At the end of 2006, I’ve noticed businesses become more aware of the importance in search engine positioning. Clients have asked me how do their competitors appear on the first page of Google when using certain keywords and phrases. This conversation normally leads to the next question, “do you provide search engine optimization?” or “can you do it for me?”.
Well, we know and understand the basics of search engine optimization however we don’t follow and specialize in this craft. Reason being is that it takes too much time in terms of testing, implementation and patience. Lastly, we don’t make a promise we can’t keep unlike some that say they’d guarantee your website on the first page of Google, Yahoo or MSN because we would ask them, “How long will my website be there?” But as usual, that’s a topic on its own.
So now that we’ve an idea of what search engine positioning is about, I’d like to share one of the methods used along with the good and bad to expect from; online directories. This doesn’t make me an expert but more of an observer that’s online often daily since it’s my job.
There are many online directories which allow just about anyone to submit a entry of their company to be included in the list. But first, let’s learn about why companies would join directories.
One of the key things in search engine positioning is backlinks or reciprocal links. These are links from other websites that link back to your website. The more backlinks you have, the better it improves your ranking. However, there’s a catch to this. The backlinks must be from a source that has a greater rank or position than you in order for you take advantage of it.
In other words, if you joined an online directory that didn’t have a greater influence on the search engine in comparison to your website than you wouldn’t be getting a 100% benefit from it. Yes, your brand exposure increases but in the Internet today, it’s not that simple to gain business.
One forum member in Low Yat forum recently shared his experience when approached by someone trying to sell the idea of advertising their company in a local online directory. The offer and benefits were there but after some research on the service and the website which their link will be on, the money to be invested wasn’t worth it at all.
This is one of the packages offered to him.
INTERNET ADVERTISEMENT for 1 year period
Features:
a) Flash Banner (changed every 10 seconds)
b) Page Advertisment (displayed on 3 webpages)
c) Alphabetical Listing
Price: RM1200.00
I used to design websites for that price and it had your corporate profile, products, contact details and even came with your own .COM domain name and website space. Anyway, clients really need only 1 question to ask themselves…
What promise or guarantee do I get for my business?
Yes, you will hear the benefits again but what are the results? I’m paying you RM1200 to hopefully make back with a slight profit but if I don’t even make RM500 then I’m at a lost here. And to make matters worst, your online directory website doesn’t even have a greater search position.
So ladies and gentlemen, keep that budget and plan for a formal company website. If you’d really like to use an online directory, here are some reputable ones I’ve come across:
- Yellowpages.com.my
- Virtual Malaysia directory
- Malaysia Central (MyCEN)
- Matrade.gov.my
There might be other undiscovered online directories so just make sure you ask:
- How long has the website existed?
- What promises does your company make?
- Can I track my advertisement performance?
So if you’re approached by someone selling you the benefits of their online directory, remember that it’s not merely about just putting your company name online.
Contact us now if you’re interested in building a professional website for your company and would like to find out more about search engine positioning.