Some online business directory companies use questionable business tactics to get your business.
Pay attention to the invoices you receive and make sure you’re paying for services you’ve requested and agreed to receive. This is advice that can be applied in many aspects of life, but today we’re talking about bills that you might receive from business directory or online listing companies.
Watch for Unplanned Directory Invoices
We see this more often than you’d think. We’ll be working with a business on their online presence, and they’ll mention they’re already paying for a listing service. They’re not sure who it’s from or what it’s actually doing for them. Often it isn’t much, but it costs a lot.
A recent example makes the point well. A business we work with received a quarterly invoice for $963. They sent it to us first, questioning whether we knew the company. Good thing they asked. They hadn’t signed up for it, and if it had been set up as a recurring charge, they would have paid $3,852 for the year, for a listing that turned out to have incorrect information in it.
Start by checking whether you or someone on your team actually requested the service. Legitimate invoices should clearly state the company name, what you’re paying for, and what you’re getting in return, things like reporting, measurement, or proof of results. If any of that is missing or unclear, treat it as a red flag worth questioning before you pay.
Pause before paying. Confirm the company is one you recognize and agreed to work with. If you’re not sure, ask. It’s a lot easier to ask a question up front than to spend months paying for something you never wanted. If you’re a Vivid Image client, you can always call us and have us take a look at anything that shows up in the mail before you pay it. We’re happy to check it over so you don’t have to guess on your own.
Yes, but doing it right means focusing on the directories that actually matter and keeping your information accurate there, not paying for every listing service that sends you an invoice. Whether someone is searching Google, using Maps, or asking Siri or Alexa where to go, directories and listings are how search engines and voice assistants confirm your business is real, current, and worth showing to someone nearby.
Most of the listings that move the needle, like your Google Business Profile, are free. The work is making sure those free ones are correct and consistent, not adding paid ones that don’t do much for you. That’s where we can help. Vivid Image manages your listings across the directories that matter, keeps your information accurate, and steers you clear of the ones that only charge to display what should be free.
We Can Help You Watch This So You Don’t Have To
Watch your invoices, know what you’re paying for, and ask questions when something doesn’t add up. If you’re one of our clients, we can help you sort out what’s legitimate and what to actually pay. Contact us to talk about your online listings.
