Local Listings

[jordanmcclements]

I am in Google Local listings and very happy with this.

My question is, how on earth do you get into the local listings for MSN and Yahoo?

I found a page that allows you to submit to MSN local - but it only seems to work for sites in the USA.

I actually contacted infoserve who do Yahoo local listings and they rang me and said some drivel about Yahoo picking this up automatically from the natural results...?

[Dubbya]

This is why Google's so far ahead of everyone else in terms of Local Search.

In my experience, you'll have a tough time getting listed in MSN Live Local unless you've purchased a directory listing in the Yellow Pages (SuperPages) phone book. This is what they usually mean by "natural results".

Guide to MSN Local Search

Having contacted Yahoo! myself, I was informed that they do not provide the functionality our neighbours to the South enjoy, which echoes what you were told about them obtaining their listings from natural results.

In addition, Yahoo! Customer Support stated that they're hoping to have Yahoo! Local listings available in Canada "soon". That's it, that's all.

Guide to Yahoo Local Search

There are quite a few more local search providers as well. Some of them might help you, others are still only available in the US.

Other Local Search Marketing Options

Good Luck.

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by jordanmcclements

I actually contacted infoserve who do Yahoo local listings and they rang me and said some drivel about Yahoo picking this up automatically from the natural results...?

Hm-mm, that "drivel" happens to the fact.

Not saying that it's quick and effective, but it does happen. And, it's a whole lot cheaper than paying for an expedited review in their directory.

[lukkyjay]

I don't understand how purchasing yellow pages listings helps with search engines because all of the yellow pages providers use nofollow links.

[addlocal]

Most of the information in Yahoo Local and Google local come from Data Providers and Aggreators (Like Yellowpages, InfoUSA, Experian, Acxiom and Localeze to name a few). Therefore if your information is in Yellowpages database it is likely your business will show in Google Local, Yahoo Local or Live Local (formally know as MSN local).
I have some links that will allow you to submit your business for free. On my website if you are interested. Good luck!

P.S. I know all of this becasue I am a Local Internet Advertising Consultant

P.P.S Almost forgot the link it is Internet Marketing for Local Business - Local Advertising - Small Business Marketing

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

I don't understand how purchasing yellow pages listings helps with search engines because all of the yellow pages providers use nofollow links.

Some do; some don't.

And, an SE, having identified a particular directory as being authoritative, may choose in that instance to ignore noindex and/or nofollow directives.

[jordanmcclements]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Dubbya - I agree Google is well in front with local search, thanks for the info.

Deepsand - "Drivel" may have been a bit harsh - but I thought it was daft that Yahoo would direct you to Infoserve to enquire about a local listing only for Infoserve to phone you to say that they effectively had no control over them..

Addlocal - In the UK at least (and I assume other countries) - the Google local information comes from the Google local business centre - which you sign up to and then Google send you out a physical postcard so you can confirm your address etc....

NB - in case anyone is interested here is a related thread on how to improve your Google Local ranking...

[cbosleeds]

I'm another Yahoo local sucker - took me ages to realise that if you're in the UK you're just not going to be able to submit a listing: Yahoo Local is trying my patience

[Terry Van Horne]

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

I don't understand how purchasing yellow pages listings helps with search engines because all of the yellow pages providers use nofollow links.

Maybe you don't understand because judging the value of a listing on how manipulative it is of SE algos may not be the only reason to list! Targeted Traffic!!!!!!!!!! Which is 10X more important than manipulating link algos. YellowPages work because:
1. they drive targeted traffic IMO, converts well ahead of Yahoo!
2. they are at the top of many SE results local or otherwise
3. They provide backfill/distribution for major local directories like Google maps (yellowpages.ca)
4. YellowPages get billions of searches a year by people who are more likely to be in buying mode

I agree the listings are absurdly expensive... consider a one month listing on idearc is almost equal to a year on Yahoo!. Buy the PPC! The listings seem more expensive than the PPC (my experience is in Pay day loans), but the listings are being distributed so that may change. I also found the PPC converted a little better!

[cocofried]

Big " thank you" for Dubbya for "Other Local Search Marketing Options" link.
I just used some of the pages listed.
Coco

[lukkyjay]

Originally Posted by deepsand

Some do; some don't.

And, an SE, having identified a particular directory as being authoritative, may choose in that instance to ignore noindex and/or nofollow directives.

Can anybody name any yellowpage directories that don't use nofollow tags?

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by jordanmcclements

Deepsand - "Drivel" may have been a bit harsh - but I thought it was daft that Yahoo would direct you to Infoserve to enquire about a local listing only for Infoserve to phone you to say that they effectively had no control over them..

Yes, I think that does succinctly capture the essence of it; that's a word I'll have to try to remember to work into my dynamic vocabulary.

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

Can anybody name any yellowpage directories that don't use nofollow tags?

Fact - Directory listing show up in SE results.

Fact - At least 40% of on-line shoppers use local listings.

If you want to postulate that 1) all directories use noindex/nofollow, and 2) all SEs abide by such directives, then we look forward to your proof.

[lukkyjay]

Currently, they show up in SE results below me, I'm #1 for all my targeted terms. Correct, they show up in SE results and purposely nofollow your links to keep you from getting any SE benefit from your high monthly fee for being in their result. They want to pull up in those searches ahead of you so you are more inclined to pay them to be in their listings. That business practice is not something I want to reward and I think anybody in the business of SEO should boycott them until they quit doing it.

Take Back Your Reputation From The Online Yellow Pages: Just Say No to NoFollow!

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

Currently, they show up in SE results below me, I'm #1 for all my targeted terms. Correct, they show up in SE results and purposely nofollow your links to keep you from getting any SE benefit from your high monthly fee for being in their result. They want to pull up in those searches ahead of you so you are more inclined to pay them to be in their listings. That business practice is not something I want to reward and I think anybody in the business of SEO should boycott them until they quit doing it.

Funny, but the article you cite says "some," not "all."

Furthermore, such directories are not going to rank higher than their entrants simply owing to "nofollow."

[lukkyjay]

Originally Posted by deepsand

Funny, but the article you cite says "some," not "all."

Furthermore, such directories are not going to rank higher than their entrants simply owing to "nofollow."

2nd part of your statement - Yes, obviously.

1st part of your statement - name me some yellowpage directories that don't use nofollow. I'll happily check them out.

I think you're missing the point though. The only reason they would be using nofollow on links their clients pay them a lot of money for is... what?

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

2nd part of your statement - Yes, obviously.

Then why say such?

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

1st part of your statement - name me some yellowpage directories that don't use nofollow. I'll happily check them out.

To repeat:

1) Your own cited source does not support your claim.

2) The categorical claim is your prove. No one need prove it false; you must prove it to be true.

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

The only reason they would be using nofollow on links their clients pay them a lot of money for is... what?

That's an opinion, one that may or may not be true.

Again, the burden of proof is your to bear.

PS: If they are paid links, then Google wants them to be "nofollow." Google does not want PR juice being bought & sold.

[Terry Van Horne]

lukkyjay, they are Partners with the SE's and more specifically Google!!!! Do you bite the hand that feeds you? Don't blame them for following the wishes of the Master of the link universe. YP listings are advertising, not reviewed and if you want to turn your back on one of the top local sources of traffic because they won't participate in link schemes then.... you're not doing yourself or clients any good in your protest. Protest the gouging and value not the fact they won't participate in a link scheme! Buy their PPC (it's cheaper) and cancel your overpriced and overhyped telephone book ads which the savings from that is likely 10X more than the directory listing!

[lukkyjay]

Originally Posted by deepsand

2) The categorical claim is your prove. No one need prove it false; you must prove it to be true.

Again, the burden of proof is your to bear.

I actually believed you when you said there were some yellowpage directories that didn't have nofollow - I just wanted you to point me in the direction of those that didn't so I could check them out. But since "burden of proof" is a big deal to you - go to any yellowpages directory you can think of and view the source on the links for the listings... they will ALL have nofollow tags in them (or they might possibly use javascript or similar tricks). Not sure what other proof you would need?

If you think they are doing it for ethical reasons, then we have a different opinion about that.

[deepsand]

Originally Posted by lukkyjay

If you think they are doing it for ethical reasons, then we have a different opinion about that.

You don't get it, do you; they're paid links, and therefore not eligible, per Google, for the passing of PR.

Read/re-read Terry's post at Local Listings .

As regards proofs, etal., I suggest that you study the rules of logic & their application via rationalism.

[lukkyjay]

Originally Posted by deepsand

You don't get it, do you; they're paid links, and therefore not eligible, per Google, for the passing of PR.

Read/re-read Terry's post at Local Listings .

As regards proofs, etal., I suggest that you study the rules of logic & their application via rationalism.

Regards to proof - I said that yellowpage directories that don't use nofollow links don't exist. Go to ANY yellowpage directory you know of, hit "view source" and see the evidence.

If I believe in pink flying elephants and you say they don't exist, the existing evidence is that nobody has ever seen a pink flying elephant. A rational observer would not see the evidence for any pink flying elephants and believe you. However, all I would need to do is present just one pink flying elephant and the case is closed - they exist.

Seems to me that if you knew of a yellowpage directory that didn't use nofollow, you could just give a link and end the discussion. Not that the red herring we are discussing now about who actually has burden of proof isn't interesting...

I've just never seen any yellowpage directories that don't use nofollow. If you actually know of one but don't feel like providing a link for us to see, that's fine - I still believe you.