Before the days of the internet and before the majority of households had access to websites, it was the printed business directories which most of us turned to when in need of a company. Whilst the directories may no longer be as important as they once were, they do still play their part and should not be forgotten about if running a search engine optimisation campaign today.

Printed directories are still the preferred source of company information for some but a large number of internet users are finding online directories even more helpful. A number of the most successful directories such as Yellow Pages now offer their customers a choice of exploring their listings in a printed directory or on their up to date websites.

Many business owners now assume with the development of search engines that online consumers are no longer interested in the directories. However, they are very much mistaken. Research recently carried out has found directories still play a significant role in local business searches and therefore must be taken in to consideration by businesses hoping to target their local area.

The big branded directories have developed and built trust and respect amongst their users throughout they years and a lot of their users simply don’t want to give this up. They are used to referring to the directories for business information and so continue to do so.

A recent study has found that those who do use online directories are also more likely purchase form a website they are directed to. Users know what they are looking for and are ready to buy it. Many do not have an idea of a company they should use before they visit the directory but trust their listings to point them in the right direction. Directing relevant traffic to your website and having visitors looking and ready to buy items you provide is hugely advantageous when running an online business and can make a massive difference to the results you are able to achieve.

Traffic can be directed to your website from many different online sources. New traffic streams will be developed if running a professional SEO campaign and many times online directories will be used. Don’t view this is an outdated and useless internet marketing technique because research is proving online directories still have a place in local search and are likely to in the future.

Submitting your website to certain directories can be beneficial but ensure you know which sites are suitable for your listing and which are not. Being associated with high quality and respectable directories and directories specific to your business industry are recommended. Listings in low quality, spam and irrelevant websites are not advisable as links from websites like this can actually damage your progress.

If looking to increase the amount of traffic to your website and interested in directory listings, we at SEO Consult can help. We can identify which directories are suitable for your business and help you to direct valuable traffic to your web pages from many different sources.

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