An Internet search engine is the fastest way for someone to find your business. Similar businesses such as yours are easily found in search engines. To distinguish your business, you need to get listed in as many business portals as you can.

It is easier to compare your business with other similar ones through an Internet directory. To compete, you need to be listed next to businesses that offer similar products and services. Here are a few advantages to being listed in a business Internet directory:

1. To compete with other local companies-there’s a high probability they are listed in the business directories.
2. A business web directory positions your company with other major players in the industry.
3. Larger companies that promote these directories will help drive additional business to you.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for an Internet directory with performance-based options

Some search engines or directories only make you pay as your business gets leads from them. Once you get feedback on your site’s performance, you can make adjustments based on what customers want.
I recommend: Superpages.com allows a variety of options to get your business listed, including a free listing or a Pay-Per-Click option. Yellowpages.com also offers a free listing or an option to build an online store to drive visitors to you.

Get national exposure through an Internet business directory

If you are a local business looking to expand nationwide, an online directory can give you the kind of visibility needed. Get your brand out to more people with business Internet portals.
I recommend: The largest Internet directories, such as Yahoo! or Google, will drive the most attention to your business. DMOZ is a site where you can request to list your business for search engines to pick up.

Use an Internet business directory to get your company profile out to the public

An Internet directory service is more than a phone book, it’s a way to get company information out to the general public.
I recommend: Business.com & BaliTrade.biz is a directory that also offers hundred of business-specific categories.  DexKnows.com gives your business the ability to be compared to other similar ones by location. Also, Hoover’s offers company profiles and expert advice to millions of customers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Many Internet directories are local. Many sites have strong followings that include local directories.
• Start with some of the free listings offered by an Internet search engine, then pay for more services depending on the customer response.
• Make sure the search words put your business in the internet portals under the right industry categories. Do a few test searches and make adjustments to your keywords as needed.
• Online portal directories allow your business to measure the site statistics, respond to what matters to consumers and make adjustments based on demand for your product.

The official source of Internet Directories and Portals is the Internet Directories and Portals page at Business.com
Get listed in several Internet directories to maximize exposure
By Sharisa Lewis