There is increase in interest in local business directories nowadays since businesses are realizing the benefits of having a local presence. Nowadays there are many such local directories available and everyone is competing with others to grab attention of local firms present in their region. If a local directory has to succeed, then it will have to learn the tricks to get as many local organizations as possible listed in the directory. Let us now look at some of the ways to do it.
Using Incentives:
There are various incentives that local directories can provide to businesses such as free listing for a certain period. Here businesses are allowed to list their firm and need to pay only if they are satisfied with the results. This helps them check the services directory provides without having to pay anything at the onset and works as a good incentive to get listed.
Directories many times also provide offers and special discount for different categories of companies. A new method is giving the companies branding scope by include logo of the firm as well as a promotional video about them. Lastly, firms are allowed to list their promotional coupons on their business-listing page in the directory, which consumers can print and use while purchasing a product from that company.
Advertising:
Advertising may seem like an expensive way of promoting your local directory but often it is worth it. The main point is to have the right advertisement, which easily tells prospective businesses the advantages of listing with them.
You also need to highlight the features that your directory provides such as reviews, photos, maps and videos that local businesses are allowed to add in your directory while creating the local listing. You also need to highlight the advantages you have over traditional directories such as giving businesses the ability to modify their listing as and when required.
Build Reputation:
Businesses will be more inclined to list with local directories, which have some reputation. One way is to get a large business in the region to get listed in the directory.
As for example, you can get a large corporate firm listed in your directory on a discount and smaller companies will automatically like to get listed in a directory where such large corporate firm is also listed.
Summary:
There are various things that a local directory can do to make it popular and attract local businesses to get listed.
