A Business Directory lists information about businesses. Business Directories use various mediums to list business information, however since this article is about going online our focus will be on online business directories. Listing your business in an online business directory is a good strategy for increasing the online visibility of your business.
Increase Visibility with Directory Submission
Submitting your business information to business directories will increase the visibility of your business online. Consumers are increasingly looking for information online; business directory listings will populate the internet with reliable information about your business, giving you more exposure online.
Although business directory listings are no substitute for a business website as they are not as versatile, if your business lacks a website, listing your information on a business directory offers a fast and possibly cheap way of taking your business online while you design a website for your business.
Even if you have a business website already, business directory listings will also benefit your business in a number of ways. Business directories will drive some of its visitors to your business. Having a website does not mean everyone online will find your business directly. Some will come through various channels, one of which are business directories.
If a business directory allows you add your website URL to your listing it could have SEO benefit as a result of the quality inbound link coming from the business directory. This could have some impact on the ranking of your business website on search engines like Google.
Listing a new website on business directories will gives it traction. It will increase its exposure on the internet making it easier and faster for search engine robots to find and index it. So, if your business is not on any business directory, you should change that today.
What is a Business Directory
An online business directory is a website that lists information about businesses. The listings in a business directory are divided into categories depending on the type of business. A business directory may be global, listing businesses from all over the world, but some of the best business directories have country or regional target.
In addition, a business directory may also focus on an industry. For example an automotive business directory will focus on businesses in the auto industry like auto dealers, auto insurance, and auto servicing firms.
Information on a business directory is listed manually by you or your agent or it could be listed by the business directory manually or using an automated process. To get the best result with your listing on a business directory, you need to do it yourself manually or commission an agent to do it for you.
The information you can enter in a business directory varies widely, but as a minimum, most will allow you enter your business name, address, email, phone number, website, and type of business (via a category). A business directory may also allow you write a brief description about your business.
Like most online businesses, online business directories have different business models. Some will allow you list your business information free, while others charge a fee for listing businesses. Free online business directory have different business models, some list businesses free and then use advertising to make money.
A free business directory can also offer a free basic listing and then charge for a premium listing where a business can add more valuable information or take advantage of some exclusive features. Such a business directory may also charge for a featured listing where a business can pay to have their listing displayed in a prominent location.
A free business directory may also be promoted by a professional body, trade group, or regulator. In this model, the business directory is offered free to members who obviously pay annual subscriptions to be members of the organisations.
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