they don’t buy your products and services this time, they are now more likely to shop with you at a later point.
Network
Want to find mentors, business partners, or simply make like-minded friends who share the same endeavors? It just takes a dive in your local business directories to find a supportive community. Freelancers, entrepreneurs and small business owners will find invaluable resources by browsing other listings. Join a directory, open your network and integrate smoothly in the local business environment!
