How could I make a better local business directory? Not a directory of websites, but of actual local businesses with their address, phone, websites, emails, products, services, hours of operation, etc. Below are existing business directories. Which ones are easier to use? Best looking? Most useful? What would make them better? (all end in .com) YellowBook YellowPages SuperPages Switchboard YP.Yahoo DexKnows YellowPages.Aol
Well dexknows and yellowbook are my first choices You should research each one and see what they "dont offer" then add that to yours... To compete in any market you must know whos who and in what manner you can be better then them as most off all those mentioned are nationwide and have large advertising budgets for TV and radio newspaper ads and such so you will have to offer more then they do... Just trying to help thx malcolm
What would make your directory better is having a local domain name. This way you can get businesses to recognize that you are focused on local business. Its credibility.
Have you tried the phpLynx script? ( I can't give live links yet) It was specifically developed with this in mind. As the directories you mention above the Lynx script has all the features you mention above and then some. It can effectively be used as either a full blown business directory or a bog standard directory at the switch of a button. It also has a three field search like Yell.com which allows you to search by Country, Company name, or Product. Hope I'm not over promoting here but you did ask.
some of the local directories always email me to join them. some of them have been using the areacode with a word attached to it. like 704charlotte