In an earlier post we had discussed about 5 lead generation websites/ local search engines and classified sites in India that local businesses can use to generate leads.
Here we will discuss about similar sites in the United Kingdom.
Apart from the search engines, Google, Yahoo and Bing, here are a few more websites which local business can use to generate leads.
1. Yell
Yell literally means ‘to shout out loud’. Yell has a database of over 2 million UK businesses at their fingertips and a user can search for who and what they want and where they want it. Yell’s services cover the whole of UK.
How do you go about it?
1. If you want your business to be featured on Yell, you can opt for a free listing – fill in your business details on an online form and your company will be listed within 24 hours. This ad will include your company name, address, phone number, brief summary and up to 20 photos. With a free listing, your business name will also be listed on Yell online (the leading online directory), Yellow Pages, Yell Mobile and 118 24 7 (telephone directory).
2. You can also opt for a paid listing under Starter, Developer, Advanced or Premium packages. Since the rates have not been disclosed, you need to get in touch with Yell for the same. Here are the benefits of a paid listing.
3. Yell offers a special service called netReach. This will give you/business the opportunity to advertise across a network of popular partner websites. Prices range from £200 to £2000 per month.
4. You can also post videos on the site to enhance communication and engagement with your potential leads. For this service, prices range from £350 to £3750.
2. Yelp
Qype was recently acquired by Yelp. Over the years, Qype has expanded rapidly as a business directory and review site. Qype services are currently available across 1, 60, 000 cities and towns across the world.
How do you go about it?
1. You can list your business for free on Qype. At the top of the home page, look for the ‘Business Owner’ button, click on it and follow the steps to register your business.
2. You can also boost your business leads using Qype’s premium listing which will cost you around £50/month. This will give you exclusive features like greater choice of keywords, better positioning on listings pages and more control over the content that appears on your page. For further details, you can mail them at clientservices@qype.com.
3. Users can also download the Qype app on their mobiles (touchscreen phones & for others). This will give them instant access to reviews wherever and whenever they are.
4. Do go through their FAQs for further queries.
3. Hotfrog
Like Hotfrog says it, ‘Your business is unique…use Hotfrog to tell potential customers what you do differently’. Hotfrog is a business listing site operational in several nations.
How do you go about it?
1. To list your business on Hotfrog, you can either register as a new business or log in using social media platforms. Then click on the ‘Add your business’ button to add various details – description, tags, location etc.
2. A basic Hotfrog profile is absolutely free.
3. If you are interested, you can also opt for an upgraded paid option known as the Hotfrog AdVantage. This will help you create professional online ads and target your audience better. Your ads will appear on relevant pages guided by keywords and stand out, grabbing the attention of potential customers and allowing them to click through to either your profile or business website.
4. A Hotfrog profile will let you convey what’s different about your products and services. You can add images – company logo, product, store etc to enhance the look of your profile.
5. You can also create coupons, share news and recent updates about your product/business to entice your customers. Once you have registered your company, go to the dashboard and click on the ‘Add more coupons’ button to add coupons/deals/offers.
6. For further queries, check out their FAQs.
4. Scoot
Scoot is an online business directory offering users an easy way to find information they need from over 2 million businesses around UK. The Scoot network also includes Touch Local (local search company), The Sun (daily national tabloid), The Independent (newspaper), Ask.com (local search website) and LocalMole (business directory).
How do you go about it?
1. For a free listing, find the ‘My Scoot, Get your free business listing site’ button on the right hand corner of the home page. Click on it and follow the instructions to create your business profile. Once you have entered your details, you will receive an email with a link in it. You will need to click on the link to verify your listing.
2. You can also advertise on Scoot using their Super Listing, Sponsorship Banner, Priority Listing or Banner advertising solutions. Pricing details have not been mentioned. You can get in touch with their Customer Services on +44 (0) 1642 881088).
3. Scoot also offers video marketing options for you to promote your business. You can customize your videos according to your needs or create a montage to attract users.
4. However, if you do not have your own website that users can go through for a better look and feel of your business, don’t be disappointed. Scoot will solve that problem as well with their range of effective website services. This will include website hosting (allowing customers to access your website 24 x 7) and a service called Keyword Trackz (monitoring the website’s success and keeping track of trending keywords).
5. You can also use Scoot’s tools (reviews, maps, badges) to enhance your website with relevant content and help users navigate to you better.
6. If you have any further query, contact them.
5. Thomson Local
This local search company has been operational in UK for over 25 years. Over 1.8 million businesses, reviews and ratings have been listed on this site. Thomson Local offers a variety of online advertising options and packages (including video advertising & website designing) to help businesses reach users better.
How do you go about it?
1. You can opt for a free or a paid listing on this site. Search for the ‘Free Listing’ icon on the top right corner of the home page to fill in your particulars. For a paid advertisement, check out their website.
2. Use any of their paid advertisings packages to drive more leads to your website/business. Packages include ads on online directories (advertise on thomsonlocal.com and network of directory partners), search engines (PPC ads) and websites (customized website/e-shop – accessible shopping cart plugin).
3. Talk to them on 08009554455 or mailthem at info@thomsonlocal.com.
You can also try listing your business on Yelp, 192.com, UK Local Search, 118.com and Searchme4.
Do comment and share which lead generation website/listing sites will you use to generate leads in UK?
**Rates are taken from the respective websites at the time of writing this article. For latest pricing and offers please refer to the respective websites.**
FAQs
Yes, there are several other strategies you can consider:
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and online listings to rank higher in local search results for relevant keywords. This will drive organic traffic to your website and attract potential customers searching for local businesses like yours.
2. Content Marketing: Create valuable content like blog posts, local guides, or customer testimonials to establish yourself as a local expert and attract potential clients.
3. Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to connect with potential customers in your community, showcase your services, and run targeted local advertising campaigns.
4. Networking and Community Involvement: Build relationships with other local businesses, participate in community events, and sponsor local initiatives. This increases brand awareness and can generate referrals.
5. Online Reviews and Reputation Management: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive online reviews on platforms like Google My Business or Yelp. Actively manage your online reputation by responding to reviews, both positive and negative.
While beneficial, there are some considerations:
1. Competition: These platforms can be competitive, so standing out and generating leads might require ongoing effort and potentially paid advertising.
2. Data privacy concerns: Research the data privacy practices of each platform before using them. Ensure they comply with data protection regulations like GDPR.
3. Time investment: Maintaining an active presence on multiple platforms requires time and effort. Evaluate if it aligns with your available resources.
Global reach, local focus:
1. Similar resources exist: There are likely websites or online directories focused on lead generation for local businesses in other countries. Search for resources specific to your region.
2. Adapt your strategy: The core principles of lead generation remain similar, but you might need to adapt your chosen platforms and marketing tactics to suit the specific online landscape and popular platforms in your target country.
