There are a lot of business directories to list your business out there on the web. But how do you know which sites your business should be listed on to get the best ROI?
The following list will serve as a snapshot and reference point for the directories you should choose for your business.
1. Google
Google My Business is a free tool for managing businesses’ online presence across Google. As you verify and edit business listing information, you can help customers find a business through their local search.
Why enlist your business on Google?
It’s because a huge volume of users goes through the site (there were 32.30 billion total unique visits globally within the last month), it can improve search engine page ranking, help businesses show up in local search (with key terms) and on Google Maps, and it’s a cost-effective local marketing form.
2. Facebook
For the sake of introduction, Facebook is a social networking website where users can create profiles, upload photos and
videos, keep in touch with family and friends and follow their favourite businesses and brands.
Why enlist your business on Facebook?
Facebook has 1.59 billion active users worldwide. Users can follow a business through updates or posts, and customers can post reviews about their experience with a business on the platform. Because Facebook is widely recognised as the most robust social network and has the largest user base, reviews and feedback on it are essential content for local businesses.
3. Yahoo
Yahoo Local is the portion of the website devoted to business listings. You can create a free Yahoo Local Basic Listing or pay to have either an Enhanced Listing at $9.99/month or sign up for Localworks at $29.99/month. A basic listing includes your company’s phone, address, website information, store hours, as well as your products and services. Users who want to sign up for the Localworks are directed to Aabaco Small Business from Yahoo. Localworks will list your business on Yahoo, Google, Bing and other listing sites and local directories.
Why enlist your business on Yahoo?
Yahoo has approximately 1.17 billion visits a month. But take a look at Yahoo Local before you purchase — perhaps even try searching for a few businesses. If you like what you see, then it may be worth to invest in it.
4. Twitter
Again, for the sake of introduction, Twitter is a social networking service where users can send and read 140-character
messages called “tweets.” Users can tweet messages, links and images to their followers or use hashtags to be found using certain words or phrases.
Why enlist your business on Twitter?
Local businesses can put ads on Twitter, connect with potential customers, network, tweet about sales to followers and so on. But this is the catch: Twitter is a constant conversation, so businesses who are listed here should contribute regularly.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social networking website for the business community. Registered members can link to networks of people they know professionally, so it’s a great way to grow your professional network.
Why enlist your business on LinkedIn?
Within the last six months, LinkedIn has reached 996.2 million total visits globally, which amounts to approximately 166 million visits a month. Aside from this, creating a listing is free, and potential applicants and vendors alike can find businesses here. You can look around for similar businesses and if your competitors are there, you should likely follow suit and make a LinkedIn profile.
6. Instagram
Instagram is a mobile photo and video sharing platform. It lets users take pictures and videos and share them either
publicly or privately via the app.
Why enlist your business on Instagram?
It’s a platform that has strong visual appeal and isn’t ideal for all businesses, but it’s an ideal platform for brands with a unique product that can be showcased through strong imagery.
7. Bing
Bing is a Microsoft-owned search engine. Bing Places for Business is the portal where local business owners can add a listing for their business on Bing’s network. You can claim a Bing Places for Business listing for free, but you have options to upgrade a listing from the free version for local, chain and service businesses that offer services at customer locations.
Why enlist your business on Bing?
Your business may have a better chance of standing out when you enlist it on Bing since fewer people are advertising here than Google. This can be especially true if you decide to do pay-per-click advertising on the site.
8. Yelp
Yelp, which is both a website and an app, enables users to publish reviews about local businesses. It offers free tools for businesses to manage their business listing (including the ability to respond to reviews), upload photos and create a special offer. It also trains small businesses how to host social events for Yelp reviewers, and provides data about businesses including health inspection scores.
Why enlist your business on Yelp?
Yelp isn’t just for restaurant reviews. It has 36.3 million unique visitors so it’s a good idea to get a business listing up on the site and let users leave reviews. You can manage reviews on the site yourself or use a software and/or service to help you manage feedback.
9. Top4
Top4 is the new Australian social media, business and brand directory that connects trusted local businesses and brands with customers who are actively looking for their products or services. It also allows consumers to find rated businesses, tradespeople and service providers in their area and throughout Australia. It’s always free for consumers while only pay-per-lead for businesses.
Why enlist your business on Top4?
The platform helps Australian businesses attract relevant customers and gives brands greater exposure to targeted verticals. It brings together complete business profiles, curated content, and social network integration, thus helping businesses and brands create engaging customer experience in a user-friendly and cost-effective way.