Understanding Directory Listings

Living in the era of technology has allowed us to have all the information we want at the tip of our fingers. When someone is searching online for a specific business or service, thousands of pages of data will pop up. The businesses who appear first (aside from the ones paying for Ad space) are those who have taken the time to input their information. When people are looking for information regarding a business, not everyone is using Google, some may be using directory listings. In fact, some sources advise that only 68% of the world’s searches are conducted throughGoogle. That is why you should understand what a directory listing is, and how it can help your business. If you are not sure what a directory listing is, it isa database that connects online users searching for a specific service or information to a business that offers that service or information. This database can be in the form of an app, website, social media platform, and most commonly through search engines. Moreover, a business owner should ensure that their information online is consistent and pertains directly to what you are offering.

The first benefit of setting up your directory listings is how someone can contact you without having to use google to find your information. By having your business scattered throughout different directories, there is a higher chance of gaining new leads because your business is now becoming more visible on the internet. There are three different types of directories:

• National directories are large directories like Yellow Pages, Manta, 411, or Better BusinessBureau
• Local directories are regionally based like newspapers, magazines, and the Chamber ofCommerce
• IndustrySpecific directories are directories that are dedicated at your industry, whether that is Dental, Medical, Law, or Accounting

Your business should be placed on every directory that applies to your geography and industry.

Back Links are links that are behind the scenes that lead online users to your website. This is why having directory listings is beneficial because the more directories you are placed on, the more clicks you have that lead to your website, the higher your ranking is going to be on search engines (as long as those links are from trusted directories and are specific to your geography and industry).

There are some complications that can arise from listing directories if you do not know much about them.There is a horde of different directories that you can find on the internet, but not all of them are meant for you to put your business on. Example: if you run a dental clinic but input all your information on a directory about veterinarians, you will most likely impact your online ranking and business negatively and receive leads that have nothing to do with your business. Also, if you have users clicking on your website, and then exiting after seeing it is not what they are looking for, it will negatively impact your rating and bounce rate on your website.

Pro Tip: the bounce rate of a website is determined by how long an online user stays on your website before“bouncing” off. The more relevant your information is to the online users search, the better your bounce rate will be. So, by placing your business on directories that are specific to your geophagy and industry, you are ensuring online users are finding information they are specifically seeking. Directories that best match your geographic location and industry have a stronger pull with your audience and ranking on the internet.

You also want to ensure that your data is up to date on every directory listing your business can be on. If you change your logo, address, phone number, hours, services, email, or anything that pertains to your business, our service, Directory Listing Management, will update your information all over the internet to ensure accuracy. It is important that businesses understand how these elements work because it will ultimately have an impact on how your business succeeds.

Call us with the button below to discuss any questions you may have regarding directory listings or marketing!