Launching an online directory business is one of the most scalable and high-margin digital opportunities today, especially when it comes to agency services to increase your directory revenue. With low startup costs and the potential for recurring income, this model is appealing to entrepreneurs eager to establish passive or semi-passive income streams. However, once your directory is operational, what are the best strategies to accelerate growth and enhance client retention?
Why Offer Additional Services?
Many directory owners focus exclusively on listings. But while your directory gains traction with content and traffic, you can jumpstart your cash flow by bundling complementary services that help your clients succeed online.
Benefits include:
- Early-stage revenue while building traffic
- Improved client retention and satisfaction
- High-margin services that stack with your existing offerings
Why Offer Agency-Style Services?
Agency services naturally complement your directory’s value proposition. Business owners listing on your site already need help with:
- Online visibility
- Branding
- Content creation
- Advertising
Offering these services makes you a one-stop solution—a key to winning long-term clients.
How to Get Started
There are three paths to implementing these services:
- Learn and offer them yourself (great for low-skill services)
- Outsource to freelancers or small agencies
- Partner with service providers who white-label for platforms like yours
Start simple, and scale as demand grows.
Webinar: Agency Services to Increase Your Directory Revenue
7 High-Impact Services to Offer with Your Directory
1. Product and Site Photography
Visit client locations and take high-quality photos for their listing. You can also outsource this to local photographers. A solid DSLR or mirrorless camera pays for itself quickly.
Tip: Offer this service as a one-time setup or include it in Premium listings.
2. Video Production for the Web
Short videos—testimonials, product highlights, or business tours—are powerful trust builders. These videos can be shared on:
- Your directory
- YouTube
- Client social channels
Outsource post-production or learn the basics yourself.
3. “Submit My Business” Service
Many businesses still haven’t claimed their Google Business Profile. Offer this as a fast, low-effort service that provides real value.
Pro Tip: Get certified in Google tools to increase credibility.
4. Paid Ads Management
Help clients run local ad campaigns on:
- Google Ads
- Facebook and Instagram
You can bill monthly and either manage it yourself or partner with an ad expert.
5. AI-Generated Blog Content
Use tools like ChatGPT or Jasper to create blog posts targeting long-tail local keywords. This improves SEO for your clients and your own directory when cross-posted.
Bundle as: Monthly packs or à la carte pricing.
6. Smart Local SEO Optimization
Audit and optimize client listings using AI:
- Suggest better categories and keywords
- Identify citation opportunities
- Boost Google Maps rankings
Offer this as a one-time setup or ongoing service.
7. Personalized AI Video Intros
Use platforms like Synthesia or Pictory to create short, branded videos using AI avatars. These are great for:
- Welcome messages
- Promotions
- Service walkthroughs
High perceived value and super quick to deliver.
How to Bill for These Services
With eDirectory, it’s easy to charge for value-added services:
- Add them to your plans and pricing
- Use the Page Editor to update service descriptions
- Or create a custom service page and invoice clients directly
Conclusion
Adding value-added services to your online directory isn’t just a way to increase revenue—it transforms your platform into a full-service digital marketing solution for local businesses. Whether you’re offering AI content, paid ads, or video production, these services enhance your client’s success—and your bottom line.
Useful links and tools mentioned in the webinar:
-
- Slides presentation (.pdf)
- Pictory (AI Video Generator)
- Synthesia (AI Video Generator)
- Jasper (Marketing AI)
- SEM Rush AI (writing assistant)
*We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to the tools and sites mentioned in the webinar.
This session was recorded on May 14th, 2025.
- Don’t forget to register for eDirectory’s next Webinar.
- Do you want to know what eDirectory can do for you? Sign up for a free guided Demo here.
Want more tips? Shoot us a note at marketing@eDirectory.com.
