ABOUT | BLOG | EVENTS | SUPPORT

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Vivid Image

  • Strategy
  • Web Design
    • Subscription Websites
    • WordPress Websites
    • Hosting
    • Portfolio
  • Digital Marketing
    • Online Listings
    • Reviews & Reputation
    • Google PPC
    • Social Media Ads
    • Social Media Management
    • Search Engine Optimization
    • Branding & Graphic Design
    • Content & StoryBranding
  • Marketing Department
  • Search
  • Talk with Our Team

How can we help?

Popular Searches

Website Design

Print Design

Contact Us

Search Ranking

Google Ads

Storybrand

Content Writing

Events

Training

Logo Design

Hiring

Our Team

Our Culture

TRICKY! Who is that bill from? What is it for?

Blog Marketing TRICKY! Who is that bill from? What is it for?

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

There are more times than I can count where we’re working with a business or organization on their online presence and they mention how they are already paying for a online listing service. But they don’t know who this service is or what they are doing for them. Often times it isn’t much, but costs a lot.

Most online listing directories offer listings free of charge. There may be paid options, but more often than not, the free version meets the desired needs. If you are paying for something make sure you know what you are paying for, what they are providing, how much it costs, and what you are getting from doing this (measurement, reports, and proof; it’s rare).

Directory Bill Example
Example of Unapproved Directory Invoice

We’ve seen some directories use questionable billing tactics. A recent example provided by a client spurred this message. A business that we work with received a quarterly invoice for $963.00. They sent this invoice to us questioning if we knew anything about the invoicing company. Thankfully they questioned it because it was not something they signed-up for and if this had been setup for reoccurring payment they would’ve paid $3,852 for the year! After looking at the information in the listing it wasn’t even correct, so they would have paid almost $4k for incorrect information in one, single online directory. Ouch.

These invoices may look legitimate. Often you will actually receive some sort of service or listing, but at what cost? My best advice is to be aware and know what you are paying for constantly. If you’re unsure. Ask. Please.

Online Listing Management

At Vivid Image we provide an online listing management service to help manage MANY online directories. We avoid listings that require payments to display information. It is beneficial to your online search results to have numerous, correct online listings. This can be overwhelming to manage, which is where we can step in to save you time and provide efficient, effective services.

Remember watch your invoices and make sure you recognize the company and know what you’re paying for or ask questions. Need help managing your online listings? Contact us today.

Filed Under: Marketing, Search Engines

Footer

Vivid Image Logo

(320) 587-8974
[email protected]
897 MN-15
Hutchinson, MN 55350

Web Design

WordPress Websites

Hosting

Portfolio

Digital Marketing

Online Listings

Reviews & Reputation

Google PPC

Social Media Ads

Social Media Management

Search Engine Optimization

Branding & Graphic Design

Content & StoryBranding

About

Our Team

Reviews

Charitable Giving

Careers

RADiCL

Strategy

Book a Playbook

Marketing Department
Resources

Events

Blog

Support

Training

Talk with Our Team

Copyright © 2023 Vivid Image, All Rights Reserved. Site Map Accessibility Privacy Policy