In the Marketing Department at Old Town Media, there are a few tasks we do for each client that are not necessarily glamorous or exciting, but extremely necessary. One of these tasks is creating online listings.
While online listings are not as exciting as Facebook posts or articles in the Coloradoan, we take the task very seriously because it helps to create an online presence across the internet.
What are online listings?
Think of online listing sites as a big old phone book. The Internet is full of different directories – some for specific trades and others for any type of business.
For example, when I Google ‘Fort Collins Contractors,’ seven directory websites come up as results. As you can see, Thumbtack, Houzz, Home Advisor, and Angie’s List are all specific to house services. In addition to these directories, three other websites (not pictured) are also listed and are general directories: BBB, Yellow Pages, and fcgov.com.
Other general directory websites would include Yelp, Google+/Places, TripAdvisor, Foursquare, CitySearch, Merchant Circle, etc.
Why are online listings important?
Online listings are important because people are using generic search terms. The outcome is directory websites mixed into the search results.
For example, if someone searches for Custom Home Builder Fort Collins, I want my client, NoCO Custom Homes, to be a part of the search results. While there are other marketing tactics we use so the website itself appears in the search result list, I also want this business to be listed on every Fort Collins and custom home builder directory out there.
Additionally, directories are important because people are using these lists to find services. And while they may only scroll through the directory before moving on in their search results, you want your business to appear over and over again throughout the web.
How do I list my business?
The best part about online listing is that most of sites are free. While many of the directories have sponsorship and advertisement options, almost every online directory has a free, basic listing option.
Furthermore, online directories are for everyone. At Old Town Media, we create online listings for wedding rental companies, doctors, veterinarians, rafting guides, restaurants, moving services, and more. There is no such thing as a business that does not need to be listed online.
If you are a client of Old Town Media, listing your business across the web is a service our marketing department can provide. If you are not a client but would like more information about online listings, feel free to contact our Marketing Assistant directly at kayti@oldtownmedia.com.