Business Directory Listings
The evolution of search engine optimisation and in particular link building has taken a number of 90 degree turns over the last 2 or 3 years. There was a time in the not too distant past when many businesses and digital marketing agencies were shall we say ‘overly keen’ on submitting businesses and their associated websites to directories – lots of directories!
In many instances these links were paid for, something which contravenes Google Guidelines. In essence the idea was to chase PageRank. Buying links was the quickest way to ensure your business directory listing and back link was on the first pages of the relevant directory page (i.e. the page(s) with the highest PageRank).
Now, what happens in SEO and still happens today is that many search professionals are like sheep. If one so called guru or expert makes a statement on the Internet about the next BIG thing in order to rank higher in the Google index, the sheep blindly follow.
This has for many agencies and their clients turned out to be a very scary tactic, fraught with possible dangers lying around the next corner or Google update. Google’s Webmaster Guidelines are not a new phenomenon, they have been written down for all to see and digest to for many years.
In particular the series of Google Penguin algorithm updates have hit websites hardest that exhibited thin (back) link profiles and especially those sites which had built up a swathe of untrusted links (read – spammy directory listings as one example).
Currently then we have a situation where many business owners are unsure as to whether and in which UK business directories to list their company and website. In fact, you could argue that these guys are the lucky ones as they may not have already suffered a loss of rankings by incurring a Google algorithm penalty for overly aggressive link building!
The following is a list of currently reputable directories where you can list your UK business for FREE. We don’t recommend you start paying for top or so-called priority listings in the following, but merely list your business name, address, phone number (NAP) and website link where appropriate.
Always do your own research before submitting as the status and authority of the business directories listed below can change over time. This list is not attempting to be THE definitive list of places to list your business, simply a starter for 10 (or 8) of where your business can benefit from added web visibility for FREE:
Google My Business
Google My Business connects you directly with customers, whether they’re looking for you on Search, Maps or Google+.
See: www.google.com/business/
Yell.com
Has significantly fewer users now than 5 years ago, however still an authority brand on the web and definitely worth listing your business for free. See: www.yell.com. Provide your details to get it included for free within:
• Yell.com
• Yell.com Mobile
• Your local Yellow Pages directory
• Their 118 24 7 telephone directory
Free Index
Receiving over 2.5 million page views every month, every UK business regardless of size or budget can win business and gain new customers for FREE. See: www.freeindex.co.uk
Thomson Local
Join for FREE and you can promote your business on thomsonlocal, web and print directories. Taking your place on their free business listings will mean that your business details will be advertised across their network of partner sites and mobile applications. See: www.thomsonlocal.com
The Phone Book from BT
BT classified business directory listings are updated, verified and maintained in partnership with 118 information. See: www.thephonebook.bt.com
SCOOT
Your business can benefit from better visibility across the Internet; targeted exposure to 3.5 million customers; a comprehensive business profile, so you can turn more browsers into customers. See: www.scoot.co.uk/
Cylex
CYLEX operates as a powerful business tool when its FREE services are used to the fullest extent. Submit your company to their Business Directory, because a rich and meaningful presentation page can attract more customers. See: www.cylex-uk.co.uk
Opendi
Reach more than 3 million visitors every month and make sure that you are easy to find. The benefits of having a listing on Opendi United Kingdom:
• Increase your exposure on the web through:
• Your company profile
• A link to your website
• Recommendations and reviews
• Adding your entry on Opendi is Free!
See: www.opendi.co.uk
Paul Brewster, July 2014