It can be very tempting for an extremely busy business owner to employ the services of an SEO company to submit their listing across many directories.
One of my clients asked me if I thought the monthly fee the SEO Service Provider was asking for was fair or worth the benefit for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)…So I’m sharing with you a few tips about Directory Submissions that you may not know.
1. Most directories require an account to be “set-up” with a login …that in-turn generates more incoming mail and spam; it’s recommended that you create an email account with one of the free services (not your typical username and password)…. to especially handle mail from these directories
2. Some directories charge a fee or some are “free” but do not offer premium services unless you pay.
3. Don't randomly pick directories to make your submissions. Create a list according to the directory rankings and your specific needs and goals. Note: High ranking for a directory does not always translate into a high ranking for your business.
- For an example, your listing in a directory for your specific services may bring a higher result than listing in a more general popular directory.
- Another example, placing your listing in a coupon directory would only be beneficial if you are offering coupons.
- One more example…a homebased business that does not accept clients or an appointment only business would not want to place a listing in a GPS focused directory.
4. New Directories are coming into existence each day. If any critical data changes in your business, then each directory must be updated. Do you really have the time or the human resources to maintain dozens of directories?
5. Local directories can be beneficial because many consumers start searching for a products or services by Zip Code (It’s amazing how many businesses submit to the DonPaul Directory without a zip code.)
6. If you are planning to use directories as a “ranking” tactic, it’s not a good idea to copy and paste identical information into every directory. Search engines detect and ignore 'duplicate content' in their ranking process, so try to create original content when completing each registration form that stands out from anything else you may have posted on the web in the past.
7. It’s true that increasing traffic to your site will give you more options to grow your database, but for many businesses submitting to hundreds of directories is not nearly as effective as building relationships though means that are constantly within our control. See my blog on Directing Traffic to Your CTA
8. Many listings allow photos and videos to be listed along with your business submission. Images and videos often require a specific size and file type …this will add to the time and or fee, so learn about the directories before you plan to submit your data. it’s simple to search for your competitors and see how you can make your business stand out.
9. It can be tempting for extremely busy business owners to employ the services of an SEO company to submit their company details across many directories. While this is a valid service, the fact is that no one has your knowledge of your unique selling points, your staffing skills or detailed product information. Their focus is on speed and acquiring links, both of which are unlikely to result in distinctive, unique and compelling business listings.
So to answer the question: "Should You Pay?"
Directory submissions are DIY (Do-it-Yourself) and unless the is a fee for using the directory, there is usually no fee in the submission process. Connect with me for a complimentary consultation and we’ll talk about the most popular directories to list your specific .business or organization.
Check in with me on this topic and I’ll send you a list of 55 popular directories to list your business or organization.
2. Some directories charge a fee or some are “free” but do not offer premium services unless you pay.
3. Don't randomly pick directories to make your submissions. Create a list according to the directory rankings and your specific needs and goals. Note: High ranking for a directory does not always translate into a high ranking for your business.
- For an example, your listing in a directory for your specific services may bring a higher result than listing in a more general popular directory.
- Another example, placing your listing in a coupon directory would only be beneficial if you are offering coupons.
- One more example…a homebased business that does not accept clients or an appointment only business would not want to place a listing in a GPS focused directory.
4. New Directories are coming into existence each day. If any critical data changes in your business, then each directory must be updated. Do you really have the time or the human resources to maintain dozens of directories?
5. Local directories can be beneficial because many consumers start searching for a products or services by Zip Code (It’s amazing how many businesses submit to the DonPaul Directory without a zip code.)
6. If you are planning to use directories as a “ranking” tactic, it’s not a good idea to copy and paste identical information into every directory. Search engines detect and ignore 'duplicate content' in their ranking process, so try to create original content when completing each registration form that stands out from anything else you may have posted on the web in the past.
7. It’s true that increasing traffic to your site will give you more options to grow your database, but for many businesses submitting to hundreds of directories is not nearly as effective as building relationships though means that are constantly within our control. See my blog on Directing Traffic to Your CTA
8. Many listings allow photos and videos to be listed along with your business submission. Images and videos often require a specific size and file type …this will add to the time and or fee, so learn about the directories before you plan to submit your data. it’s simple to search for your competitors and see how you can make your business stand out.
9. It can be tempting for extremely busy business owners to employ the services of an SEO company to submit their company details across many directories. While this is a valid service, the fact is that no one has your knowledge of your unique selling points, your staffing skills or detailed product information. Their focus is on speed and acquiring links, both of which are unlikely to result in distinctive, unique and compelling business listings.
So to answer the question: "Should You Pay?"
Directory submissions are DIY (Do-it-Yourself) and unless the is a fee for using the directory, there is usually no fee in the submission process. Connect with me for a complimentary consultation and we’ll talk about the most popular directories to list your specific .business or organization.
Check in with me on this topic and I’ll send you a list of 55 popular directories to list your business or organization.
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