Being part of something bigger than yourself is a good feeling. It’s reassuring to know there are people to support you and have some extra exposure to the digital world as a bonus. In today’s digital climate, having your shop listed in a directory can be a huge help in getting eyes on your business without much effort from you. Let’s dive into what a directory listing can do for screen printers and how to make the most of it.
BENEFITS OF UTILIZING A DIRECTORY
For your screen printing business, online exposure is critical with 85% of local service searches starting online. Most of the searches start at a major search engine such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This typical type of search behavior often presents the searcher with industry-related directories, which allow the user to refine their search within the directory.
Besides improving online visibility, listing your business in a directory can increase the local eyes on your company. According to Birdeye, “About 46% of online searches are users looking for local information.” Rather than search physically — or in phone books like the good ol’ days — clients will search for a local business online.
“With a massive increase in ‘near me’ searches that most often bring up local business directories, it is more likely that new customers can find your business when you have your information listed in at least some local directories,” according to Birdeye.
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There’s one more major reason to list your business. Having a spot in an online directory can increase your business’s searchability.
“[O]nline business directories are considered a valuable and trusted source of information by Google and other search engines. Because of this, the first page of results for local business searches usually contains results for online business directories,” according to Birdeye.
Try Googling your favorite local restaurant. What pops up on the Search Results page? It might be their website or social media page, but chances are that their information (website, business hours, address, and other information) will show up as well. That’s from a directory.
While using “Google my business” to increase traffic to your shop works (and you should definitely utilize it), listing your shop on a website well-known in the industry you work is valuable too. Here’s how to do it.
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HOW TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS
Ready to list your business in the Screen Printer Directory? It’s easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it done:
- Become a member. Create an account with your name, email, and company name to become a member. This membership is free and comes with a couple of other perks. You’ll be able to accrue rewards on every purchase you make, and can access free education too!
- Sign your shop up for the Screen Printer Directory. Head to the “Find a Screen Printer” page in the Support tab and sign up. Click the link on the left side of the screen beside the map that reads “Apply now for FREE to secure your spot” to sign up.
- Fill out the form. Include as much information about your business as you’d like. Remember, the more you include, the better your searchability and visibility will be!
- Once your application has been approved, head back to the Directory page and add photos to your entry. Check out what other print shops have added and make your page stand out.
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The Screen Printer Directory is easy to find whenever you need it. Access your shop’s entry through the map or the “view directory” button at the bottom of the list on the map page. This will take you to a list of every state that features a shop entry in the Screen Printer Directory. With your business fully listed, you’ve just taken another step to increase your visibility online and provide services for even more clients.