Online Business Directory Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Online Business Directory Is A Business Marketing Tool
By Dirk C Wallace
In the marketing world, an online business directory is one of
the best marketing tools for small businesses. More and more consumers
are typing local search terms into the search engines and it is
true that 80% of customer purchases occur within a five-mile radius
of their home.
This realm of marketing is evolving rapidly as more ingenious
brains turn their attention to local guide search formats. Consumers
are looking for informative, well-written copy, which is why many
of the best business services directories have incorporated articles
alongside their entries. Additionally, internet users want to
watch videos, print coupons and do all their browsing on just
one page, which is fueling rapid growth.
Increase In US Internet Business Directory Searches
A 2008 ComScore study reported that US internet business directory
searches have increased 25% over the last year. The search engines
are still the first source a third of Americans review their options
and search for local business information, with another third
turning to print Yellow or White Pages.
Another 19% use the internet yellow pages and 11% use a local
search, although industry analysts anticipate the number of people
turning to local searches will increase over the coming year as
the sites add functionality and improve their interfaces. A whopping
90% of users say that internet business directory listings are
a valuable source for local business information.
Searching With Mobile Phones
Mobile phone access to an online business directory is another
major trend we’ll see throughout 2009 as well. The ComScore study
also noted that 1 out of 5 local business searchers with an internet-accessible
cell phone used it to search for local products, services, addresses
and phone numbers.
With the growth of smart phones, like the iPhone and the Blackberry,
more and more people are viewing their phones as mini-computers.
"There are 228 million mobile subscribers in the US, up 6%
from August 2007 to 2008," comments Serge Matta of ComScore.
"Also, we are seeing tremendous growth in mobile browsing,
up 45% over the same time period."
New Businesses Using Affiliate Marketing
In addition to the online business directory listing, new businesses
would be served well to get in on affiliate marketing. They can
exchange ads with quality sites from related fields, publish articles
on other sites (containing links redirecting traffic back to their
homepage) and start a blog.
Some people decide to start their own business resources page,
which is another great way to gain added exposure. Directory owners
can offer a free listing but require a back link. Also, the owner
will be able to advertise on his or her own site for free, which
can be lucrative once the site gains popularity.
About the Author:
Dirk C Wallace has written a number of articles on Small Business, Business Software, Computers and Internet Security including
Local Businesses,
Online Directory,
Business Tax Software,
Customer Support,
CRM Software,
Turbo Tax Software,
Computer Security Handbook,
Computer Instruction.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Did You Know This About Business Directories?
Congratulations on owning your own business. It does come with
a lot of responsibility but it definitely has its own rewards.
There are so many small things that you have to take into account
though when having a business. Sometimes it is those small things
that can make or break a businesses’ success.
Take for example the business directory. It is not something
you immediately think of when forming your business but it is
incredibly important. It is the tool that you use to get your
information out to the public. Where and how you place your directory
can make all the difference in whether your business succeeds
or fails.
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