Local Business Directories Versus Social Proof
So you’re looking to get your website listed on local business directories? A casual search of the Internet will reveal that directories, for all intents and purposes are dead. There’s a myriad of reasons for this, but the main reasons are:
- Google doesn’t particularly like user generated content to pass page rank
- Unless a directory has well established authority, pretty much nobody searches them
- There’s no point paying your way into a directory because of point #1
Times have changed. The Internet has evolved. Sure, some directories are still useful, because they’re super authoritative and people actually use them to find services. Those are the directories you want your business or service listed on and they can genuinely help your business to receive more calls. However, there’s no good reason to submit your URL to obscure, low-quality directories — even if they do advertise themselves as “SEO friendly”. Your time will be much better spent doing something that offers far better rewards.