Marketing Monday - Online Directories

Reading the Assential Scrapbooking blog recently, I came across a post about online directories.

I know I have spoken about online directories before, including tips on how to choose a directory, paid vs free directories,  as well as various recommendations for directories to list in.

This week, I’m going to talk about looking at other opportunities in the directories you are listed in to maximise your exposure.

• Competitions - does the directory offer competitions? If so, donate a prize or two to their competitions giving you more exposure and encourage people to view your listing and visit your site.
• Other advertising - does the site offer other advertising opportunites, such as newsletter advertisements? If they do, there may be a special rate if you’re already in their directory, or they may have package deals.
• Feature - some directories offer feature spots. This could be a spot in the directory or your category, or it could be an article or Q&A about you as an advertiser. Sometimes they are for a month, other times more permanent. It could be worth looking in to, especially around key buying periods such as Christmas and Easter.

Online Directories are a great way to promote your business. Rather than just having a listing, investigate other ways you can promote your business to their dataase to maximise your exposure.