Online business directories

[Chippie]

We have just launched a new business service. We will be trading both from premises, online and mobile on a nationwide basis. It is a service aimed primarily at the car and motorcycle after sales market. Does anyone have any ideas regarding which are the best online business directories to have listings with? There are obviously a lot and we have used some with our other businesses, but I am never certain which are more productive. Any opinions would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

Paul

 

[Pembrokeshire Directory]

Get a FREE listing with BT Tradespace

 

[JGOffshore]

I can't say I've ever gained much work from online directories. Some help bump up your own website stats and PR but s for getting work - only very occassionaly. I'd have thought online promotio in other ways would be more productive.

 

[Chippie]

I can't say I've ever gained much work from online directories. Some help bump up your own website stats and PR but s for getting work - only very occassionaly. I'd have thought online promotio in other ways would be more productive.

What would you suggest then?

 

[JGOffshore]

What would you suggest then?

Well by all means get yourself listed in free directories but just don't expect clients to beat a path to your door.

Its a bit like the old days when "professionals" were not allowed to advertise. They could have a listing in the telephone directory and (eventually) even be allowed to be mentioned in part of general advert for (say) accountants or solicitors in Yellow Pages.

That doesn't work any more. All professionals have their own websites and they market these on "social networks" and forums such as this.

However, word of mouth is often the best way for a local business. Then I'd suggest contacting local on-line news websites and local or national blogs. Get them to publish articles written by you or just release press releases for you.

Next, viral marketing. Get people you have worked for and who are pleased with your work to write you a reccomendation. Publish it on your own web site (contact me if you want cheap hosting) and get them to tell all their friends.

There is a heck of a lot you can do. But these days you have to be proactive. Sticking an advert in a newspaper or online won't earn you a living.

These are just some ideas. I'll look out some marketing info and post details in a new post at some point over this weekend.

Cheers

James

 

[JackieC]

I was a keen biker for 33 years until I had a bad accident - now the family don't allow me back onto two wheels. Nevertheless, I do have motorcycling contacts and also run a small website.

PM me details of your new website and, if I think it is suitable, I may offer you some advertising space on the site.

 

[Anton3]

We have just launched a new business service. We will be trading both from premises, online and mobile on a nationwide basis. It is a service aimed primarily at the car and motorcycle after sales market. Does anyone have any ideas regarding which are the best online business directories to have listings with? There are obviously a lot and we have used some with our other businesses, but I am never certain which are more productive. Any opinions would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

Paul

Sorry in advance for being a sarcastic git, but you want to look into this great directory/search-tool I found recently called "googol" - no, that's not how you spell it. Something like that.

 

[I.P Paul]

Chippie, we are in the Bike world. What sort of Motorcycle accessories are you selling and i might be able to point you in the direction where our customers might search.

 

[Joy02]

Hi,

Working from home requires a level of self-discipline, motivation and organization that not everyone will posses. Those wishing to work from home should do their research first and be wary of fraudulent website and online services which advertise work from home

 

[Chippie]

Hi,

Working from home requires a level of self-discipline, motivation and organization that not everyone will posses. Those wishing to work from home should do their research first and be wary of fraudulent website and online services which advertise work from home

Thanks for that, but you've got me beat with that reply, are you on the right thread??? :|

 

[Network Yorkshire]

lol talk about left at the traffic lights!!

 

[Chippie]

Sorry in advance for being a sarcastic git, but you want to look into this great directory/search-tool I found recently called "googol" - no, that's not how you spell it. Something like that.

I actually took it as a given that you would assume I would be doing google (ad words etc), which I am. I meant other directories such as Scoot, BT, Thomson, etc, etc. Are these others worth an online listing or not? :|

 

[Chippie]

Chippie, we are in the Bike world. What sort of Motorcycle accessories are you selling and i might be able to point you in the direction where our customers might search.

It's primarily paint protection film for bikes and cars and other after market accessories, any thoughts?

 

[Network Yorkshire]

I think they are worth the 5 mins to set up if they are free....

At the end of the day it can't do you any harm can it?

 

[Diesel]

There are SO MANY of them, all chipping away at your hard earnt aren't there.

I've had some regional industry handbook people I've never heard of badgering me recently. Their listing product CANT have been the best thing since sliced bread as I've been in the industry 20yrs and never heard of them!

I just shelled out £500 on yell.com, which I can ill afford - esp after yellow pages costs - so it better produce results! I thought I could get the price down by letting them go cold etc, but didn't manage it and bit the bullet. They have a good business there (and in fact are ditching the book to make even more money).

My feeling is that these services need to put your money where their mouth is - if it proves ineffective after 6 months then its refund time...

D

 

[GridmodelsUK]

Try Bview co uk - it is a directory/review site and listings tend to appear high in the google results.

 

[SJRS]

Check out:
www.thebikerguide.co.uk

Its promoted direct to the Biker community