How to Choose the Right Business Directory for Your Company

Are you still struggling to manage a solid online presence? Take a quick step - get a good business directory. That way, you can expect better visibility. It will eventually turn into a customer magnet. Most importantly, you will be able to boost your credibility. The only challenge is you will come across a lot of directories. How do you choose the right one? Here’s the process, made easy….

Know Your Needs

You should always start by examining your business needs. Whom do you target? Do you operate internationally? Where do you want to see yourself after ten years? Figure out the answers and sort your options. 

Check the Reach

You may come across directories that target local businesses. You will also get some who have global reach. If you own a local business, go for a regional directory. To cross the borders, get a global directory. 

Check Reputation

Of course, you care for your brand’s credibility. So, check your chosen directory’s reputation. Go for the one that everybody admires. To check the reputation, simply head to online review sites. Testimonials can also help. 

SEO Still Rules

SEO is still important and a good business directory can help you reach your SEO goals faster. Just pick up directories that have high domain authority. Simply check for these few details - 

• Website link

• Address

• Contact information

Understand the Types

There are different types of directories. Industry directories help you get people from your specific industry (artist directory, realtor directory, etc.). Next, industry-adjacent directories don’t focus on your offer. They bring together many suppliers, partners, etc. (B2B directory, general contractor directory, etc.). 

Moving on, the identity-specific directory features groups of people-owned businesses (chamber and associate directories). Finally, hyperlocal directories work with a particular demographic/s. 

Invest in the type that suits your business motto. 

Free or Paid?

Indeed, you will get a lot of free options. But why do the paid ones exist, then? Learn the difference:

Usually, volunteers come up with free directories. They do so because they care about the society. But, it has a downside. The features may not look sufficient, or the marketing efforts may be way too poor. On the other hand, a corporate-run directory will always charge you for the membership. As such, that is their business. 

Given that, you will enjoy a lot of convenience. A team of professionals will reinvest a part of the charge they take from you into the platform. They manage their operations and development efforts with that money. Can’t decide? Try answering these questions - 

• What comes with your membership 

• How can you add/modify data in your profile

• How well is it performing 

Performance Matters

How has your directory been performing over the last few years? If you are working with a new business directory, check how confident they are about their resources. Take this quiz…

• How well do they maintain their content? 

• Do they keep their website up-to-date with the latest listing?

• What are the present members saying?

• What about the user experience?

• What about distracting ads? 

Check Relevance

Every directory is different. You should always say yes to the one that accommodates your niche. This way, you will get filtered visitors. You will be happy to see you can reach many more interested customers. 

Tools and Techniques

The features and tools of the directory determine your decision. You will get some basic listings. At the same time, you will get others offering better tools (analytics, ad kits, review management, etc). You should be able to upload detailed info, videos, keywords, and photos because this will boost your visibility. 

Review Management Efficiency 

Your directory should permit you to manage your reviews. You should be able to reply to your customers. This will increase engagement. Plus, your brand will get a positive image. 

Customer Support

Issues may come up, and you may not solve it all alone every time. So, find a directory that lends a helping hand. You should be able to contact them over chat, email, or telephone. Technical problems won’t look a little too ‘daunting’ this way. 

Search Functionality

A dictionary must function well when it comes to the search functionality. Your directory should let you filter your options according to location, industry, and service. This way, your customers will find you out faster. And that’s a good impression, indeed. 

Wrapping Up

Hope you have got the meat of the matter by now. Take your next step carefully, research well, analyse deeply, and see how your business directory brings you the best results. Keep going!