Local Business Directory Expert Stresses Importance of Claiming Listings

Some experts estimate that there are close a billion websites online, and with numbers like that, it's more important than ever for business owners to do all they can to make sure their site is seen. And according to one expert who runs a local business directory, that doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

“It's so simple that many business owners overlook it, but one of the best ways for small and medium business owners to make sure their site is seen is to claim the free listings on local business directories. It doesn't cost anything, but the effort they put into it will pay off enormously."

He says that may people believe that just because they're in all of the online databases, they don't have to take the extra step to register on the directories. “But what they don't understand," he says, “is that Google and the other search engines don't really pay attention to those databases. But when the website owners claim their listing, it suddenly becomes a citation,and that definitely gets their attention."

But internet marketing experts say that how a listing is claimed matters a lot, and the expert agrees. “If a business name is listed one way on one business directory and another way on a second one, it won't help in the search engine listings. In order for business owners to get the most out of local business directories, they have to make sure all the listings contain the exact same name, address, and phone number."

Experts acknowledge that claiming their listings on multiple local business directories will take some time, but stress that it's a great way to make their websites climb in the rankings. “And the icing on the cake," says the expert, “is that it's free. All it takes is the time and energy to do it."

It's important to note that some local business directories offer enhanced listing that cost a nominal fee, but ensure that businesses are given a prime spot on the directory—usually the home page. “To make the most of their free listings, business owners should try and include a live link in their listing, and make use of SEO tactics," said the expert. “If more small business owners understood just how much claiming their listings the right way could improve their search engine listings, there would be a rush to get it done all over the country."