David Friedland
In the past, almost everyone had a Yellow Pages book stashed by their landline phone. Every business needed to be in there so clients know where to find them.
However, in this day and age, most people turn to the internet to find this critical information. Potential customers search online through business directories to find reputable companies and promote professional relationships.
Global directories work much like the Yellow Pages of old. Many customers turn to directory lists to search for companies they want to find. Foreign company directories are even more critical because they can make it easier to find company branches that may not automatically pop up on Google. For a business to remain competitive, appearing in a web-based directory is critical.
Here is what you need to know about directories, why your business should use them, and some of the top directories for different countries.
What Is a Business Web Directory? Why Should You List Your Companies in Directories?
A web-based business directory provides an index of companies that are divided by industry. Each company contains its own entry with a link to that company’s website. Web-based directories provide a convenient way for customers to search for companies by industry and area.
To Improve SEO
For businesses, being listed in a directory not only means customers can find your information, but it also helps with your search engine optimization or SEO. When you’re listed in a reputable directory, you create additional backlinks for your website, which signal to Google and other search engines that other websites are vouching for the content on your website.
SEO is a crucial tool that many companies rely on to get leads via search engines. Most people turn to Google for questions about businesses, products, and services. Landing on the first page for a search keyword or phrase is critical to getting your target audience to visit your website, and web directories can add to the visibility of your website in the search engines.
To Boost Your Reputation
Being listed also provides a boost to your reputation. In the world of the internet, businesses of all sizes have the chance to get their name in front of potential customers. However, that also tends to make buyers more wary and suspicious of vendors. Online directories help them sift through companies to find the most trustworthy businesses. This means online directories can bolster their trust in the ones they find there.
Many buyers view directories as a reputable source for finding reliable and trustworthy vendors. By getting listed in a directory, customers will view your business as professional and more trustworthy than the first thing that pops up on a Google search. Plus, many of these directories have a place for customer reviews, which can help you gain a valuable word-of-mouth reputation.
Should You List All Your Foreign Branches in a Business Web Directory? Why?
In short, yes, you should ensure that all of your branches are listed in every applicable directory.
One of the biggest challenges customers have when turning to the internet to find a company is narrowing their search down to something local. Local business directories are critical to stand out for customers needing to find a business or office close to them. By listing all of your offices, you have a better chance of reaching high-quality leads who are much more likely to become customers.
For companies with multiple branches in different locations, listing all of them also gives your business the chance to appear in more directories than you otherwise would. For example, if you have offices in several different countries, you can get listed and appear in the local directories of each of the countries where your offices are located.
List of Top Business Directories for Different Countries
Which directories you want your business to be listed in depends on a number of factors, including the industry your company operates in, your location, and how local your target customer needs to be. For example, manufacturing companies that just need to be in the same country as their target customer will likely be listed in a different directory than a small, local retail shop.
Here are some of the top directories that many companies use:
Top Global Business Directories
If you want to list all of your offices in one convenient location, your customers will likely turn to:
US Business Directories
When doing business in the US, competition is fierce no matter your industry. These directories can help you stand out:
UK Business Directories
Many UK residents use the same global directories, but some local ones can make it easier for customers to find your business:
German Business Directories
While many people in Germany do speak English, most prefer that directories provide the information they need in German:
Australian Business Directories
Some directories to help you reach Australian residents include:
Indian Business Directories
India is growing in popularity as a place for businesses. Some of the top directories to list your business in are:
Japanese Business Directories
Japan has a long history of partnership with U.S. companies. Today, many large corporations, such as Cisco, have established offices there. Some of the top directories include:
Taiwan Business Directories
Taiwan is a booming market for many businesses, like Fortinet, for example. The island has recently become a hotspot for many companies. If you want to stand out from the competition with a business listing, here are the top directories:
China Business Directories
While China might be a more difficult place to establish a business, it can be a lucrative opportunity for companies like Microsoft. Here are some of the top directories in China:
Get Local Presence with a Directory
Web-based directories are a powerful way for businesses to establish an online presence, no matter what industry they are in or where they are located. Customers will have an easier time locating your business, as well as any foreign branches that you may have.
Many directories will list your company for free and are simple to set up. They can provide the perfect opportunity for you to reach your target customer and establish your reputation.
