Has anybody used Yext or Universal Business Listings as an automated approach to getting clients into all of the many directories? If so does it work? Or does Google penalize in using these automated services?

[SOM24]

I'm trying to figure out if using either Yext or Universal Business Listings is worth it.  They have reseller programs for SEO agencies.  I just am curious what other SEO folks think of these services as I'm considering using one of them to automate and save time for clients.  If you go to Yext.com or universalbusinesslistings.org you can see these.  Curious what others say about these.  Thanks

[WilliamCarr]

Google does not penalize websites for simply having their business listed.

Yext is quite expensive. I have used UBL in the past, and it works well, but the best way is to claim all of your listings manually.

I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but if you're looking for a referral for someone to build your business listings, PM me.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Wendy,

Will is correct on all points. Manual profile creation is still considered to be best by the majority of top Local SEOs, but Google will certainly not penalize you for using an automated service. That being said, if you do need to go with an automated service, be advised that you may run into issues with the service not identifying possible duplicate listings and correcting them. So, for that, you would be back to manual again. It's important to understand this, because of the power of duplicates to sap the strength of a profile.

[AmberRobinson]

Hi Wendy,

I agree with William- claim, edit, verify the listings manually.

Listing a business on these sites requires getting to know your client and their services and the process can be very detail oriented. I think Yext lacks this attention to detail.

Has the business moved? Changed their business name? Have tracking numbers? Are they already listed on some of these sites but with information that doesn't match exactly to what you've provided? These are questions that "powerlisting" service providers don't seem to ask. All they need is your current business information and off they go. BUT some time is saved...for now.

Here is another point of view from Nyagoslav at NGS marketing on Yext-

http://www.ngsmarketing.com/why-yext-might-not-be-the-best-fit-for-your-business/

[flowsimple]

Another wrinkle with using Yext. It appears that the links on many of the citations created by Yext, do not link directly to the business. Instead, they pass thru Yext first before being redirected to the business.