The short answer is IT DEPENDS, and the long answer is much more complicated.
Online business directories used to be a very valuable resource for building links and getting your brand in front of potential users. While the value has diminished they still offer a lot for a small business looking to grow locally. You want to be careful with the info you add to your business directory listing, you have likely been added to a LEADS LIST. In other words, that information is now available to every online marketer and salesperson on the planet.
Directories do offer a strong value proposition. They give businesses an opportunity to verify and strengthen their NAP (name, address, phone), offer other relevant contact information, and even a add couple of links to your site. In return, your business info will be databased and sold. While the links will most likely be ignored by the search bots (or add little value), the NAP and its consistency across web platforms is where you will see the real value. NAP consistency helps you rank locally, it also gives you a better chance of landing in the Local 3 Pack results.
Our directory utilizes a geotagged map on every listing, and that geotagging communicates to the search bots that you are a business and that your location is accurate.
Furthermore, our Business Resources Directory is SEO optimized helping your business or website attract more eyeballs. Our directory is growing every day!
Website developer, field recordist, instrument builder. My background is largely based in design for the music industry; websites, micro-sites, and apparel. With that experience, I bring a fresh approach to corporate and construction-related web projects looking to stand apart from the competition. My goal is to help clients better understand different aspects of SEO and website development; I write short, easy-to-digest articles on search engine optimization and website performance-related topics.
In my free time, I enjoy field recording, sound design, and building unusual musical instruments.
Michael Winchester is a website developer and search engine consultant in Southern California.
Michael Winchester Design | (562)283-5688