Do you need to list your website with an online business directory? There are many benefits of doing so.
Not so long ago, most people relied on the telephone book to find a particular company. Today the same still applies, only the modern consumer often turns to an online business directory rather than dragging out that big old book.
How Online Business Directories Can Increase Sales
For one thing, an Online Business directory listing increases your website’s exposure to a large demographic. Not only will additional people be able to find your business and its products or services, but they are considered qualified traffic. After all, they are looking specifically for something you offer because they performed a search based on industry, product, or keyword. This is just one more way to increase visibility to humans and search engines alike.
An Online Business directory can be accessed by nearly anyone, anywhere – from home, or work, at school, or even via a cell phone. How many customers looking for a local company are lugging along a telephone book? Online directories are quick and convenient, making them the preferred method of finding a business by consumers worldwide.
Your business directory listing adds legitimacy to your website. In a general internet search, there is little difference between the sites that are displayed on the results page. When someone uses a directory, their perception of the listed companies is that they are professional and recommended.
There is an SEO benefit to business directory listings, too. Each one creates a new and valid inbound link to your website. Increased links results in increased page ranking.
How To List Your Business
There are many Online Business directories available. Some are free while others charge a fee. You certainly do not need to sign up with each of them. You may want to start with a local directory and expand from there.
There is usually an extra charge for an SEO enhanced listing and adding graphics or features such as an interactive map. The cost is usually worthwhile because potential clients tend to be drawn to colourful listings that make it easy for them to determine what you sell and how to reach you. Including additional text that allows you to use your main target keywords will help internet users and bots find you all the easier.
Consider the cost of a business directory listing in comparison to other forms of advertising and you will likely determine it is quite cheap. And remember that, as opposed to traditional print media, you can make changes to your listing as often as necessary so you are not stuck with paying for an ad that contains wrong information.
Be sure that you include all the information visitors are seeking such as your location, contact information, a clear description of your products or services, and at least one or two customer testimonials.
Clearly it makes sense to utilise the benefits of listing your website with several online business directories. If you have an advertising budget, make sure you opt for an enhanced listing to gain the most benefit. You should see increased traffic, at a minimum, and increased sales, at the optimum.
Have a most outstanding day.
Sean RasmussenAussie Internet Marketing
www.SeanSEO.com © 2008 - 2012
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s something I didn’t know about.
Any that you think are worthwhile looking at?
There are plenty available Gee. Best to do a search on the big G for them, try searching for “local business directory” or just “business directory” and I am sure you will find loads to choose from.
Thanks Sean
Hi Sean,
I’ve never heard of this before either. It’s a great idea for something I’m trying to do.
We are listed in quite a number of business with our “brick and mortar” business and it works quite well. Would you also recommend to be listed there if you are a pure online business? As the clients don’t need to come to your shop or office, it would look like no, but I guess it still gives you exposure for your keywords and the services you are offering.
The more places you can list your website the better. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of each site prior to listing as each directory will have their differences.
Hi Sean,
Registering a business in an online business directory makes good sense. I for one don’t like the idea of lugging around a telephone book if I need to look up a business or service.
I’m wondering how it works when doing a google search. How would someone know which business directory I’m in to find my business?
If I have businesses on line then it would make sense to me to be in an online business directory.
The benefits you have listed here are too good to miss. Thank you.