Manual vs. Automated Directory Listing Services

Claiming directory listings is a key component to creating a solid local search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. According to SEO experts, MOZ, directory listings are one of the top 10 factors Google uses in their search rankings algorithm. Since these listings can help improve your online presence, it’s critical that every business take the time to claim and create listings on the directories that matter most to your business.

What are Directory Listings?

Directory listings or citations are mentions of your business name and information across the Internet on various websites. These websites include social media platforms, directory sites like Yelp, and member listings on local networking chapter websites.

How Can You Claim Directory Listings?

There are two methods for claiming online directory listings – manually and through an automated service such as Yext.

Manual

To manually create your directory listings online, you will need to set aside time to claim your business, update the information, and field any required phone calls to finalize the listing. This is a relatively low-cost approach to increasing your brand online as the majority of directory websites are free. However, many business owners find this process to be cumbersome and look for alternatives that simplify the process so they can spend time working on other parts of their business strategy.

Automated

An automated business directory service asks for your business information once via a business dashboard. They then take this information and automatically submit it to the various directory companies they work with. In most cases, they charge a monthly fee for this service.

Is Manual or Automated Better?

To the blind eye, it may seem like an automated service is the way to go, but in reality it can cost you more than it is worth to your business’s bottom line. Automated submission services charge a monthly fee that ranges from $100 – $500. Before you know it, you can spend thousands of dollars a year on something they only worked on once. The worst part is, when you cancel your subscription, they remove nearly all your listings, which means you were only renting your spot online instead of owning it.

The Solution

It is a better business decision to take the do-it-yourself approach to claiming directory listings. Not only are you building a permanent presence, you are doing it at a fraction of the cost. If you lack the necessary time, you should look for an SEO company that manually claims directory listings for your business. In many cases, they create a unique e-mail address and take care of data entry and any necessary follow-up tasks for you while only charging a one-time fee. Once they are finished with your project, you get access to the e-mail and all account usernames and passwords.

Directory listings are just one key component of a strong search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. If you are ready to boost your online presence without committing hours of your time, contact Fuhrman Creative today for additional information.