Are NZ Business Listings important in 2023

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Are NZ Local Directory Listings still important to SEO in 2023?

Local directory contributions may still matter for SEO in 2023, to New Zealand businesses.  Although their significance has diminished over time as a result of adjustments to search engine algorithms and the emergence of new ranking variables. 

However, submissions to local directories can increase your website’s local visibility and build backlinks to it. You can include crucial details like your company name, address, contact information, and website URL when you include your company in local directories. Search engines can better comprehend your company using this information, which will raise your local search rankings.

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Local Directory Submission is a only small part of your SEO Efforts

Your business SEO and Marketing plan, shouldn’t rely just on local directory submissions to raise your position in local search results.

User experience, content quality, and website performance are now given more weight by search engines.

A comprehensive SEO plan that incorporates additional strategies like content production, link building, and social media marketing is crucial.

Local directory entries can still be helpful for SEO in 2023, but they should be incorporated within a larger SEO plan that emphasises a variety of ranking variables. 

Your company’s web visibility can be improved and you can draw in more clients by adding your company to a local business directory.

Tips on Local Directory Submissions

Here are some suggestions to take into account before adding your company to a local directory: 

  • Select the appropriate directories: Find local directories that suit your business and your target market by doing some research. 

  • Look for current listings: Verify the directory to see if your company is already listed there. If so, amend the listing rather than making a new one by claiming it. 

  • Ensure the accuracy of business information: Ensure that the information included for your company in all directories is accurate and consistent, including the name, address, phone number, and website.

Local Business Directory Photos & Descriptions

  • Use good pictures: Post pictures that are of a high quality and that show off your company’s goods and services. 

  • Write a convincing description: Emphasise your company’s unique selling propositions in a brief, informative description. 

  • Use keywords that are relevant: Include business, service and product specific keywords in your listing to have it appear more prominently in search results. 

  • Include a contact number: Include in your listing your email address, phone number, and social media profiles. 

  • Include your business hours so that customers will know when you are open. 

  • Sort your products and services into categories to make it easier for people to locate you. 
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Verifying your Listing and Engagement

  • Verify your listing: To establish more credibility, verify your listing by going through the verification process specified by the directory. 

  • Add customer testimonials Customers should be encouraged to submit evaluations to the directory in order to increase social proof and draw in new clients. 

  • Update your listing frequently: Update your listing with fresh images, deals, and company details. 

  • Promote your ad: To make your listing more visible, mention it on your website, in your email signature, and on social media. 

  • Keep an eye on your listing: Keep an eye on your listing for new reviews and updates to make sure the content is current and accurate.

  • To boost your visibility and draw in more clients, take into account paid advertising alternatives on the directory.  This really only applies to high profile directories like Yelp, Hotfrog and country specific directories.  For example here in New Zealand we have a website called Neighbourly which has had results for a lot of companies in the service industries, like plumbing, building and electricians..

SEO Directory Listing Conclusion

As pointed out in this article, it pays to do some research, as not all directories are the same.  Some can actually give you a bad link in Google’s eyes, which can impact search results.  I have included a list from a Top Search Engine website called Search Engine Journal, which has a list of directories worldwide:

Web Directories You’ll Still Need

If you are looking for more local directories, try searching Google using search terms/keywords like this, “Top 20 Google Friendly Business Directories”, and then just add your country name.  For example, I’m a New Zealand citizen, so I would search:

Top 10 Google Friendly Business Directories New Zealand

If you are a New Zealand business owner reading this article, the SEO rules still apply, when listing your business.  

Read the article on how to list your business in Google My Business, to get an idea on what you should be adding to other business directories, when you register your business.

If you need any help, just contact us, part of our SEO strategies are off page SEO, which involves building links back to your website and pages.

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