If you’re working in the dive industry or into ocean conservation in the Philippines and the word “FREE” is not enough to convince you to claim your free business listing, here are 10 other reasons why you should.
1. Creates Brand Awareness
Building a strong brand is vital to the success of every business. But how will you build a brand if no one knows about you to begin with? If you own a dive businesses you must make an effort to get your name out there.
Listing in online directories is a great way for your business to be discovered and recognized by your target market. For both new and established dive businesses, creating awareness for your brand is a never ending process.
To excel in this competitive industry, you have to work towards being the top of mind and top choice by consumer.The absence of information about your business can send your customers straight to your competitors.
- Seth Godin -
A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.
2. Establishes Your Credibility
When customers consistently see your business in legit online platforms, it helps establish your credibility. Consumers nowadays spend time researching before making a purchase.
Directories are a great source of information for the discerning customer. So the more they read about you, the faster they can make an informed decision.
The way you present yourself online, helps consumers decide if they will trust you or not.
Consumer Behavior
97% of consumers check a company’s online presence before visiting, you must build your online presence to drive those leads to your business.
Source: Webfex.com
3. Makes it Easier for Customers to Find You
Posting your dive business in an online directory makes it easier for your ideal customers to find you.
If you are wondering where your clients are, well they’re spending a whole lot of time on the internet.
The reality is, if you cannot be found online, your dive business might as well be dead.
When people dive and travel they use the internet to search where to stay, where to go, what to do. If your business is not in an online database, it will be difficult for your customers to find you. And you could lose out on a sale.
Time Spent Online
The average internet user now spends 6 hours and 43 minutes online each day...The amount of time that people spend online varies from country to country, with internet users in the Philippines spending an average of 9 hours and 45 minutes per day online.
Source: Digital Trends 2020
4. Good Alternative If You Don't Have Your Own Website Yet
If you don’t have a website yet, then being listed in a online directory is a good way to let people know you are open for business. Directories allow you to share, your NAP (Name, Address and Phone Number) so you can easily be reached.
But keep in mind that if you are in this business for the long run, you should invest in having a platform that is completely your own. Consumers tends to trust businesses more if they have a website to look at for more information.
5. Generates Leads
Think of online directories as being on a dating site like Tinder. Since this online directory was specifically made for divers and ocean-lovers, your potential customer will surely be on it.
They are looking for the “perfect match” to their diving dreams. That could be you.
By claiming your free business listing, you get the chance to show them a bit of your personality, what you have to offer and how they can contact you. If your customer likes what they see then they might just swipe right!
Well in this case, maybe visit your website, (stalk you for a bit) or email you to get to know you better.
6. Great Source of Reviews and Feedback
The diving community relies heavily on personal recommendations and feedback from other divers. When they are looking for new places to go, whom to dive with, or businesses to support, they will most likely ask their dive friends first. And then they check the internet.
When you claim your free business listing, you’re able to respond to reviews given to you. The reviews left on your listings has the power to persuade another diver to book with you.
Reviews and feedback are also power tools to help improve your business.
6. Helps You Manage Your Online Reputation
When you claim your free business listing, you have a valuable opportunity to show what your brand is all about. You can accurately present your business information and immediately respond to customer concerns.
Businesses lose opportunities, when it is hard to get in touch with them. Your potential client might end up landing in your competitors perfectly-crafted and updated listing. Ultimately, taking the business away from you.
When customers are left dissatisfied with their interactions with you, it can quickly turn for the worst. The internet can be a nasty place sometimes.
We have all seen reputations destroyed because someone shared their bad interactions with business and the situation was not managed properly.
Claiming your free listings gives you the opportunity to respond to negative feedback. You can appropriately respond to any customer concern and bounce back from the incident.
- Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO -
Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.
8. Opens Opportunity for Collaborations
Listing your business online gives you opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and businesses. They might not necessarily be a direct customer but they could potentially redirect your customers to you.
In the dive and tourism industry, it is not unusual for businesses to partner up with other companies especially if they are not able to meet their customer needs and wants. Non-profit Organizations who want to expand and promote their mission might want to work with you too.
9. Improves Your Local Visibility
You might say, “I already have an awesome looking website and I just spent thousands of Pesos just to make it pretty!”
Unfortunately, nowadays pretty is not enough. The internet or at least Google has gotten smart and actually looks for substance.
You have to make an effort and share your business on every relevant online platforms your client might be in, like for instance, this online directory!
Since this website was built for Philippine-based dive businesses, organizations and individuals, you will surely be seen by a highly-targeted local market.
Local Searches
Mobile searches for “near me” have grown over 3X in the past two years.
Source: ThinkWithGoogle
10. Promotes local tourism
Listing your dive business in an online directory, will help local tourism. There’s always room for more players in the local dive industry. And having some healthy competition pushes dive businesses to provide services that are world-class.
The lack of options can be a barrier for travellers when it comes to choosing a destination to visit. But when they see that there are businesses that can cater to their needs and budget, they’ll be encouraged to visit you.
A win for your competitor is a win for your local tourism. And in the long-run, that’s a win for you too.
So what else are you waiting for? Claim your free business listing today and enjoy the amazing benefits it will give you!
Need help on how to claim your business listing? Here’s a step by step guide on how you can start advertising on our platform for free!
[…] despite the huge benefits of claiming your business listings, a lot of small business do not use it to their advantage. Even if it is […]