Are you looking to improve your local search engine rankings and drive more foot traffic to your business without spending tons of money on Google & Facebook ads? One often overlooked strategy is to get your business listed in local SEO directories. 

But why do local SEO directories matter, you might ask?

Here are a few reasons:

1. Increased visibility: By getting your business listed in local SEO directories, you’re increasing the chances that your business will show up in search results when people are searching for businesses in your area. If you are in hospitality you should be listed on Tripadvisor. If you are a dentist you should be listed on Healthgrades & WebMD. Convert Local recommends all local businesses be listed on 50 authoritative directories

2. Improved local search rankings: Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines use local SEO directories as a way to verify the authenticity and accuracy of local businesses. By getting your business listed in these directories, you’re helping to improve your local search rankings.

3. Credibility and trust: When a customer sees that your business is listed in a local SEO directory, it adds credibility and trust to your business. It shows that you’re a legitimate business that is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest SEO best practices. Be sure to keep track of the directories you are on so you can keep your hours up to date & make any changes needed so customers have a good consistent experience. You can also use a listings service which has a direct API so all listings can be updated in bulk.

4. Customer reviews: Many local SEO directories allow customers to leave reviews about their experience with your business. These reviews can be a powerful way to attract new customers, as people often rely on the experiences of others when making purchasing decisions. This is a great example of having social proof, if you have the positive reviews you will convert visitors to customers.

Overall, getting your business listed in local SEO directories is a simple but effective way to improve your local search rankings, attract new customers, and build credibility and trust. So don’t neglect this important aspect of local SEO – make sure to get your business listed in as many local SEO directories as possible.

One of Convert Local’s new customers, a dental clinic in Massachusetts, activated our listings package & in one month their local search results on Google maps increase by 100%. We recommend using a business listings provider that has direct API with the directory network. 

Dan Tucci is the Founder of ConvertLocal.io  – helping businesses grow their local presence through reviews, listing management, webchat & business sms services.