The internet provides businesses with the ability to reach new customers across the world. However, most small businesses rely solely on customers within a relatively small geographical area. It is awesome when your marketing efforts attract a ton of traffic to your website. But, even more important, is attracting local traffic and those most likely visit your showroom or use your services. As a result, using local business directories is one of the most effective ways to reach your most likely customers, improve local SEO, and increase website traffic.
In today’s world, local directories such as Yelp, Google Maps, and Foursquare, receive most of the local search traffic. Consequently, having your business listed is an easy pathway to web traffic success. Moreover, the quality and consistency of your local directory listings can boost your local authority and improve your rank within local search results. Nevertheless, even if you find it difficult to rank high on search results pages, you can breakthrough on local directors that are ranking well. Does that make sense to you?
Nevertheless, local directory “citations” and reviews will also help you rank well in local search results. When Google evaluates your business’ online authority, it looks for signals that your company is reliable, trustworthy, and popular. A citation is every time your business is mentioned online, with or without a link to your website. In addition, another important signal coming from online directories is user posted reviews. Google then uses local directories to verify your business’ contact information, your popularity, and your reliability.
Ultimately, the more often your business appears in local directories, with consistent contact information and positive reviews, the higher you will rank. It does not matter if you have been in business for 30 years. Google believes that a highly cited company with positive online reviews deserves a higher ranking relative to location and the search term, compared to those that do not. Do you have questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about increasing website traffic using local business directories, or a related topic, please contact us.
Technology Consultant at MOTIONBORG
With a natural passion for technology, he is always on the search for next great invention to test out and play with. Enjoys sharing his thoughts and knowledge with others through blogging. Helping business owners on how to better utilize technology to their advantage has become the true meaning of success and life.