Today, 16th October 2012, we closed the old Essex Portal directory. The directory had been running for around 4 years and started by providing free directory listings to local businesses and then two years ago we changed the format and charged a modest fee to review and publish listings.
However, since then demand of the service dwindled and businesses have mostly stopped submitting new listings, current businesses have not been renewing their information, and as a result, the readers and directory searchers have mostly stopped using the service.
Also, changes to the way Google ranks websites meant that having hundreds of very thin pages (pages with just a business name, address and telephone number) was potentially impacting on the rest of Essex Portal.
It is for this reason that we decided to close the old directory and focus on this section of Essex Portal. Some of the most popular listings, which were also the ones with company descriptions have been moved over to the information section.
We Are Still Accepting New Business Listings
The good news is that we are still accepting business listings – and they are better than ever! From now on businesses may use the press release and events service to add information to the site.
We encourage businesses to write a unique business description and include at least one photo or image. For just £50 we will create a bespoke page for your business, with images, your logo, a map and a detailed description. Full details are provided on the Advertise with Essex Portal page.
This gives your business much improved exposure on Essex Portal and should reach more readers too.