Depending on the type of website, it makes marketing sense to be listed in suitable on-line website Directories.
When a customer searches for a particular product or service, in many cases the listing in a well managed and popular Website Directory will show high in the search results. This increases the chances of being found by the searcher.
A typical free local Directory for the UK is at https://www.localseafood.co.uk/
2. What are Web Directories?
Web Directories, also known as link directories, are
websites that list businesses that register and
list, organised by category.
They are a kind of library or index of websites,
sometimes with a description and a logo,and
most importantly a link to the business website.
One of the best methods to boost page rankings,
this is known as Search Engine Optimisation.
3. Characteristics of
Web Directories
They usually have certain policies before
they accept website’s listing: categories,
languages, content, geo location etc.
Majority of them are usually free, however
there are many paid directories too.
Each directory has its own topics and
categories.
They take a hierarchical classification
system that goes from the most general to
the most specific.
Their databases are smaller than a search
engine, because they are specialised.
Good quality web directories usually
employ expert editors and volunteers to
moderate the website submission.
4. What types of Web Directories
Paid Directories: These web directories don't
accept any website link without payment.
Can be helpful for website search engine ranking
Open Directories: Anyone can submit and get
their websites listed in these types of
Directories. They are of little help for search
engine ranking, as they tend to be very
saturated and in many cases, are considered
by the search engines as suppliers of spam.
Moderated Free Directories: They are free but
you need to register, suggest a site and wait for
a review.
are there?
5. Reciprocal Directories: They are free
but require in return a link to be
created on the website.
Bidding Directories: This is a new modal
followed by some directories. They ask
the website owner to place bids to get
their websites listed on their database,
and the placement usually goes to the
winning bidder.
Niche Directories: These directories
can be either free or paid. They
accept sites only from a particular
sector.
6. Benefits of having a website listed in a Web
Directory
Find new customers
1
When you set up a new business, it will be
very difficult to find new customers
You will need to register on an authority
business directory, that receives thousands
of visitors looking for products or services
you are offering.
7. An backlink is important
2
A valuable backlink can serve to improve your website ranking
on search engines.
Search engines like Google use backlinks to rank websites on their
organic search listing.
8. Analyse your Competition
3
A good way to use a business directory is reverse
engineering i.e., entering as if you were a customer looking
for a specific product or service.
By looking for your own product or service in the directory
you can on the one hand analyse your website positioning
in the list, and also analyse your competitors and take
advantage their keywords, tags or content for use in your
own marketing campaigns.
9. Find potential clients
4
You can look for customers directly
in the directory by performing an
active search.
Let's say you offer services to
professionals, or other business
owners, web directories give you
access to a great database for
prospecting, and as all businesses
are segmented by sector, which
will make the work easier.
10. Find Providers
5
Sometimes the customer is you, and you are
looking for a particular product or service to
improve your business performance or to
solve a problem.
In this case directories give you easy access
to professional and special services providers
who could help you with your problems.
11. Keys to finding
customers through
Online Directories
Web Directories should be used to
ensure customers can find your
Business. Customers search Directories.
Web Directories allow you to stand
out against the competitors of your
product and services, as well as to
analyse the strategies used by the
competitors
A listing in many highly visited and
prestigious Directories will make your
marketing campaigns profitable.