For businesses seeking to expand, local search is an invaluable resource. According to a recent study conducted by Google and Yahoo, queries that originate from such locations as keywords in advertisements have been shown to yield more fruitful results than those obtained from geographic queries like ‘Chicago’ or ‘Florida’.
Given the prominence of local search, some entrepreneurs may be tempted to discount their presence on major directories such as Google My Business and Yelp. Yet, neglecting these resources could prove detrimental when customers decide where to spend their time and money!
Yet, what if I told you there was an easier way to gain exposure for your business? It’s true – it’s called directory listings! If you know how to optimize your listing for success, then we can unlock this powerful tool for exponentially increasing traffic and sales. Let me share some tips on how this can be done!
1. Contact All of the Local Businesses in Your Neighborhood
Local business directory listings are an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur who seeks to maximize traffic to their website.
Contacting local businesses in your neighborhood is not only a convenient solution; it also provides opportunities to make contacts, forge relationships and expand brand awareness. Not to mention that all of these activities have been proven time and time again to result in increased sales!
If you know the names of everyone who owns a barber shop or pizza place within walking distance of your home, then why not reach out and introduce yourself? You never know: one could be the proprietor of your dream company!
2. Create a Professional Looking Sign
If you are operating a small business, chances are that your storefront isn’t the most impressive venue. That’s why it is essential to add an eye-catching sign to the outside of your establishment.
Make your local listing stand out with an eye-catching and professional-looking sign! You can create one in no time at all using a number of templates available online.
Ensure that your sign is visible from both angles with high-quality graphics. Furthermore, ensure that it is sturdily constructed so as not to be knocked down by inclement weather or errant vehicles – after all it could be the only way potential customers would come across them!
3. Share Your Directory Information Online
Adding your local business listing information to other websites is only one piece of the puzzle – but it’s an essential one. Ultimately, it’s imperative that you share this data across as many channels as possible in order to maximize visibility and draw more traffic towards your company website.
If you are unfamiliar with directories, they are a trove of information where businesses can openly post their profile information. To make things simple, these directories range from those that cater exclusively to local business listings (e.g. Google Business Profile) to portals like yelp! In this instance, users are able to locate nearby establishments by taking advantage of specialized search functions within the site itself as well as through utilizing apps for even greater convenience.
Adding your directory data to various platforms such as Google+ Local allows for increased brand visibility and increased opportunities for leads. You could also include it on your Facebook page in order to increase reach and bring visitors directly to your website!
4. Update Your Business Information
If you haven’t updated your business information within the past six months, it’s time to get on that!
Revising your local listing can have a dramatic impact on search engine algorithms because it shows Google, Bing and other directories that you’re committed to making sure all of your data is up-to-date. When potential customers are searching for a business like yours in their area – any slip-ups could lead to subpar results!
Regularly updating vital details such as address, phone number and contact information not only keeps your message consistent alongside recent customer feedback but also provides an easy way for prospective clients to connect with you.
5. Start a Referral Program
Your local business directory listings can be an extraordinary asset for your company. Not only do they provide a means of getting in front of curious individuals who may be searching for services like yours, but the opportunities for additional leads are significant!
If you have not yet initiated a referral program for your local listings, why not give it a try? Inviting users to share their experience with others and offer them access to more information about your establishment can yield tremendous dividends to both parties involved – as well as your bottom line!
6. Host an Event at Your Business
If you have the capacity, consider hosting an event or seminar at your establishment. Not only will this be a high-impact marketing strategy that could help you attract new leads and boost attendance; it will also increase traffic to your local directory listing!
Hosting an event at your business is an effective way to generate increased footfall and make money for your business. When potential clients are offered the opportunity to attend an activity at one of your establishments – chances are they will take notice!
While hosting events can be quite fun and rewarding, it can also be quite time consuming. For instance, you might need to find sponsors, decide what type of event will be most beneficial for them and then advertise your upcoming offerings on social media platforms – not forgetting having a tent set up and other necessary preparations made ahead of time! From start to finish, hosting an event will likely require both effort and resources; however if successful in generating interest within the locality then it could present a worthwhile endeavor for any entrepreneur seeking additional revenue streams!
7. Add Some “Local Flair” to Your Address
Showcase your company’s personality with a little local flair. By adding local vitals like hours of operation, phone number and location on your directory listing, you can entice potential customers to click through to your website.
For example, if you own a landscaping business in Buffalo, why not include ‘open today’ information alongside your address? This could be anything from offering online estimates and services; providing consultation services or simply displaying contact information so that users can reach out directly if needed.
8. Utilize Social Media
Social media is a veritable treasure trove for local businesses seeking to leverage their visibility. Through the use of these platforms, you can increase brand awareness and attract new leads in an effortless way – all while maintaining discretion over who your contacts are!
Today’s consumers are increasingly turning to their friends and family on social media when they’re searching for products and services. With this in mind, it’s essential that you leverage these platforms as channels of communication with prospects.
Utilizing social media to promote your business directory listing can yield significant results. Not only does it provide you with an opportunity to introduce potential customers to your business but it also offers an opportunity for vendors to interact directly with each other; thus creating greater opportunities for collaboration and referrals between both parties.
Conclusion
Did you gain a newfound appreciation for your local directory listings?
If so, be sure to give these new tricks a try! They could make all the difference in terms of boosting your search traffic and sales.
Are you eager to enhance your online presence but feel overwhelmed by the steps? Don’t worry – our team is here to help! Contact us and let’s explore ways to boost traffic to your local business premises.
Let’s make this happen!
