Lots of SEO and digital marketing practitioners believe that directory submission is not as powerful as before nowadays.

Somehow this is true especially if you are going to send your site to spammy directories.

The question is, how can we determine if a business directory website is low quality? If it’s riddled with websites from all over the world, then leave it.

One indication of a good quality directory website if it is catering for local businesses, or if the site is listed in top 10 to 20 by reputable blogs.

Another question is, if directories now have lost its power, how is this going to help a business when it comes to digital exposure and brand building?

Local directories are still valuable when it comes to localized digital marketing. It helps you get your website to the audience near you with little to no cost.

But even if you submit your site to a good quality directory website, if you don’t know the best practices when it comes to directory submission, the free links and traffic will come into waste.

This is why I am writing this article to help you get started with the proper way of submitting your business website to online business listings.

So without further ado, here are my tips on how you can maximize the benefit of directory submission.

Be local

One of the best ways to start with is to look for business listing websites that focuses in your country of origin.

For sure there are hundreds maybe thousands of business listing websites in your country that allows submission of local businesses. Look for those websites and list them.

If you are an SEO practitioner, segment them by traffic and domain authority so that you may know what to prioritize.

Make sure that the website allows you to put valuable information like local address, telephone numbers, email, and fax.

If you don’t know where to start, you can turn your attention to the top local submission sites like these ones.

Use unique title and description for each submission

Google hates duplicate content. Period.

So make sure to have unique sets of titles and descriptions for every submission. I know it’s an annoying and tedious work but it will ensure the quality of your submission.

Plus it will give you opportunities to target different keywords by using unique title and descriptions.

To save time, list down all your titles and their corresponding descriptions so that whenever you submit it, you just need to copy and paste them to the form.

Use your company email

Some directory submission websites require verification from the owner before publishing a company profile. And you will need an email for it.

Most of the time webmasters tend to decline submissions using a generic email.

Using a company email will give you a better chance of getting your company listed.

Use high quality store front and product images

Business directory websites that allow submission of images offer a lot of benefits for approved submissions. It’s like a directory and classified ads.

Take advantage of it by using high quality images of your store front and your products. This will entice a lot of clicks and possibly business inquiries.

Some websites allow a limited number of images while there are some that allows unlimited number of images to submit. Make sure to prepare lots of pictures.

It also helps the users verify that you are running a legit business.

Make sure to put accurate business address

Business address plays a big role in local search engine optimization.

It helps your site rank for searches within the vicinity of you local store. It can also help Google Maps in locating the specific location of your business.

As for users, it will be easier for them to go to your store if you use accurate and detailed business address.

Correct contact numbers formatting

Do not forget to include your area code when putting your business contact numbers.

This is to get rid of any hassles for your customers when getting in touch with you.

Malaysia is one of the most progressive countries in South East Asia when it comes to digital transformation. The digital space in the country has seen the most dramatic change in the last years and that can be attributed to the rise of ecommerce websites.

Young generations of Malaysians are starting to invest in the start-up scene and that poses a threat to businesses who are not investing in digital marketing.

On this article, we will be discussing how businesses should embrace the emerging technologies especially in the internet.

Internet is simply the future

According to the latest data, Malaysian internet users reached a staggering number of 21 million in 2016. That’s an increase of 2.2% compare to 2015.

That’s the total number of internet users who can access the internet at home, via any device type and connection.

And it’s still expected to grow as the Malaysian population grows over the next years. That’s more than enough reason to start investing in digital marketing.

Start-up competitors are gaining grounds

Malaysian ecommerce industry is one of the strongest in SEA region as more and more young entrepreneurs are starting their online businesses in Malaysia via ecommerce store, selling goods and services over the internet.

Another factor is that local start-ups starting to build their brands by promoting them online – Social media, SEO, email marketing, and other digital channels.

Malaysians are more likely to purchase online than going to the store

Online shopping websites like Lazada and Best Buy offer free delivery when you made an order. Nowadays, the most common items are gadgets and non-consumable stuffs that are being sold.

However, it is expected that even grocery goods will be ordered online and shipped right into your door. And businesses that take advantage of it will always come up as winners.

Malaysian mobile users are booming

We, Malaysians love to use mobile when browsing the internet.

Data from Statista.com suggests that in 2017, there will be an expected 17.8 million mobile users in Malaysia. That’s more than 60% of the total number of internet users in the country.

And that 17 million is expected to browse the internet through their mobile devices for different intents – including shopping and looking for services.

So if you are planning to launch a start-up business in Malaysia, make sure to have a website that will cater to the mobile internet users.

It’s easier to measure the success of your business

Engaging in digital marketing for your business not only gives you the advantage over your competitors, but it also makes it easier for you to measure your business’ success.

Free tools like Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools are more than enough for you to gauge your target audience. And most of online businesses in the country are using these tools.

This way, you will know what kind of strategy you should use and where to find your target audience.