Blog
Do you want your website to be found online? Of course, you do! Having your business listed in local directories can get your business found and boost search results. Read this article to find out how.
In order for businesses to compete online, they must keep up with the ever-changing world of Search Engine Optimization.
Local SEO initiatives are now crucial for businesses that need to attract new customers in their area. One of the best tactics for strengthening your online presence is through local directories.
Not only do they increase the chance of your business ranking near the top for local searches, they help improve your overall exposure.
Let’s go over how directories can make a huge impact on your rankings and conversion.
Start with Google My Business
When it comes to the best directories for SEO, a Google My Business listing is the perfect starting point. It’s crucial that you claim your business’s listing right away.
Your listing will help you show up in local searches for products and services you provide. You’ll also show up on searches for products and services through Google Maps.
When claiming your listing, it’s imperative you make sure all the details about your business are correct. If something changes, such as your hours of operation or phone number, make sure you update your listing.
Local Directories
Adding your business to other online directories helps enhance your overall presence and also ensure you appear for local searches.
However, it’s important to create listings in the right directories. Creating a listing in every directory you find could actually backfire and leave you in bad standing with Google and other search engines.
A list of local directories to target should include:
- Bing
- Yelp
- Angie’s List
- Better Business Bureau
- Merchant Circle
These directories will increase your rankings and also help you appear in mobile searches as well. This is important, as 56% of mobile searches are for business information like hours of operation or a physical address.
Go After Online Reviews
Approximately 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. Customer reviews also help increase your rankings in search engines.
This is why it’s crucial to list yourself in sites like Yelp and Google My Business. Directing clients to these sites to write a review is a great way to increase your exposure and also gives potential clients a firsthand account of your product and the level of service you provide.
In addition to adding reviews to your applicable directory listings, you should also include them on social media pages like Facebook or LinkedIn.
The Power of Backlinks
Part of why directories help boost your SEO is they provide a powerful backlink to your website. Search engines see backlinks from authoritative sites as a vote of confidence for you. They reward this with higher rankings.
That’s why it’s important to only list your business in reputable directories. Backlinks from sites that search engines view as spam may actually result in your site getting penalized.
Take Advantage of Local Directories and Boost Your Rankings
For businesses that primarily serve the communities around them, local directories are essential. Without them, you’ll regularly lose business to your direct competitors.
Not only will directories increase your local exposure, they’ll also help your overall search engine rankings.
We provide digital marketing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Contact us today to learn more.