Local 'Business Online Listings' Can Increase Your Traffic

Sales on the Internet are projected to reach $116 billion in 2007. If you have a business and a Web site, you need to grab a piece of that pie, or a bigger share than you're getting.

One of the best ways to do this is by using free Web listings. With thousands of new users coming to the Web each day, and millions more making it a bigger part of their lives, it's a must do item for your business.

The best part is, search engines and directories are making it easier than ever to increase your visibility on the Web. All major search engines and directories have made searching for "local information" a high priority.

At this writing, most of the largest search engines and Web directories will allow you to list your business for free, although they do offer upgrades that provide you the benefit of posting your logo, photos and other goodies. Let's take a look at some of these resources.

Verizon SuperPages
If you don’t have a SuperPages listing then you should. It’s free.

SuperPages allows members to have their free listing appear in multiple categories. Many consumers use the Super Pages when searching for local services and products so it’s a good idea to have your listing in as many relevant categories as possible. SuperPages has search functions that allow users to search by keyword, business name, city, state or zip.

To get started paste this link in your browser.
http://yellowpages.superpages.com/profiler/register_import.jsp?

Google Local Listings
I searched for 'car repair in Virginia Beach.' See the results below.
Google local listings is tied to Google Maps, so if you have one store location or 100 store locations, Google will allow you to list them all as long as you have a physical address for each listing.

It won't cost you a penny. You can create and display a business listing for free. All you need to do is sign up for a free account. Click here or click the Google graphic to get started.



Yahoo Local Listings
Want to get listed in Yahoo local? (Choose the basic listing) Click here to get started.

MSN Local Listings (Managed by Local Eze) Want to get listed in Yahoo local?
Click here to upload your local listing information.

Ask.com Local Listings (Click on 'Add a Business Record')Ask.com pulls most of their local results through Info-USA. Want to get listed in Ask.com local results?
Click here to add your information to InfoUSA.

Local Listings
Want to get listed in Local.com? (Choose the free listing) Click here to sign up and get started.

When you have the potential to greatly increase your business through some effort and no money, that's a winner.

DIRECTORY and ARTICLE WEB SITES
Over the last 4 years I have collected literally hundreds of websites where you may submit your link or website's content for consideration and inclusion. Some require a reciprocal link and other's don't. A few request money for posting your link. Skip these. Do not pay one red cent for a common-place listing. Although there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as The Resource Links Directory and the Yahoo Business directory, you should not have to pay for this service.

About the Author
Rick Vidallon is President of Visionefx, a Web design company based in Virginia Beach, Va. They provide services to national companies as well as small to medium businesses throughout the United States. Rick can be reached at (757) 619-6456 or rick@visionefx.net.