Free Business Listings?

[Jim Barker]

Has anyone used the free business listings sites like Scoot, TouchLocal or Yelp? Do you think they're any good?

 

[fisicx]

Yes.

No.

None of them are any use. Even paying for premium listing is pointless

 

[ADNattan]

The only directory I've had any business from is the Pro Copywriter's Network. If you can find a directory that covers your niche, and that actively promotes itself to clients, not just businesses, then go for it.

Generic directories are absolutely pointless.

 

[TotalWebSolutions]

We have a free listing on FreeIndex and it does generate some interest/business. You can get a listing and also receive free leads. It has worked fairly well for us so it might be worth considering.

 

[myfairworld]

Essentially no. I still use the free business listings on the grounds that it doesn't take much time to do and you never know if it might produce a response. In my experience it mostly doesn't produce a response except that once or twice - rather oddly - regular customers of the business (who had our business card, email address, phone number, website address and physical address) nevertheless contacted us via FreeIndex or whatever.

But people don't always say why they've turned up in a shop or what led them to your website, so on the grounds that it is free I keep these listings up to date if I can. But there's never been the sort of response which would make me think that it would be a good idea to pay for an enhanced listing on that site or a banner ad or whatever.

 

[Connexions]

It can be difficult knowing how a customer finds you, so you have to ask, obviously.
Not everyone clicks a link to your site and then heads to your contact form which you could track.
Its always the first question i ask. Last one said 'i typed in google search email marketing or something like that' ...they don't always remember.
I've had someone say they saw we do web design on the side of one of our vans.

You don't know until you ask.

My advice is go for free unless its a niche community site then possibly paid.

My experience with the likes of yell I bad...page impressions low, very low. Even with featured.

Marketing is all about doing 10 different strategies and you will get a bite of the cherry moreso than pluming for 1 channel.

 

[liamx1234]

free index does work! gets me custom

 

[Jim Barker]

Thanks for the comments. I agree with just about every post here - I'm looking at the directories as a (small) part of my overall strategy but wouldn't think of throwing money away on premium listings, no matter how hard the salesmen try to persuade me otherwise.

 

[Jim Barker]

Purely by coincidence, I've just had Pushy Salesman from Scoot on the phone trying to sell me their web services. At least it's strengthening my "No! **** off!!" automatic reflex.

 

[WorkPlace HR]

I've just had Scoot call me for the last 2-3 months trying to sell me the premium package. She really did give me the good sell and nearly got us to sign up, but I decided to do a bit of digging on the web and found lots of negative reviews and we decided against it.
See the review on the TrustPilot website for example. I would link, but I'm still unable to post them

 

[Marcus Allen]

The lady at scoot was very good at selling to me too almost bought thank God I lost my bank card.

To not waste your time and get the best possible return. search your target keywords. The directories that are listed put yourself in those.