The Ultimate List of Agency Directories That You Should Be Listed In
With so much information available to us online, your potential clients are researching your agency before they agree to a partnership.
It’s quite common for businesses to consult agency directories to choose their agency. People want social proof and third-party endorsements of agencies instead of a sales call or a branded ad.
Agency directories meet prospects where they want to be met. Meaning they’re obviously ready to hire an agency; directories make it easy.
The best part of joining agency directories is that they will bring clients and leads to you so you can spend less time promoting your agency and more time on client work while the directories send leads your way.
How Directories Grow Agencies
When brands are seeking out the right agency for their needs, they often peruse agency directories.
In agency directories, your clients can write reviews about your agency and provide testimonials. The more reviews and testimonials, the more credibility your agency has. Instead of cold outreach to land your next client, try focusing on your agency directory strategy and have clients come to you.
Directories Your Agency Should Pay Attention To
Over the years, I’ve spent a ton of time getting agencies listed in directories and optimizing their profiles. The following list of directories are options that I’ve had the most success with for my clients.
AdForum has advanced search functionality that allows brands to search for agencies by niche. It’s free to list your agency in AdForum and they also offer paid options for more visibility.
Pudding matches brands with agencies based on specific needs and goals. It’s free to list your agency in this directory.
Clutch is a premium directory as they provide detailed reviews for each agency in their directory. It’s free to be in their directory but you need to provide 3 client references for profile approval.
AgencySpotter leverages verified client reviews to match agencies with brands. It’s free to get your agency listed and they offer premium plans to promote your agency.
4A’s offers more than just a listing in their directory. They also offer support and consultations. This directory is free to join but the application process is quite extensive.
Creative Ham isn’t the largest directory but they are very selective when it comes to the agencies they list. If they choose you, listing is free.
Sortlist works a little differently as they broker services brands need with the right agencies. It’s free to join this directory but they take a cut out of the services you are hired for.
Digital Agency Network doesn’t have a huge list of agencies but they get a ton of traffic making their directory really appealing to agencies. You can do a 30 day free trial before comiting to their listing fee.
Upcity provides search results for brands according to location. So most brands that utilize this directory want localized agencies. It’s free to join and they also offer premium membership options.
DesignRush is the best directory if your agency offers B2B services. They offer visitor insights so that you can see which brands are interested in your services.
How to Get Client Reviews in Your Directories
Getting clients to review your agency in the different directories you sign up for is crucial but can be a little tricky.
What I have done for my agency clients in the past consists of the agency giving me a list of all their happy clients. I then email them and link to the different directories that the agency needs reviews on. I incentivise the clients with a $25 Amazon gift card for each directory they leave a review on. For minimal spend, their reviews in the directories are worth their weight in gold.
Final Thoughts: Get Listed in Agency Directories Today
As you can see, there are a ton of directories that will each bring you in new leads. With most of them having a free option or a free trial, you can see which directories work best for your agency and use budget for premium options based on data.
To get the most out of your agency directory strategy, you need to have a few client reviews and/or case studies to establish credibility.
I will tell you, applying for and keeping up with directories is a lot of work. Here at The Campfire Circle, one of our many services for agencies is to manage their directory presence so if you want to explore this option, contact us today.
Are there any directories that didn’t make it on to my list that you recommend? I’d love for you to share in the comments below!
