Google Search Results Favor Huge Directories. Small business websites lose traffic, and Google Ad Revenue is siphoned.

1. Go to the public library and look for a book on “Food That Prevents Heart Disease.”

2. You open the book, and it contains an A-to-Z reference of where to find other books on the same subject.

3. Libraries DO NOT allow this; instead, they move these publications to the ‘Reference Catalog’.

4. Directories have a distinct unfair advantage over business websites.

5. Most directories charge a fee for a robust listing… ( ‘A paid link‘ )

6. Most directories charge businesses to access the leads or inquiries. (Money paid to directories instead of participating in Google AdWords??? )

5. Examples of mega directories include Yext, Yelp, FindLaw, AVVO, Thumbtack, UpCity, MerchantCircle, Houzz, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, ThomasNet, and many more.

6. I suggest directories should be moved to a separate navigation tab in Google Search, just like they have for images, news, maps, and so on.

Google is allowing directories to siphon off advertising income that would have gone to Google AdWords.

Instead, Google is allowing directories such as Yext, Yelp, FindLaw, Avvo, Thumbtack, UpCity, Merchant Circle, Houzz, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, ThomasNet, and others to charge small businesses a fee for a premium listing.

I call this the Walmart effect, where these huge directories siphon off search traffic from small business websites, such as those of doctors, lawyers, home remodelers, and plumbers, making Google little more than a huge reference catalog.

Google continues a practice that allows directories to grow profits for their businesses and shareholders, while getting a free ride in Google organic search without having to pay for Google AdWords.

Also see How To Remove Ripoff Reports From Google – Not Just Bury Them.