How to Make Smarter Decisions as a Business Owner

Published on October 3, 2022

One of the most important skills you can teach yourself as a business owner is to make smarter decisions. While there’s no way to ensure you make the right decision every time, there are certain steps you can follow to help guide you through the decision making process, to help you make smarter choices that you won’t regret.

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How to Turn Your Past Work Experience into Flourishing Online Business 

Published on September 26, 2022

Whether you realize it or not, the work experience you’ve gained from previous jobs can be incredibly helpful in pursuing a career as an entrepreneur. Most people who are or have been in the workforce have many of the necessary skills and knowledge base that can be directly applied to starting their own online business.

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Why You Need to Sell Yourself In Sales and How to Do It

Published on September 12, 2022

When you sell yourself, you’re showing people why they should do business with you over the competition. It’s about putting yourself out there, being genuine and working to maintain a good reputation. In most cases, people don't just buy into a product or service, they buy into the person that’s selling to them. So it’s important to put your best foot forward and be someone that people want to work with.

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4 Ways to Encourage Site Visitors to Share Your Directory Website Using Social Media 

Published on September 2, 2022

As a digital forum for word-of-mouth marketing, social media is one of the most effective ways to promote your directory website. To grow your following, you'll want to maximize the power of social media and implement different methods into your marketing strategy to prompt site visitors to share and post about your directory website.

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7 Ways to Exhibit Confidence as a New Business Owner

Published on August 29, 2022

Above anything else, to succeed as a business owner, you must believe in yourself and exhibit confidence. You can have all the capital, tools, support, and resources in the world but, if you don’t believe in your ability to succeed, you could be easily swayed to give up, especially when things get tough. Confidence as a business owner comes from knowing yourself, your abilities, and being passionate about your business. 

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5 Tips for Selling Your First Directory Listing

Published on August 25, 2021. Updated on August 22, 2022.

If you just launched your own directory website with Ideal Directories or are thinking about starting one, you're probably eager to sell your first listing. Most would say that landing your first paying advertiser is often the hardest sale, but once you get in the groove and gain momentum, sales will come easier, referrals will start to trickle in, and you’ll be on your way to building a profitable online business.

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5 Steps to Creating a Captivating Headline for Your Directory Website

Published on August 15, 2022
 

 

The headline on your directory website is one of the most important aspects of your website's homepage. It's the first thing your site visitors will see when they visit your directory and is often larger than the rest of the text on your site. A well-crafted headline is relevant, clear, descriptive and captures the attention of your audience. Use the tips listed in this article to help you write an effective headline for your directory website. 
 

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15 Directory Concepts That Can Work For Just About Any Market

Published on August 8, 2022
 

Most directory websites cater to a specific city or town. While a local-focused directory website is a great place to start, expanding your business by creating a network of niche directory websites can help you expand your reach, stand out from competitors and maximize (or better yet multiply) your earning potential. If you’re interested in starting a business directory website that caters to a specific industry or niche, here’s some inspiration! 
 

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12 Creative Ways to Show Your Customers You Appreciate Them

Published on August 1, 2022
 

Building a relationship with your customers is especially important when you're just starting out, and can be one of your best tools for growth. The more they like and trust you, the more likely they are to recommend you to their friends and followers. That’s why it’s important to show them that you appreciate them — not just so you’ll keep their business but also so they'll keep singing your praises in front of their network. 
 

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10 Methods to Help Gain an Advertiser's Trust 

Published on July 25, 2022

Gaining the trust of others is a key business skill that every entrepreneur should develop. It doesn't matter what you're selling or what industry you're in, building trust is critical to acquiring customers. Launching a local directory website is no different. If your goal is to be successful in selling business directory listings and ads to local business owners, you'll need to be able to gain their trust before they open their wallets.
 

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5 Benefits of Adding Free Listings to Your Online Business Directory Website

Published on May 24, 2021. Updated on July 18, 2022.

If you recently launched a local business directory with Ideal Directories, or are thinking about starting one, one of the first things you will want to do is add some free sample listings to your site. While at first it might sound counterintuitive to add free listings to a site that is meant to be a source of income, there are many benefits to adding free listings. 
 

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7 Tips for Starting a Home-Based Business

Published on July 11, 2022
 

To operate a home-based business effectively requires careful planning, developing the necessary skills, and adhering to best practices. If you're considering starting a home-based business, you'll want to establish how you are going to manage your business to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. This article outlines 7 tips that will allow you to enjoy the freedom of running your own home-based business while still staying on track with achieving your goals.

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12 Steps to Populating a Business Listing 

Published on June 27, 2022

A business listing should be a digital representation of a company and provide all the information a consumer would need in a simplistic format. There are certain creative elements that go into populating a business listing with relevant and meaningful content. With Ideal Directories, it’s simple to customize and populate a business listing with information. Whether you're adding a listing yourself, or advising a client on what's best, here are 12 steps to follow to get the most out of your directory site.

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6 Tips for Hiring a Sales Rep for Your Directory Website Business

Published on April 14, 2021. Updated on June 20, 2022.

While you can certainly run an Ideal Directories website business as a “soloprenuer,” there may come a time when you want to expand and hire a sales rep. For those who struggle with sales themselves, hiring a dedicated sales rep can be a great option, allowing you to focus on the other parts of the business you truly enjoy and that you’re good at.

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7 Tips for Crafting an Effective Marketing Campaign

Published on June 13, 2022
 

Email marketing campaigns allow you to reach thousands of people at once, and typically don’t require a lot of time to put together although, the design and messaging are critical components that play a significant role in their success. In this article, we’ll review seven proven tips that will help you craft the perfect email marketing campaign to boost your sales, build your brand, and help you stand out from the competition. 
 

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5 Steps to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Business Owner

Published on June 6, 2022
 

Pursuing your passion and making a living from it can be an incredible and rewarding experience, but it’s important to maintain some sort of balance in your life as well. Whether you’re just beginning your journey as a business owner or have held that title for a while, implementing these five steps can help you successfully achieve a work-life balance.
 

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How Much Should You Charge for a Directory Listing?

Published on December 18, 2020. Updated on May 23, 2022.

If you're currently running a local business directory website or thinking about starting one, you're probably wondering how much you should charge local businesses for a listing on your site. Pricing is the single most powerful tool available to you as a new entrepreneur in almost any type of business. 

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The Top 3 Reasons Why Passive Income is the Key to Financial Success

Published on May 16, 2022

In our hustle-and-bustle world, it’s easy to feel like income is something we have to actively go out and get. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of earning a passive income running your own business, and how you can do so with your very own business directory website.
 

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5 Ways Your Mental Health Can Improve When You Start Your Own Business

Published on May 9, 2022

If you’re considering starting your own business, you may wonder about the effect it will have on your mental health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore some of the surprising mental health benefits of owning your own business – and help you decide if starting a business could be the right choice for you.
 

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6 Tips for Designing Effective Banner Ads

Published on April 29, 2022

When it comes to banner ads, it is important that they are designed to be visually appealing and to stand out amongst other imagery and text that might be crowding the page. In most cases, you have one shot to leave a good first impression and win over potential customers. Keep reading to learn about key elements that make banner ads effective and engaging. 
 

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What are Coupon Codes and How Do They Work?

Published on April 25, 2022

When it comes to selling listings on your local business website directory, presenting a special offer or discount in the form of a coupon code can be an effective way to attract new advertisers. You can use coupon codes to give a business that added incentive they need to sign up. With Ideal Directories, you can easily create coupon codes and manage them all from your dashboard. Ready to put coupon codes into action? Here are 4 factors to consider when developing your coupon code strategy.
 

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10 Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Business Directory Website

Published on June 23, 2021. Updated on April 19, 2022.

There are many ways to generate traffic to your website, some free and some paid. As you continue to run your directory website it’s important to explore all the different ways to market your site and see which produces the best results for your business. Here are 10 of the most popular ways to increase traffic to your business directory website.

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4 Tips for Choosing a Hero Image for Your Directory Website

Published on April 11, 2022

Choosing a hero image that works for your brand can mean the difference between someone staying or going, yet this is an often overlooked part of web design. We understand the challenge to pick the right image, but with the right guidance it doesn't need to be a difficult task at all. 
 

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The Top 10 Tips for First-Time Salespeople 

Published on March 28, 2022

Becoming a good salesperson is something that takes time. It’s a skill that requires practice and experience to get better. As a directory owner, improving your sales skills is one of the most important things you can do. The more listings you sell, the more money you will make. If you’re just getting your directory website off the ground, or new to sales, these 10 sales tips will help you become successful as a first-time salesperson.
 

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Upgrade Your Work from Home Space With These 22 Home Office Essentials

Published on March 21, 2022

In the past few years, remote work has reached an all-time high and become a societal norm for entrepreneurs and employees. One thing that was a big hurdle for most people transitioning to their new home workplaces was having home offices. Having the proper setup can help not only be more productive but comfortable as well.
 

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How to Earn the Trust of Local Advertisers

Published on May 4, 2021. Updated on March 14, 2022.

There is more to sales than pricing and crafting the perfect sales pitch. This is especially true when selling advertising to local businesses. People want to work with others that they know, like, and trust, which makes earning the trust of potential advertisers for your directory website a vital part of the sales process. Business owners want to make sure you have their best interests at heart and aren't just trying to make a quick buck. Earning a business's trust will make for a smoother sales process and a higher closing percentage. 
 

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10 Tips for Launching a Money Making Business Directory Website

Published on March 7, 2022
 

Setting up your own local business directory website can be a great way to generate passive income online. In addition to collecting monthly recurring income from advertisers, you’re also helping small business owners achieve a better return on investment (ROI) compared to more traditional marketing methods. Whether you’re brand new to local business directory websites or you’ve launched at least one in the past, here are 10 tips to help you launch a profitable business directory website.
 

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6 Myths About Starting a Local Directory Website

Published on February 21, 2022
 

Many people are interested in starting a business directory website. However, they might be intimidated by the myths surrounding the industry. It’s often thought to be expensive, difficult, time-consuming, and something that can only work in certain markets. But, it's actually quite the opposite. Don’t base your business decisions on assumptions or falsehoods. We expose and explain the six most common myths to be aware of as you inch closer to starting a local business directory website. 
 

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5 Tips for Running a Business Directory Website Part-Time

Published on June 29, 2021. Updated on February 14, 2022.

One of the advantages of being a directory website owner is that it doesn’t require a full-time commitment. Once up and running, you can manage your website in as little as a few hours per week. In fact, many of our clients at Ideal Directories are running their directories part-time or on the weekends as a way to earn extra income.
 

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Top 10 Features of a Good and Memorable Business Logo

Published on February 7, 2022
 

Did you know that a good business logo can help you connect with your audience? Your logo is what your customers and target audience will identify you by. Therefore, when designing your logo, you should ensure that it represents your brand perfectly and can allow your customers to easily identify your business. During the design process, keep in mind these key features to ensure your business logo is memorable.

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11 Reasons to Start Your Own Directory Website Business

Published on January 31, 2022
 

One of the biggest changes in online searching in the last few years has been the switch to local searches. People want results quickly and solutions easily accessible within their immediate vicinity, not from halfway across the world. So how can you benefit from this? The best way is to start an online directory business and enjoy the many benefits it brings. 

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8 Personality Traits That Make Successful Entrepreneurs 

Published on January 17, 2022
 

Over 24 million Americans dream of becoming entrepreneurs. This staggering statistic shows that many of us have a common goal: the freedom and flexibility of owning your own business. If you have a fresh idea, you've probably thought about turning it into a moneymaker. After all, what's better than getting paid to do something you love? But have you ever considered if you have the soft skills to reach success?

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Why an Online Directory Website Is a Great Business to Start in 2022

Published on January 4, 2022

As we move ever forward into a digital age, online businesses are becoming more and more popular. From the potential revenue to the flexibility, the expansiveness of the internet allows for online businesses to be successful. One such online business endeavor for 2022 is an online business directory website.
 

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Should You Start a Business Directory Website?

Published on December 20,2021

Have you ever wanted to be your own boss? Leave the office and the commute behind and run your own company? Well, you're not alone. Last year, over 4.3 million new businesses popped up in the U.S.
 

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How to Leverage Your Personal Network to Scale Your Business

Published on December 13, 2021

Whether you're selling business listings on your directory website, life insurance, or any service for that matter, you are also selling yourself. Your personality, your reputation and the impression you make play a big role in why doing business with YOU is the right decision.

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10 Tips for Staying Positive in Sales

Published on November 2, 2021

No matter what kind of business you run (whether it's an online business directory or a local coffee shop), sales are an essential part of your day-to-day operations. In fact, running an online business directory is 90% sales. While marketing your site and generating traffic are also important, your primary goal is to sell as many listings to local businesses as possible.

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11 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Job and Start Your Own Business

Published on October 27, 2021

From a young age, we’re all told that if we want to succeed in life, we need to go to school, get good grades, graduate college, and find a good paying job with benefits. While people will tell you to go to school to become a doctor or a lawyer, it’s very rare that people will tell you to go to school to become an entrepreneur. By taking the traditional path of going to school and getting a job, sometimes you might find yourself “stuck” in a job that you don’t like. If you’re feeling stuck, then you might like the idea of owning your own business.

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How to Turn Your Directory Website into a Traffic Magnet

Published on October 13, 2021

Congrats! You’ve recently launched your own directory website with Ideal Directories, and it is live for the whole world to see. But how can you get traffic to your website?

Getting traffic to your directory website is one of the keys to long term success. After all, what good is a listing on your website if nobody sees it?

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4 Ways to Sell Directory Listings to Local Businesses

Published on October 4, 2021

When it comes to sales, there's no such thing as "one size fits all." There are many different ways to approach sales, and depending on the product or service that you're selling, some tactics will work better than others.

Thankfully, selling directory listings to local businesses is something that can be done using a variety of sales methods. From face-to-face, to cold-calling businesses, there are many different approaches you can take. In this article, we'll outline some of the most common (and effective) ways to sell listings to local businesses, along with some tips that support each strategy.

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5 Creative Ways to Sell Banner Ads on Your Directory Website

Published on September 20, 2021

Banner ads are a form of advertisement that are featured on the top, bottom or the sides of your website pages. Banner ads typically consist of an image, company name or logo and a call to action. Banner ads are typically rectangular in shape, either horizontal or vertical, and should be designed in a way that draws the viewer's attention and gets them to click on the ad.

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15 Low-Cost, Offline Marketing Ideas to Promote Your Directory Website

Published on September 14, 2021

One of your main goals as a local business directory owner is to find effective and affordable ways to drive traffic to your website. Promoting your site online is often a great place to start and there are plenty of options. From social media marketing to pay-per-click ads to search engine optimization, there are countless ways to market your website online. And while these digital marketing strategies continue to prove to be effective, the most successful directory owners utilize a combination of both online and offline marketing strategies to drive traffic to their site, and ultimately, generate more sales.

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7 Tips for Anyone Looking to Start a Local Online Business Directory Website

Published on February 25, 2021. Updated on September 9, 2021

At Ideal Directories, we make starting a local business directory and coupon website as fast, easy and accessible as possible. Our turnkey platform was designed to let anyone launch their own online business, regardless of their previous experience or technical know-how. If you recently launched a directory website with Ideal Directories or are thinking about starting one, here are 7 tips to help guide you toward success.

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Why a Directory Website is the Perfect Side Hustle

Published on September 1, 2021

We get it. Not every entrepreneur is ready to quit their job and immediately jump into a new business with both feet. Maybe you’re not ready to make a full-time commitment. Or maybe you’re happy with your current job and you're just looking for something you can do on the side, during your free time, to earn some extra cash. No matter what your current situation is, starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn some extra money to help you achieve your financial goals faster - whether it’s paying off debt, purchasing a home or saving for retirement.

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3 Reasons Why a Directory Website is a Valuable Resource for Every Community

Published on August 9, 2021

Whether you live in a large metro city or small rural town, starting a local business directory and coupon website can be an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to start their own business. It provides benefits to both local businesses and consumers, making it a valuable resource for any community.

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3 Inexpensive Ways to Market a Business Directory Website

Published on June 11, 2020. Updated on August 3, 2021

Part of launching a successful business directory and coupon website is finding ways to effectively market and promote your site to potential advertisers and visitors. While marketing in general can often be a time-consuming and expensive process, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get your site off the ground and on the path toward success. There are many marketing tactics that you can implement immediately at little to no cost.

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4 Advantages of Running a Home-Based Business

Published on July 22, 2021

Working from home has become more common over the years. During the recent pandemic, in particular, the concept of working remotely from home has become more acceptable than ever as state lockdowns and social distancing orders were put into effect. As we begin to move past the COVID-19 crisis, many companies are requiring their employees to head back to the office for the first time in nearly a year. For some people, this comes as a relief, but many are dreading the idea of heading back to the office and will miss the perks of working from home.
 

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Webinar: How to Start a Money-Making Business Directory and Coupon Website

Recorded on July 21, 2021

Get an in-depth look at the Ideal Directories platform & business opportunity. In this session we will walk you through the features and how you can make money running a local business directory and coupon website for your community.

 

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5 Reasons Why Every Directory Website Needs a Professional Logo

Published on July 12, 2021

Your logo is the most identifiable element of your brand. It represents your company, what you do, and who you serve. It’s one of the first things a visitor will see when they come to your directory website and is prominently displayed on every page of your site. Your logo is a direct reflection of your company's value, quality and professionalism and should be imprinted on your business cards, brochures, social media profiles and every piece of marketing you put out. Whether you're speaking to potential advertisers, or marketing your directory website to local consumers, your logo is likely going to be one of the first interactions people have with your company and it’s your opportunity to make a good first impression.
 

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Why a Directory Website is the Best Post-COVID Business to Start in 2021

Published on June 16, 2021

It’s been a long time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans are finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Things are starting to get back to normal thanks to the effectiveness of vaccines and a drop in infection rates throughout the country.

If you’ve been putting your entrepreneurial dreams on hold, now might be the right time to start refocusing your energy on starting your own business. However, it’s important to proceed with caution. Lots of businesses that might have seemed like prime opportunities to start before the pandemic actually now come with more risk exposure than ever before. For example, starting any “non-essential” business that could be closed down by another pandemic, is a factor that any entrepreneur needs to take into consideration.

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How to Overcome Your Fear of Cold Calling

Published on June 11, 2021

In business, cold calling is the act of contacting somebody that you want to sell something to without ever having started a relationship with the person in the past. It’s a common sales tactic that many companies will use and is often one of the first steps in an outbound sales process.

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