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Elvinwebmarketing | Online Advertising | Search Engine Optimization | How Important Are Local Online Directories for SEO in 2020

How Important Are Local Online Directories for SEO in 2020

online directories for seo

Being in local online directories for SEO purposes still makes sense in 2020

Many of our clients ask, “Will being in local online directories for SEO help me in 2020”? Is it worth the time to get my business listed on directories? Some directories are free but there are others are subscription based. Is it worth spending money to be on any of those?

The short answer to the questions is “YES”. Directories can play a useful role in the SEO strategy of any small business. They can boost your site’s position on the search pages and generate leads. Here’s how.

Businesses listed on business directories gain added exposure. Review and citation sites such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing for Business are an extension of the niche directories. Your presence on citation directories sends a signal to Google that the business has the trust of its patrons. Consistency of information, such as name, address, phone, hours of operation, across different local business directories affirms the credibility of your business, both for Google and your prospect.

That helps you rank higher in the search engines because as you build trust your rankings on the search pages rise. Google places a high premium on trust. Anything that a business can do to generate trust online will lift the company in the SERPS. A higher ranking will increase prospects and eventually profits. Consistent information across directories helps businesses on Google Maps. Some businesses that otherwise rank high sometimes face problems getting into the Google Map Box. Directory listings relay proof to  Google that your business is located where you’ve claim it to be. For a list of worthwhile local directories, visit our article.

Niche directories have added importance and gravitas

Online directories that list businesses across narrow niches often send powerful positive signals to the search engines. Niche directories provide businesses with a highly relevant backlink. As an example a law firm can derive useful SEO benefits by being listed on directories like Avvo and FindLaw. If you search online you’ll find niche directories relevant to your business.

Consider adding your business to them. If your business is already listed, make sure the information is accurate and up to date. If the listing is unclaimed you should claim it. That will allow you to correct and add worthwhile content and add authority to the listing.Top-level niche directories such as Angie’s List or Houzz for home improvement companies will send high quality leads. Many times you’ll be competing for these leads but if you’re competitive in your bids, it will have a positive effect on your cash flow.

Check out the niche directories

Niche directories often rank on the first page of Google for local business searches. Appearing on the searches through these websites gives your business a chance to earn positive ratings through satisfied customer reviews. This sends a reassuring signal to Google. That increases the respect Google has for your business and website and increases your ranking for the keywords you wish to rank for.

New online businesses can gain traction and appear in searches conducted on directories. It helps business and the easily obtained most through an enriched backlinks profile will nudge the website higher in the SERPs. Signing up for free, established, and credible generic directories helps create an organic backlinks profile that is not too heavily skewed towards backlinks from relevant sites.

Check to see if your competitors are listed on specific directories and get listed on them too. Paid directories often deliver value so allocate part your marketing budget for them. Find the very best paid directories in your niche. Some things to consider are:

  • The directory’s authority
  • The number of links directed towards your website
  • Type of links – dofollow or nofollow
  • The cost of a link 

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