There are a number of benefits for registering your sourcing business with directories or online portals - and we're not talking about the old door stop Yellow Pages!
We are in 2024 now and I'm sure you've guessed, most of what we suggest today is online. It's critical that in today's world of business, you are present online for investors to likely search and find you, and you're giving your business an advantage when it comes to Google, Bing and Meta rankings.
What Are Online Business Directories?
They are online platforms that have lists of businesses registered with them. There are UK or even worldwide directories, as well as more local ones.
Each 'listing' or what you register your business under usually includes what is now as a NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number), however sometimes you can also include a link to your website:
Business name
Address
Phone number
Link to your website
Those old enough will remember Yellow Pages and perhaps the BT directories from the days of physically searching and calling a number to get a quote for a service - such as a plumber, electrician, florist.
The principle is still the same, it's a tool for people to search for your specific trade, however now they are even more powerful and can give your business an edge above other sourcing companies in your area.
NAPSA is an extensive support platform, however it is also an online directory, where users (investors / clients) can search for a location and strategy and receive a list of sourcing businesses matching that criteria.
So good news, is by reading this and you are approved, you already have one directory ticked off your list!
Why Register Your Business
There are many reasons why it's important to register your business in many different locations, directories and websites - also known as 'citations'; essentially anywhere your business is mentioned via a website, directory, social platform etc:
You'll improve your search rankings in the eyes of Google, Yahoo, Meta and Bing
It's great for SEO if you have a website to have other sources 'back linking' to your site
It will improve your chances of being searched for your location
If you are fixed to the core 'citations' such as a website and social media, you will likely be on par with all other sourcing businesses out there.
You are already ahead by joining NAPSA, however there is much more you can do to improve your Google rankings for your location, and increase the chances your business will appear higher under specific search terms. It's all a digital game!
Citation Types - What Are They?
Citations don't necessarily have to include a URL to your website, just a mention of your company as a whole with your address and phone number. However, it is important you vary the types of citations your business is registered under - by following these categories:
Generic - general directories and platforms covering businesses (yell.com, googlemybusiness etc.)
Geo - location specific to where your source (county business directory)
Niche - specific to the sector you work in, i.e. property (NAPSA!)
Google and other search engines will assess the citations above and note the categories they fall under - important if you have your own website, or generally want your business name to appear higher in searches.
Where to Register Your Business
For each directory or citation you complete, you'll need to reference your business information. It's important you keep the details the same for them collectively to have an impact on your search rankings.
You can download our spreadsheet (see link in next section) for you to track your information on all of the directories you are registered with and the information you have put in.
This becomes incredibly helpful if you change phone number, email or even address - it means you can literally go through your list to update all of the directories.
We have created this template for our Members, so you can log and track everywhere your business is registered or mentioned online.
Directory Ideas
Google My Business (probably the most important)
Apple Maps
Yell
Yelp
Bing Places
Facebook (business profile) + other social platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram etc.)
Yahoo Business Listings
The Phone Book (BT)
Touch Local
Approved Business
UK Small Business Directory
Bizify
Hotfrog
Cylex
There are many others, however these are the ones we've picked out to get you going.
Please note that once you do register your business with these, some may require a phone call to confirm your details, to make sure there is no fraudulent activity going on! Of course if you register with them all a the same time, you may get a few phone call enquiries!
Important! Consistency is Critical
If you do decide to start registering for different citations - i.e. website portals and directories yourself, please make sure you are using the same information every single time. You will be asked for:
Business Name
Address
Phone
Website
We have created a spreadsheet you can download to make sure whichever citation you register your business with, you are using the same information. Then if your number or address changes in the future, you can run through this list and make all changes at the same time.
You don't want to lose leads by not changing your address on a critical directory!
We recommend you keep on top of this, so that all of your details are up to date: https://vault.nimbox.co.uk/shares/folder/GibvXQS82Ph/
Strapped For Time?
This is a resource that has been recommended to us - we haven't tried ourselves, however are planning to very soon (we'll let you know how it goes!).
SEOBuilder.com
This company provides three different packages depending on how many and the type of locations you are aiming to target, for example:
Which Package Should You Choose?
This depends on the volume and type of locations you are planning to source.
Small is ideal if the locations you are focusing on are not as common compared to a major city, so Blackburn, Burnley, Clitheroe, Barnsley - i.e villages and towns.
Medium If you are focusing on a city, which will likely have more competition (Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester). You'll require more citations to build a larger presence for your business.
Large If you are focusing on multiple cities or a key location, such as London. For us, we will use this as our services are nationwide.
Whichever you choose, all of the plans come with a Free Audit and really do take the leg work out of registering for at least 35 directories, websites etc. This in itself feels like excellent value for a maximum of £145!
Not on the NAPSA Community?
We share plenty of information for both new members around compliance and setting up your business + tips and tricks for when you're up and running. Our approved members get a range of specialist information, content and tools accessible only through the Community.
Join the sourcing conversation and connect with other NAPSA Members!
Join the Community: https://www.getpropertycompliant.co.uk/napsa-member-community-access
