Trade Directories, Are They Worth Using?

The world is ever-changing and it’s important to stay on top of it all. As technology progresses and new trends come about, businesses need to stay up-to-date in order to stay relevant.

As more people opt to use the internet, businesses must take advantage of what the world wide web has to offer. There are always new platforms being created and tipped as the next big thing and new marketing techniques that are “guaranteed to boost business” but there are some more traditional forms of marketing stay strong against the competition.

Directories are simply a database of various sole-trades and businesses. In printed versions of directories, a company usually shares its basic information. In online versions, businesses and traders can create a whole profile for themselves on which they can share examples of work, display feedback and reviews and more.

Business directories have been around for centuries, evolving with the times. Most of us will have grown up with a new copy of the yellow pages posted through the door each year, but in 2019, the Yellow Pages ceased printing. Instead, they’re fully focusing on their online presence.

But you can find more than just the general business directories online. There are several directories available that are targetted specifically to tradespeople. From TrustATrader and CheckATrade to MyBuilder and RatedPeople, there’s plenty to choose from and it’s all about finding what works best for you.

As we said, more people are online now than ever before so it’s essential for any business or sole-trader should have an online presence. As well as a company website and related social media platforms, it’s worth thinking about signing up to one or a few online trade directories.

Trade Directories, Are They Worth Using?

Your website acts as your shop window, giving potential customers access to the information they need to find out what you do. From there, they can decide if you’re right for the job. Social media gives your company personality, allowing potential customers to see the people behind a company logo. And directories? They not only build brand awareness but trust as well. Many of these directories will vet those looking to join. Being accepted is proof that you’re a trustworthy business/trader.

Reach A Wider Audience

Directories will also allow you to reach a wider audience. Generally, customers will search for tradespeople focusing on their area of expertise and the area in which they work. By being on a directory, you’ll be advertising your business to more people in your local area and making it easy for them to find you.

Potential customers will not put a lot of effort into finding you, and they should not have to. (Source: ThinkChrysalis)

Reviews/Feedback

As well as your business details, on a directory listing, customers will be able to leave feedback.

Reviews and feedback from previous work make a big difference when it comes to securing future jobs. Most people will read reviews before making any kind of contact with a business or trader. Having positive feedback is key. Reviews are essentially recommendations and a business with plenty of recommendations is more likely to be chosen over one without any.

Search Engine Optimisation

If you’re looking into improving the SEO of your website, directories can help with that as well. Having a link to your website on a directory with a high domain authority results in a high-quality backlink. This, in turn, can increase your SEO and search engine ranking. This means that when people search for specific keywords on search engines, your website is more likely to appear in the results.

How Do You Get Started?

The most important part of the process is finding the trade directory that suits you. Do your research; read reviews, ask people you know who have used directories and look into what each directory offers. Most trade directories are free to join, however, some may charge a membership fee such as CheckaTrade. Membership varies between £69.99+VAT to £119.99+VAT.

And depending on which you choose to join, you may be required to pay for leads.

For example, on MyBuilder, you will be charged a shortlist fee. This is when a customer has chosen you for a job and MyBuilder orchestrates the exchange of contact details. You’re not guaranteed to get the job, but as a “warm lead”, you have a better chance. You retain control in that you can only be shortlisted for jobs you’ve previously shown interest in. You’ll be able to see the cost of the lead before you show interest, so arguably, how much you pay is up to you.

Cost is usually a huge deciding factor when it comes to finding which directory is the best fit. Do you have the budget to pay for a membership fee? Leads? Both? None? Deciding what you do and don’t want to pay for will help to narrow down potential choices.

As well as trade directories, there are also plenty of general business directories available. From Yelp and Yell to TouchLocal and WhitePages, joining will help you to continue to grow brand awareness of your company and create backlinks.

If you’re looking for other ways to take your business to the next level, find out about the other important elements of any brand or business.