Know Where You Stand
Your business is more than likely listed in several directories such as Yahoo!, Google and Yelp, but is all the information on those directories correct? Are your customers able to reach you from any given directory?
Whether your business has been around for a
while or have just started, you have probably listed your business in at least a
handful of directories. Directories such as Google Places, Yahoo! & Yelp are very helpful to a small
business, it’s often free or low cost and helps connect your customer directly
to you, that is if your correct contact information is listed. There are a few things to look for when
listing in a directory, or updating your listing:
1. Is your business accurately depicted in the listing? Many directories only allow a small blurb about your company; do you have the best blurb for your company?
2. Is your phone number listed and correct?
3. Is your website listed? Is it spelled correctly?
4. Is your contact name or contact person correct?
5. Is your address correct?
6. Do you have any reviews positive or negative? Have you addressed the reviews/comments?
7. Have you listed in directories that are industry specific?
8. Are you listed in the proper category?
As your business grows you will
face many changes. Don’t forget to
update your directory listings as soon as possible so that your customers can
reach you specially if you have moved locations or added a new telephone
number.
One of the ways we like to keep
track of where we are listed is to keep a list of directories’ websites along
with our username and password hint on a spreadsheet for easy access. We also do a Google search of our business
and any business we virtually assist to make updates or changes on listings
that were previously posted. Some
companies will post your listing in their directories for free for the
chance to sell you an ‘upgraded’ listing.
Those listings are great because your business has free exposure; just
make sure that they have the correct information.
Since the world wide web is huge
there is a possibility that your directory listing maintenance will take some
time to clean up but don’t worry, it is worth it in the end. This maintenance can be a yearly task and if
you keep on it, it shouldn't be too much work.
It is important that a customer’s first impression of you and your
business is a great one so make sure all of your entrances are clean, complete
and accurate.
Don’t worry if you don’t have
time to clean or update your directories all at once, you can take it slow or
you can hire someone to do that task for you.
There are also several websites that can guide you in the right
direction for a small fee. Our Direct2me
service runs a report of your existing listings in the major directories and we
update all the information on those listings to reflect your current and
correct information. We also list you on
the directories you aren't yet listed on.
Don't be the guy who lost a customer to a wrong number, below is a starter list of
directories you MUST join. Whether you
hire us to help or not, find a few moments to browse through our resource
lists at www.AustinsVa.com. Austin’s Virtual Assistant is
here to help, give us a call whether you have questions or would like to
schedule a consultation…or just to say hi <3
~Nancy | Austin’s Virtual
Assistant
10 Directories You MUST Be Listed in:
7. CitySearch
8. Mapquest
9. Biznik
8. Mapquest
9. Biznik
10. Manta
What directory has generated the most leads for your business? Please share with us on the comments below.
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