How to improve your Business Performance (and more)

You have started your new business, it may be a shop, a service, or anything in between or a mix of two. You feel very positive about it because you have invested a lot of time planning, surveying, creating a personal profile for it, and more. A few days have passed and no one seems to be noticing your business, okay, you set your mind to wait a little longer (because, yes, your business is just new), but a few weeks have passed and still no one sees your business, now you start to think, what could my business be lacking?

Are you sure you have planned everything right? Are you really using all the available resources around you that your business can take advantage of? (and become successful?) Well, probably not, so what is it that you could be lacking? Well, you might haven’t heard about Online Business Directories.

Getting listed in Online Business Directories

What are Online Business Directories? Think of it as a phonebook, where many businesses are listed with their contact information, except, this time around, it is accessible almost everywhere and you must get your business on multiple directories so that your business’ visibility will improve greatly.

Yes, it might cost you some money that you could invest on your business, but think of this as another important investment especially in this modern age of technology where everyone looks on their mobile devices (Smartphones) searching for information and media all the time. Now, if your business is listed on most online business directories (with consistent information), people that search the kind of business you have (let’s say cleaning service) will probably see your business, and you could earn more customers easily. Also, having listed in Online Business Directories could help your business in the following ways:

·         Increase Your Business Discoverability

Many potential customers access the Internet in search of local information. Hence, it makes perfect sense to get your business registered to connect with clients who can look for you online, based on the type and the location they choose By maximizing your visibility in online directories, you maximize your chances to be contacted by prospective customers, meaning, more possible profit.

·         Become Accessible

With increased visibility on the local search engine, people can easily get to know about you and other information, such as your contact details. Thus, they can ring you up whenever they would need your service or help. You would discover that despite having reached potential market targets, there are some who might still be ignorant about your service or about your existence for that matter.

·         Develop Your Brand

Your business also needs branding. In your servicing area, there are many competitions and it’s important for your business to stand out. By listing your business onto online directories, you’ll be discovered by potential clients. In addition, any reviews that are left for your business can also be noticed to create a positive image for your business

·         Provide Detailed Business Information

Access to all kinds of information like the kind of service you provide, details about your working hours, your website links, important updates and gallery of photos will help potential customers to assess your business more easily. This is a great way to locally publicize your site and provide them with the correct information they need. For a start-up, an online directory is the perfect medium to begin your business promotion and increase your customer base.

·         A Cost-Effective Investment

Unlike other mediums of brand promotion, the online business directory provides brands with multiple service options like better search engine rank and authentic client reviews, while at the same time makes it easier for you to have an effective communication with your prospects. Online directories allow businesses to reach a wide range of target audience within a matter of minutes.

·         Social Media Profiles

Most people use Google, Yahoo, or Bing to search for services that they need, but this doesn’t mean that social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are left out only for social interaction. Many entrepreneurs today create a Social Media account for their business mainly because it is free, and helps them a lot by providing a medium for engagement for their previous and possible customers. By having a social media account for your business, you also increase your searchability on search engines (Hitting two targets with one stone!)

So now you want to start your journey on Online Business Directories, but suddenly a thought poked your mind, “Which Online Business Directory should I register to?”. Well, there are many online directories out there but the one we recommend is Online Business Map, Inc. (OnBizMap). When you register to them, they will provide a Local website for you, create Social Media profiles for your business, optimize your website so that search engines will include it on their results (SEO), and best of all, they will manage it all for you! (How easy is that?!). The good thing about OnBizMap is that you can also request a refund if their service didn’t help your business at all.

If you want to get started with OnBizMap, Register Here and watch your business grow.

FAQS

Q: I already tried Online Business Directories and it didn’t help me at all so why bother now?

A: If you expect results within a week (or within a month), then you’re not getting the real idea of Online Directories. Search engines don’t include new websites on their results within a day or so, your business should have consistent information throughout all your online presence (website, social media, etc.), one inconsistency and search engines will treat your business as illegitimate not trustworthy.

Q: My business information is correct and consistent and I still didn’t get listed on search results, why?

A: Search engines take some time before trusting your website and showing it on their results, they need some time to crawl your website and gather information about it like, what kind of business do you have? What services do you offer? Where do you operate? Do you have any contact information? What are your operating hours? When search engines are done processing your business website, expect it to show within a few months or so.

Q: A few months?! Why does it take so long?
A: Well, you’re not the only living person on earth, are you? If your business is not unique and very common, you will have a lot of competitions on search results, that is why during these times while waiting the results from Online Directories, you should build your customer base, encourage them to leave some feedback on your Social Media Profiles and get listed on other Online Directories to boost your local search ranking.

Q: I have my Business listed on Google Maps, I think that is enough, is it?

A: Goodluck on social media platforms, remember, more online exposure means more chance of having more potential customers

Q: I have created a website and Facebook before for my business, if online directories create another for my business, will it hurt my business and visibility on search engines?

A: Yes, only if your business information is inconsistent. But if you are sure that you have placed the same information throughout all your online presence then expect it to help more in your business.

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