Creating a successful business directory can be a game changer for your local SEO efforts. But how do you get businesses excited about listing with you? It's simpler than you might think. Here’s a straightforward approach that’s proven to work.
Table of Contents
Email Outreach Strategy
Start by reaching out to businesses via email. A personal touch can make a significant difference. We recommend a cold email sequence consisting of five emails spread over ten days. This sequence should focus on verifying their company contact information for a free listing in your directory.
The first email might say something like:
“Hello! We’re reaching out to confirm your company and contact information for your listing on our directory, treecarehq.com. This service is completely free and helps customers find tree services in your area. Can you confirm whether the following details are accurate?”
Include placeholders for their name, address, phone number, and service area. Leaving out the website URL intentionally can encourage them to respond with updates, allowing for better engagement.
Follow-Up Emails
In the follow-up emails, use spin tax to ensure that each message feels unique. This method keeps the communication fresh and increases the chances of a response. For example:
“We’re still attempting to verify your company’s contact information. Can you help us ensure everything is accurate?”
By the end of your sequence, you should have either confirmed the details or received updated information directly from the business. This establishes a line of communication that can be beneficial later on.
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Creating the Directory Listing
Only publish the directory listing after receiving a positive reply. This ensures that the information is accurate and gives you a chance to build a relationship with the business owner. Once you have their confirmation, it’s time to create and optimize their listing.
Seed Content for Your Directory
Before you start filling your directory, it’s a good idea to populate it with some seed content. This can include scraped listings or data from other sources. Once your directory is indexed and starts gaining traction, shift your focus to only adding listings from businesses that engage with you through your outreach efforts.
Delivering the Directory Listing
After creating a listing, schedule a call with the business owner to deliver it. Frame the conversation by saying you want to confirm they are happy with the listing before it goes live. This not only ensures accuracy but also opens the door to pitching additional services.
Using Problem-Agitate-Solution Technique
During the call, bring up any issues you discovered while optimizing their listing. For instance, you might show them a local search grid report that highlights gaps in their service area. This approach follows the problem-agitate-solution framework:
- Identify the problem.
- Agitate it by showing how it affects their business.
- Propose solutions that you can provide.
Building Relationships
This whole process isn’t just about creating a directory listing; it's about building relationships with local businesses. The more you engage with them, the more likely they are to consider your additional services down the line.
Transitioning to Service Pitch
After delivering the directory listing and addressing any issues, smoothly transition to discussing how your services can help them improve their online presence and attract more clients.
Conclusion
Approaching businesses to create listings in your directory can be a straightforward process if you have a solid strategy in place. By focusing on communication, providing value, and building relationships, you can turn your directory into a powerful resource for local SEO.
FAQ
What should I include in my initial outreach email?
Focus on confirming their contact information, explaining the benefits of being listed, and ensuring that they know it’s a free service.
How often should I follow up if I don’t hear back?
We recommend a sequence of five emails over ten days, spaced out every other day. This keeps your outreach persistent but not overwhelming.
What if a business is not interested in listing?
Respect their decision but keep the door open for future communication. They may change their mind later or refer you to another business.
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