There are now a wide variety of business directory sites available at a click of the button. Having your business listed on these sites might not seem like a priority to you, but what if I told you this could bring in clients, raise awareness of your business and ultimately gain you profit. And did I mention they’re FREE! So it doesn’t cost you a thing to advertise on the majority of these directory websites. But what are the benefits you might ask? Well that’s what I’m about to tell you..
Discovering your business
There are over 3 billion people using the internet today, which has increased from 738 million in 2000, to 3.2 billion in 2015. People are now turning to the internet for just about everything, including searching for business. The yellow pages has become a book people no longer use, and online business directory websites are the places people now discovery new businesses, and the services they offer. If your business isn’t listed on these websites, you’re missing out on a lot of potential clients.
Raising awareness of your brand
Being seen on different business directories will develop your brand’s image, if you’re constantly popping up on different sites, you’ll be cementing your brand’s image in consumers minds. If you’re present on more than one site, consumers will automatically recognise you as a well respected brand, and be more inclined to come for you for your services.
Gaining trust with consumers
Business directory sites are trusted by the public, as they know the businesses listed have been trusted by the sites themselves, therefore if your company is listed on a variety of these, this is gaining your company trust with potential clients.
Chosen before your competitors
It’s now stated that 70% of population prefer to search online when in need of a local business. So if your business is listed on various websites, and competitors in the local area are not; you’ll be the ones receiving calls requesting your services, and ultimately gaining clients, not them!
We know there are hundreds of business directory sites out there, so which ones are the best you might ask? Well Don’t worry because we’ve done the hard work for you, and based on the popularity of the website, how many people use each one, and what information you’re able to add about your business for free, we’ve handpicked the best 6, and told you why! But we hope that people looking for web design Rochdale will find us and lets us create an amazing website for them.
Google pages
Provides local businesses, brands, organizations and artists with a public identity and presence, verifying them on Google maps. It also provided viewers with phone number, and hours of operation. Verifying your businesses page helps provide Google users with accurate and up-to-date information about your business.
Free Index
Allows you to add a lot of information about your business. (Web address, Products/Services, Photos, Videos, Attachments etc.) Businesses are listed in rating order, so it’s easy to see which companies are recommended, and if you gain lots of reviews for you company, the higher it will rank.
Thomson Local
Allows you to add your businesses website and detailed information about the business, including location, services and opening times. Thomson Local has over 44 million UK monthly searches.
Lacartes
Once you have joined up, it allows you to add a lot of content about your business, including your website, locations, photos and staff profiles. Everything from online menus, price lists and videos.
Business Magnet
Free listing. They state themselves as the most comprehensive business to business directories in the UK, and exceed 3.5 million page views per month.
Hot frog
Free listing, limits you to how much information you can add without paying. Hotfrog is in 38 countries and helps 69 million businesses reach new customers globally.
We’re here to help any business, no matter how big or how small, to grow and create an online presence that portrays your brand in the best possible light. We aim to help business’ grow and stay consistent with online presence image. So we 100% recommend adding your business to directory sites, and I hope this has made you understand why! But don’t worry if you need help doing so, we’re always here to help!
Sourced Information from: http://time.com/money/3896219/internet-users-worldwide/