DirectoryM Launches a New Type of Business Directory with Focus on Pre-Qualified Leads and SEO Benefits

DirectoryM, the premier local online advertising network specializing in helping businesses find local customers through targeted online advertising, has recently introduced the next generation in online Business Directories. The new directory launch delivers an unprecedented level of value to advertisers in the form of qualified leads.

Launched through online versions of major publications such as BusinessWeek, Newsweek, Inc.com and the Financial Times, the new directory user interface is designed to enable business consumers to find quality services quickly, compare local providers, and contact companies through an easy-to-use proposal generator.

The category-specific online lead forms are viewed as a unique feature because they allow DirectoryM to pre-qualify each lead delivered. Once a lead is generated, DirectoryM Customer Care representatives review the request to ensure it is valid and then deliver the lead to the advertiser. In the 30 days since the launch of the new directory, the number of leads delivered to advertisers has increased by 152%.

In addition, the new product launch helps increase the search engine rankings for the specific categories and cities that the online directories serve. Advertisers benefit from the lift in rankings with little or no effort on their end. Improved search rankings are achieved through a new search-friendly URL schema and the network effect of the numerous DirectoryM publishing partners, providing an array of highly indexed business directories.

Blair Heavey, DirectoryM's chief executive officer commented, "DirectoryM continues to be the trusted online advisor to local companies by listening to our customers, understanding their needs, and creating advertising solutions that deliver qualified clicks and leads. Since the introduction of the new directory interface, there has been a 57% increase in the number of decision makers visiting our clients' websites in search of business solutions."

The product launch was the result of in-depth advertiser research and feedback received from DirectoryM's Customer Advisory Council (CAC), a group of small business owners that advises the company on product and market strategy. Stephan Hovnanian, President of Boston area website design and marketing firm Shovi Web Design and a DirectoryM CAC member, stated, "I was one of many customers that worked with DirectoryM to enhance the directory. Thanks to the new features and format, I have seen a 100% increase in the number of qualified leads delivered to my inbox."

"According to our most recent Local Commerce Monitor study, there is a market opportunity for those who provide SEO services to SMBs," commented Matt Booth, vice president and program director, Interactive Local Media at The Kelsey Group. "Online advertising solution providers, like DirectoryM, that deliver SEO benefits and have affiliations with major media properties, are valuable intermediaries for SMBs that need help in moving their marketing mix online."

DirectoryM (www.directorym.com) is the premier local advertising network specialized in helping businesses find local customers through targeted online advertising. DirectoryM provides small and medium-sized businesses with an exclusive advertising channel targeting the readers of business and technology publications such as The Wall Street Journal Online, BusinessWeek Online, Financial Times, ZDNet and the 42 regional Business Journals published by American City Business Journals.