Find reputable local businesses now

A local business directory is a list of businesses published online that can be organised by location and/or category. People use local business directories to find tradespeople, professionals, and other products or services in their area. Businesses invest in local directory listings to increase their exposure, improve their digital footprint, and generate more leads.

Businesses that list with an online directory can experience the following benefits:

• More web traffic. You can include a link back to your website in your business listing. Visitors that want to learn more about you and your services might click that link. Backlinks are also crucial to your SEO efforts. More on that in our article: Why are backlinks important?
• Improved search engine rankings. Ever heard of SEO? It’s the process of increasing your website’s likelihood of ranking highly in search engine results.
• Exposure to a broader range of potential customers. People go about finding a product or service they need in different ways. Some ask their friends. Other use a local business directory.
• More reviews. Social proof is essential, so use an online business directory to gather more happy customer testimonials.

Here are a couple of our top tips to make your business’s directory listing stand out:

• Choose excellent images
• Add as much detail as possible – get specific about the problems you solve and where
• Be consistent in the way you format your information to improve your SEO efforts (e.g. if you write your phone number like this on your website – 1800 123 123 – don’t write it without the spaces on your directory listing – 1800123123.)
• Add a call-to-action. Prompt visitors to take the next step with a friendly yet compelling call-to-action. For example, “Call now to schedule your free consultation.”

If you’re ready to expand your business’s online reach, give these tips a try:

• If you haven’t already, create social media pages and keep them up-to-date
• Ensure the content on your website is high-quality, updated, and free from errors – continue to add new content to your site
• Double-check that your website is mobile-friendly
• Take advantage of other online advertising options, such as creating a listing on an online directory like ConnectEzy
• Join forces with a complementary business in your local area with a substantial online following

It’s essential for any local business to take a strategic approach to their local marketing efforts. Here are a few ways you can reach more customers in your area:

• Ensure you are following local SEO best practices
• Attend community events and network
• Build quality relationships with your existing customers
• Create a referral program
• Be active on social media
• Target local customers with online ads – whether through Google or social media

Your business’s online presence means more now than ever. Find out how to make the most of your digital footprint in our article: How to get my business online.