Business directories are a great way to promote your company. They increase your visibility, improve search engine optimization and create additional backlinks. However, beware of scams involving fake business directories.
Several historical newspapers and city directories contain business listings. Many of these titles have been digitized and can be found on the Portal to Texas History.
Better Business Bureau
For more than 110 years, the Better Business Bureau has sought to create trust between consumers and businesses. Its services include ratings based on integrity and performance, addressing complaints and helping people find businesses they can trust.
In recent years, some well-known companies have opted not to join the BBB, including the Texas favorite Buc-ee’s, which says it responds directly to customers who complain. But the North Central Texas office still serves a significant number of consumers and businesses.
Younger consumers often turn to Twitter, Instagram or TikTok to publicly complain in real time. The BBB also has a team of people who monitor social media and try to keep up with consumer gripes.
Angi
Angi is an online Texas business directory that helps homeowners connect with local service professionals. It also provides a platform for service professionals to advertise, generate leads, and manage their online profile. It also allows users to write reviews and compare companies.
Angi is a popular site for finding home services providers, and it has built a dedicated user base through its reputation system. However, it does not verify that its contractors are licensed or insured. This lack of oversight may lead to inaccurate information. Other sites, such as Porch, provide more thorough background checks and are accredited by the BBB.
FindLaw
FindLaw is an online business directory that offers paid listings for lawyers. It also provides law firm marketing services. It has a robust reputation and ranks highly in relevant searches.
Findlaw reviews are submitted by clients using a one-to-five star system. Attorneys must enable reviews for their profiles to be visible. Attorneys may choose to verify reviews to ensure they are from actual clients.
Many of our clients have told us that their monthly FindLaw marketing reports show lots of profile and page views, but not many leads. However, a well-rounded website program can keep your phone ringing with quality inquiries.
HomeAdvisor
HomeAdvisor has a lot of complaints from service providers. Many of these complaints involve Home Advisor misrepresenting the quality of leads. They also have a habit of creating profiles with your business name and logo images on other online directories and directing those links back to their site.
While both Angi and HomeAdvisor are worth considering, it is important to remember that they shouldn’t be the sole source of new business. They are great for filling the void during slow periods or while you implement other marketing strategies that aren’t dependent on paying for leads. In addition, both services charge large fees for early termination.
Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is a state agency with a variety of programs that preserve local history, stimulate tourism, and encourage economic development. The THC operates the National Register of Historic Places program and offers technical assistance to county historical commissions and preservation groups.
The THC also provides research services, operates the Texas Historical Marker program, and oversees the preservation of the state’s architectural heritage. The THC also conducts workshops and seminars.
The THC’s history programs are designed to assist museums, county historical commissions, preservation organizations, local governments, students, and the general public. The THC also advises the State Board of Review on nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.
Portal to Texas History
The Portal to Texas History is a collection of digital materials from libraries, archives, museums and historical societies across the state. It contains photographs, maps, books, artifacts and other documents. It also includes newspapers and television news transcripts. Music researchers may find this resource useful for obtaining historical information about musical performances in Texas. The Portal to Texas History is a free online database. It is important to note that some historical materials may contain offensive language and negative stereotypes.
It connects millions of users worldwide with collections housed in Texas. The site is run by the University of North Texas Libraries. It was established in 2004.
Texas Almanac
The Texas Almanac is a biennial publication offering information about the state’s counties, history, weather, economy, natural resources, culture, education, recreation, and politics. It also features detailed county maps and analytical essays. The first edition was published in 1857. The Texas Almanac’s earliest editions focused on history, including first-person accounts of the Texas Revolution and early Republic and statehood. They also included a wide variety of statistical data and an astronomical calendar.
Texans can access digitized copies of the Texas Almanac on the Portal to Texas History. WorldCat lists libraries near you that may have print copies of the Almanac.
Texas Secretary of State
The Texas Secretary of State provides business services, including incorporation, filings and research. Its business-friendly website makes it easy for companies to register or move their corporation to Texas. It also offers online filing tools and public corporation search tools.
Abbott’s last two appointments to the top elections position, Ruth Hughs and David Whitley, both failed to receive confirmation from the Senate. Scott, meanwhile, is an attorney who participated in a lawsuit that critics claim undermines the integrity of elections. He will have to prove his innocence in that suit if he’s to keep the job permanently.
TxDOT
The Texas Department of Transportation has a number of online business directories that help businesses become known to local consumers. These directories provide a wide range of services that include listings, review platforms and mapping tools.
The CMBL is used by State of Texas purchasing entities to develop mailing lists for vendors to receive bids on products and services. Vendors must register with the CMBL before bidding.
WE Manufacturing is a TxDOT approved vendor that assembles service poles for projects across the State of Texas. These pre-assembled poles can save significant time on installation at the project site and reduce labor costs.
