What can I do to make a local business directory extra-ordinary?
November 4, 2010 6:18 AM Subscribe
What can I do to make a local business directory extra-ordinary?
I am thinking of compiling a local business directory for about 40 local businesses.
I am sick of seeing generic / plain / dull local business directories that just give you address, telephone numbers, web address and the odd review.
What are the key factors of successful local business directory?
Can anyone post some links of some extra-ordinary / cool / innovative local business directories in your area that you have come across that avoid the generic and "just plain dull" trap?
I am thinking of compiling a local business directory for about 40 local businesses.
I am sick of seeing generic / plain / dull local business directories that just give you address, telephone numbers, web address and the odd review.
What are the key factors of successful local business directory?
Can anyone post some links of some extra-ordinary / cool / innovative local business directories in your area that you have come across that avoid the generic and "just plain dull" trap?
I've been involved in making a business guide for a particular audience (young professionals moving from out of state).
We included a map of the county highlighting the most useful roads, and the cities and buildings they would most likely need to visit (for the job). We separated the listing based on needs (medical, shopping, social). We only accepted businesses that had been recommended by current/past employees, and sometimes included their thoughts as the blurb for the business.
I think there was a page where employees talked about what they loved about living in the county.
We also highlighted realtors and apartment complexes, as these folks needed places to live.
Finally, we put it all in a PDF to e-mail out (of course we could have linked it on a webpage).
A) aimed at a very specific audience
B) listings pre-approved by real people
C) made in an easy to distribute and read format
posted by jander03 at 9:10 AM on November 4, 2010
We included a map of the county highlighting the most useful roads, and the cities and buildings they would most likely need to visit (for the job). We separated the listing based on needs (medical, shopping, social). We only accepted businesses that had been recommended by current/past employees, and sometimes included their thoughts as the blurb for the business.
I think there was a page where employees talked about what they loved about living in the county.
We also highlighted realtors and apartment complexes, as these folks needed places to live.
Finally, we put it all in a PDF to e-mail out (of course we could have linked it on a webpage).
A) aimed at a very specific audience
B) listings pre-approved by real people
C) made in an easy to distribute and read format
posted by jander03 at 9:10 AM on November 4, 2010
Adding to phunimee's excellent suggestions: BUSINESS HOURS
Yes, online please.
posted by sarajane at 10:14 AM on November 4, 2010
Yes, online please.
posted by sarajane at 10:14 AM on November 4, 2010
Response by poster: Ok, so put the directory in .pdf format and email it to people - thanks phunniemee
Have it targeted, pre-approved by real people and made easy to distribute
and read - thanks jander03
and of course business hours - thanks sarajane
And of course, it will be online - so any more suggestions?
posted by jacobean at 11:46 AM on November 4, 2010
Have it targeted, pre-approved by real people and made easy to distribute
and read - thanks jander03
and of course business hours - thanks sarajane
And of course, it will be online - so any more suggestions?
posted by jacobean at 11:46 AM on November 4, 2010
Have the database sortable by address or a really good map. "Say, have you ever been to that place across the street from FavoriteRestaurant? I think it's a cafe, but maybe it's a gift shop, it's hard to tell... what's it called again?"
You want something non-generic, so that means you will need to contact each business and get a blurb about it from the owner, so that you have some information to share.
Are you doing 40 businesses because they're paying you, or because you're focusing on a small area that only has about 40 businesses?
If it's a live website rather than a static printout, maybe a "last updated/confirmed" date, to address the "did this place go out of business" question.
posted by aimedwander at 12:57 PM on November 4, 2010
You want something non-generic, so that means you will need to contact each business and get a blurb about it from the owner, so that you have some information to share.
Are you doing 40 businesses because they're paying you, or because you're focusing on a small area that only has about 40 businesses?
If it's a live website rather than a static printout, maybe a "last updated/confirmed" date, to address the "did this place go out of business" question.
posted by aimedwander at 12:57 PM on November 4, 2010
Response by poster: >Are you doing 40 businesses because they're paying you, or because you're focusing on a >small area that only has about 40 businesses?
No, it will be free, if it does get some traction with participants...I might defray costs with a nominal charge but I do not see this as a money making venture...more of a hobby...but done very professionally and in a very business-like manner.
posted by jacobean at 1:12 PM on November 4, 2010
No, it will be free, if it does get some traction with participants...I might defray costs with a nominal charge but I do not see this as a money making venture...more of a hobby...but done very professionally and in a very business-like manner.
posted by jacobean at 1:12 PM on November 4, 2010
How about making your directory interesting by giving each of your businesses a profile page where people can write reviews and send in comments and questions? People like to read reviews of current customers before they purchase so they could help I thing Qype is a good directory.
posted by awebuser at 6:26 AM on November 9, 2010
posted by awebuser at 6:26 AM on November 9, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
What I do want and can never seem to find is a well-maintained web page that lists all of the businesses in area/neighborhood. And I want that so bad.
In an ideal world, I could get an alphabetical list of all the businesses, lists sorted by category (restaurant, bakery, apparel, gifts, etc). Each listing would have a description, a picture (or several), maybe a review, a link to their location on google maps, and a link to the business's website. (And it would be kept up-to-date so when something catches on fire or goes out of business, I know about it before I spend 30 minutes on a train to get there.)
You can mail a "hey, look at our well-maintained directory online at www.jacobeancorp.com!" to all of the people you would have otherwise sent the directory to.
posted by phunniemee at 7:53 AM on November 4, 2010