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To see why Directory Marketing is still alive in 2007, let’s take a look back at 2006.

A number of major changes in the linking model and the search algorithms were changed at Google to combat rampant link spam and create higher quality results. Similar efforts are underway at the other two major search engines: Yahoo and MSN. This is because of the highly competitive nature of search engine results and the associated quality that brings users back again and again.

The first of those changes was to penalize sites that participated in linking systems/networks. Most of these linking systems were very easy to identify and it really was just a matter of time before they were added to the algorithms. Not only that, many were not very well built in the first place and were easily manipulated by members to not pass page rank back to participating sites.

The next change was the seemingly reduced benefit of reciprocal linking and purchased text links. Both of these links are being discovered in greater quantities every day and once discovered are given very little to no link benefit in the algorithms. Obviously, reciprocal links are easy to discover and therefore easy to disregard. 3-way links have also been discovered in increasing numbers during 2006 and will continue to be an emphasis for the search engines to find patterns of abuse. Purchased links, of course, are quite a bit harder to discover and are really only discovered from certain linking systems where the links were centrally controlled by the link broker who was selling the links. “Hand edited” purchased links may still work but only if coming from sites with similar context which leads to the next item from 2006.

During 2006, more emphasis was put on the context of the link to your site. If your site is selling tires and you get a link from a site selling potpourri then the link will be given very little weight and really isn’t worth your effort. However, if you get a link from a site selling car batteries then that link will be given better weight because of the close proximity of the context - Auto parts. And of course the best weight given would be from another site selling or talking about Tires.

So, it’s 2007 and we’re looking for ways to continue marketing our sites and increasing our search engine rankings. Well, the answer has been with us for quite a while and will continue to be with us for 2007 and probably longer. Drum roll please…Directory Marketing. Directory marketing is simply submitting your site for inclusion into web directories in categories that match the context of our site.

What are the benefits of Directory Marketing? You receive 1-way links back to your site on a page that has the context that matches your site as close as possible. Many of the directories are considered “Authority” sites because they are hand editing so spam is not allowed. If you think about the benefits stated for Web 2.0 then directories fit right in because they are a human vote for your site. Another benefit is “natural” search engine discovery. The search engines visit most directories daily and will pick up new site links and visit your site quickly and add you to the index - usually within about a week.

Directory Marketing recommendations:
1. Submit to free directories - Paid directories have benefit but I’d start with the free ones.
2. Do not return a reciprocal link unless it makes sense for the context of your site.
3. Be aware that automated directories may not be given as much link weight.
4. Be patient - don’t use automated submission software to get thousands of submissions overnight (considered spam by both the search engines and the directories.
5. Use software (not automated) to help submit to directories - mostly helps in tracking and navigating to the hundreds of directories.
6. Rotate your Titles, Descriptions, & Keywords to keep your links different but yet similar. Natural linking appears random so use as many combinations as possible!

Anthony Stai is a proud contributing author and writes articles on several internet marketing related topics including directory marketing. You can see more of Anthony’s articles and personally created software on his Directory Site Submitter web site located at http://www.directorysitesubmitter.com

Online directories are typically places you can list your business and website for others to see. These directories are broken into different categories for easier navigation. If someone is looking for a stereo site for example, they can simply go to the electronic section and see a list of every site that deals with stereos listed. After choosing which site to proceed to, the viewer then simply clicks on the link provided and is lead right to that particular site.

Online directories offer areas for any type of business you could imagine. They are a place where people can quickly come to get names of businesses and websites. Thousands of web users utilize online directories each day, making them a popular option for website operators and business owners. If you are considering placing your site on an online directory, consider these three reasons why online directories could work for you.

Exposure

Website success has many elements involved. One of the most important elements however is exposure. If your website never gets any type of exposure, then it is unlikely that it will ever become successful. For people to visit your website, they must be informed that it exists. This is an easy task for a large corporation who can advertise on television or large billboards. It can be extremely difficult for the smaller business however.

Online directories do however offer great exposure for your website and business. They allow you to post your information, such as your business name and website link, in places where people can actually look for you. Instead of you looking for people to invite to your site, they are basically searching you out. Just by placing your information in an online directory, your website traffic will increase dramatically. When you are putting your name and website out there, people are certainly more likely to find you.

Online directories usually offer different levels of exposure as well. You can usually choose between different levels of advertising. For example, one choice might be to simply add your name and website link to the main directory. Another choice however might be to add your name and website link to the main page of the appropriate area of the directory or to add `bold` text to your ad. These options are all beneficial and can help you get even more exposure.

Inexpensive

One reason online directories might be the perfect solution for you is that they are relatively inexpensive. If you are a small business owner, chances are there is not a lot of room in your budget for advertising. Advertising however is one of the key elements to the success of a business.

Many online directories will offer a basic listing for free. This is a great opportunity to allow businesses with no advertising budget to advertise. These listings are usually very simple and contain `no frills`, but they are useful indeed. You can always get your information added to several online directories for free and cover more ground than you thought possible. If you are looking for an inexpensive way to advertise online, online directories are a great option.

Professionalism

If you want your business and website to look as professional as possible, online directories can help. By simply placing your information in an online directory, you can look very professional in the eyes on consumers. Basically, when a consumer looks through an online directory, they consider every listing to be one of a professional business. Although this is not always the case, it certainly does not harm valid professional businesses to any degree. If you take the time to list your information, you are taking another step toward a higher level of professionalism. Therefore, online directories can help you develop or maintain the professionalism you seek.

Choosing to post your information in an online directory should not be a difficult decision. As you can see, there are many reasons why online directories could work for you. No matter if you are looking for more exposure, an inexpensive option, or for a higher level of professionalism, online directories can help you achieve your goals. Just be sure to do a little research and find online directories that will offer you what you need. The more you can post within, the more traffic your website is likely to have. So, go ahead and post in as many as possible!

For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website creativedigitalmedia.com

The bathroom is flooded, you have no hot water, the lights won’t work or the roof is leaking. For many people that is just the beginning of their woes. Suddenly you have an emergency on your hands, but what next? A journey into the unknown…

House related emergencies leave the best of us feeling helpless. You don’t know where to turn. Yet you have to find a tradesman to sort out the mess and fix your problems. You need someone who will put your mind at rest and do an efficient, reliable job. If you are a woman, or elderly, you may feel particularly exposed to being overcharged or having a botched job done. An AXA Insurance survey found that on average women are charged 20% more than men for an emergency job.

In days gone by your only option was to flick through Yellow Pages and cross your fingers that you got a good guy. Now there are far better alternatives. Yes you want a name and number quickly. But you need someone you can trust. Someone with a good reputation to maintain.

There are an increasing number of websites offering tradesmen who are recommended and rated by other users. These sites provide reassurance, not just contact details. For women and the elderly it can be a daunting experience inviting someone into your home when you already feel stressed and unsure of what the problem is.

Online ratings services allow you to read feedback on tradesmen, written by past customers who want to share their experience. And the tradesmen signing up to these sites want to set themselves apart. They want it known that they do a good job, are honest and reliable.

Online ratings services are a great way for women to feel more empowered when choosing a tradesman to sort out the mess. The person who turns up will understand that if they do a good job and gain your trust you are likely to leave good feedback about them. This will help them to build their reputation and grow a strong and successful business.

Getting someone trustworthy to sort out the mess is great, but how else can you take control just when you are at your most vulnerable?

Firstly keep calm. Every problem has its solution. Secondly remember you are employing a tradesman to sort out a problem for you. Even though you are dealing with an emergency, don’t feel that someone has come round to “help”. You have asked them to do a job and that is what you are paying for. Third, it is easy to feel overly grateful and you shouldn’t let anyone make you feel any worse about the situation than you already do. Finally consider asking the tradesman to do the minimum needed to stop the problem. Then sort out a longer term solution once the panic is over. Don’t be talked into an expensive new boiler or rewiring in the heat of the moment.

So don’t make domestic headaches a journey into the unknown. Get to know a bit about the person who is coming to fix your leaks and broken down appliances before letting them into your home. Use a website that lets you find out whether they are trustworthy, honest and competent. Arm yourself with information about them and have confidence in your choice of tradesman.

Gone are the days when you helplessly rang a random number from a business directory, hoping for some response. Now you can take control of the situation and pick the best person for the job.

Expert home improver India Cooper advises the public to avoid the traditional business directory in emergencies so as to be more in control of selecting the best person for the job. To find out more please visit http://www.ratedpeople.com

It’s a fact. People these days don’t refer to their paper directories more than once or twice a year, if at all. So as a business owner, perhaps having a listing isn’t such a good idea after all, especially when you consider one entry can set you back anywhere between a hundred and a few thousand pounds.

Since the 1880s, printed business directories have allowed companies and individuals to list themselves and their contact details, allowing customers to get in touch and use their services. The directories are sent to households and offices at no charge and are replaced, usually annually. Businesses that are listed pay a fee and then sit back hoping potential customers see their advert and contact them with work.

But times have changed and all business owners today should be made aware of some of the clear disadvantages of a paper directory.

First of all, financially you are committed to a minimum one year fee and the amount will vary according to which part of the UK you want to be listed in. So if your business operates in certain areas you will pay far more than in others. And of course if you want to be listed in more than one area you will need to pay more than one fee.

Secondly, because the listings are published and delivered once a year you cannot change your entry if your contact details change. This can be frustrating to both you and your customers and lose you business.

As for value, should you be looking to set yourself apart from the crowd, think again. You cannot give much detail about what you offer, so it is difficult to differentiate yourself from other outfits offering a similar service. Throw in the rising trend from customers demanding ratings and business owners relying on paper listings find themselves in an impossible situation.

So what’s a solution? A good alternative is to use an online business directory or better still an internet based recommendation and ratings service. Sites like these not only allow you to advertise yourself but also to build up written ratings which future clients can review when deciding whether to use your service. Your contact details and the work you have achieved can be kept bang up to date, making it relevant and useful to both you and your clients.

Online services also make financial sense. Some do not ask for an upfront fee and many don’t expect you to commit to anything like a year, so you can spend as much or as little as you like according to how effective the advertising proves to be. This makes budgeting and cashflow much easier and cuts out waste.

And the perks don’t stop there. Online listings offer a solution to calls from customers with work which have no bearing on what a business offers. Online sites often allow you to include descriptions of the work you do and let you show photographs so that people wanting to use you know what to expect.

The more sophisticated online directories are even democratic. Unlike the one way approach of paper directories, where business owners simply advertise and wait for calls; many online directories allow you to see what jobs are out there and which ones you’d like to do.

The whole process of acquiring work becomes more proactive and fair when sourced through online sites. Paper directories in comparison are an expensive, old fashioned and uninspiring approach to getting work. This is why an increasing number of business owners are choosing online listings as a means not only to advertise but also to grow their business.

Expert business adviser India Cooper explores why advertising in a traditional business directory may be a thing of the past. To find out more please visit http://www.ratedpeople.com

Increasingly people are turning to the internet to source information about local services, either where they live or in areas that they are going to visit. Certain sectors have become well established online, for example booking flights, buying groceries and banking. But the internet is now proving indispensable in all aspects of life - for example finding good local tradespeople, a local hairdresser or what’s on at the nearest cinema.

Many people are becoming more discerning and demanding and expect as much information as possible about the services they are planning to use. Maps, photographs, detailed descriptions and links to websites all help a potential customer assess whether a local service provider is the right one for them.

One step further is to take traditional values and put them on the web. People like nothing better than a personal recommendation from someone they trust. All too often, however, nobody you ask knows of a good tailor or decorator which is where the internet can help. Many online directories allow you access to comments and ratings by a large population of users who can leave frank feedback on the person or service they have used.

This is an incredibly valuable resource. It releases a huge amount of hitherto untapped information which benefits not only customers but businesses too.

So how can you tell if a directory of, say, restaurants or builders has genuine feedback from genuine customers? How do you know that friends and family have not simply done the business they know a quick favour and added a positive comment?

Firstly look at the comments critically - if any given business has both brilliant and appalling reviews, with little in between then chances are the comments have been written by friends and competitors only and not by genuine users. Sites that allow businesses to build up their ratings are more likely to have genuine, useful information. This approach also gives the business a real incentive to do a good job.

Some websites explicitly state that only people who have used their system to book a business are allowed to leave feedback and that nobody else is given access to the relevant page. This is known as a “closed rating” system. This is used by some websites that offer a brokering or introduction service where a fee is paid for details each time a service is used.

So what sort of information should you leave if you’re the one giving your opinion in a business directory? It’s always useful for other readers to know what you were hoping for and if that expectation was met or better still surpassed. People like to know if the service provider gave good value for money, was competent, courteous and mindful of your specific needs. They are also interested in whether any deadlines that you gave were met. If appropriate and if the website allows, you could upload before and after pictures of what the business did for you - your new haircut, bathroom or garden.

Online business directories are becoming increasingly useful sources of information and now offer so much more than print directories. Their use is increasing every month as more businesses switch to online marketing and people realise what is on offer on the web. The thought of telephoning endless builders or hotels until you get to one that “sounds alright” now seems ridiculous when you can get so much information and opinions from internet based directories and recommendation sites. In short, they are a real step forward.

Expert business consultant India Cooper explains that in today’s internet obsessed age people expect ratings as part of an online business directory. To find out more please visit http://www.ratedpeople.com

Are you a small business with money to gamble? Ready to set up on your own for the first time and throw away a few hundred pounds before getting your first job? Of course not. Yet this is the risk small business owners may be taking when they get themselves listed in offline business directories like Yellow Pages or Thompson.

But surely these directories have been around for ages and are a trusted source of information, a familiar part of life. The directories themselves may be heavy tomes that look reassuringly full of names and telephone numbers. But people using them soon realise they have no knowledge about who’s inside or who’s to be trusted. There’s no way of telling one plumber or caterer from another. The ones with bigger adverts and a bit more information look expensive. Those with just a name and number too small fry and uninspiring.

What small businesses need is a way to set themselves apart. To get noticed for all the right reasons. And if you’re setting up a new business you need a cost effective way to get known, to build a good reputation and to gain a following. Traditionally, you would do jobs for friends and family and ask them to spread the word. This can work but is a slow process and you may feel inclined to do favours which will eat into your revenue.

What every new or small business should do is get themselves listed with an online rating service. This way you stick your neck out and tell the world you’re ready to do a great job. Of course, you expose yourself to publicly available comments from customers, but if you do a good job then you will reap the rewards. If there are things people prefer done differently you will be made aware and you’ll have the opportunity to consider improvements to your service. All helpful stuff when you’re starting out.

Another plus - you’ll be quids in. Paper directories are mostly published annually and therefore have to charge you an annual fee. That’s a lot of money to invest, with no guarantee of any return. Also, because they are published annually you are in trouble if you miss your local area’s deadline. You could be twiddling your thumbs for several months waiting to get yourself in the next edition.

Online directories are updated in real time. This means you can be up on a site in a matter of hours and can change your contact details instantly if you need to. You may not even have to pay any upfront fees, but just membership and referral fees once the site starts working for you. And if things don’t work out you can be off the site quickly and on to your next marketing idea.

Some websites allow you to showcase your work. Upload photographs of what you’ve done, even pictures of yourself so that the process of getting work is less of a gamble, for both you and your future clients. The people employing you will know a bit about what you do. They will feel more confident in hiring you, which should make for a more straightforward and positive relationship from the start.

Much has been written about rip-off Britain, cowboy tradesmen and the like. Its easy to be lumped into these unhelpful categories unless you can distinguish yourself. Leave the cowboys behind in the directories and small ads and take the modern, intelligent approach to building your business. Show the public what a fantastic job you can do and let your customers blow your trumpet for you.

Why gamble your livelihood with offline directory listings? There’s just no point when you can market yourself more effectively and cheaply.

Expert business consultant India Cooper looks into the modern day phenomenon of advertising with an online business directory. To find out more please visit http://www.ratedpeople.com/