A common advertising option for many businesses, particularly for those with a small budget, is the use of business directories. Today, many printed business directories are being replaced with a digital version due to higher printing costs in relation to lower revenues, and the prevalence of search engine marketing.
“One credible means of link development is getting your web site listed well in high-quality web directories (also known as human-based search engines) and industry-related sites. In fact, I often begin all search engine optimization campaigns with the web directories. It’s one of the quickest ways to give your site credibility.”
~ Shari Thurow, Founder and SEO Director at Omni Marketing Interactive
Source: http://www.searchenginesbook.com/searchenginemarketing.html
There many different opportunities to list your website online as part of your inbound marketing strategy, and as Shari mentioned, business directories are the quickest way to build credibility for your website. Start by looking for local directories then build listings in other directories that match your core values and target market. Economic development offices, industry associations, and networking groups often provided a free directory listing with their lowest membership level. Make sure take advantage of any online business listing when you sign up and set it up to go live quickly!
Setting up your business listed online is simple too. Fill out the basic profile details about your business i.e. contact information (phone, fax, address), links to your website and social media accounts, a short description, and logo (other pictures may be upload depending on the options provided) then typically your business listing is live! It’s important to note that not all free options are credible or reputable, and some approvals can take several months before your listing is activated. For example, approval of Earth to Business Marketing’s listing on YellowPages took almost 5 months (May to Oct). Also, the page you submit your website to should have a page rank higher than your own page. Check your website page rank in the tool below:
Check Page Rank of your Web site pages instantly: |
This page rank checking tool is powered by PRChecker.info service |
Once you submit your business listings, REMEMBER to keep note of all your directory listings and UPDATE them regularly too! If you are looking for directory ideas, below you’ll find Earth to Business Marketing listings by the month they went live (to be updated periodically) followed by articles with more listing options.
Online Directory Listings for Earth to Business Marketing
November 2019
- Digital Main Street (inactive profile)
April 2015
- My Shop Local (inactive website)
- WhoDoYou.com
- Londonpreneurs.ca (inactive website)
- Bing
- Canadian Company Capabilities database of Industry Canada
February 2015
January 2015
- 4 Green Business (inactive website)
October 2014
September 2014
May 2014
- Small Business Community Network (inactive profile)
April 2014
March 2014
Where to find other directories to list your business?
If you are just starting out or want to add listings to more directories, check out the options mentioned in the following articles:
Submit your business to free website directories
http://www.chantillypatino.com/submit-your-business-website-directories/#ixzz3Y8a1Ylqh
The Best Online Local Business Directories for SEO
http://www.localseoguide.com/best-local-business-directories-seo/
Top 19 Free Local Directories in Canada
http://blog.woorank.com/2013/09/free-business-directories-in-canada/
The Top 20 Places Your Business Needs to Be Listed Online
http://www.verticalresponse.com/blog/top-20-places-business-needs-listed-online/
Is your business listed on any directories that you would recommend?
Add a link in the comments, and tell us how it’s helped you advertise your business products or services.
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