So, you want to support a local business but you aren’t sure where to go. Google can only offer so much.
In fact, sometimes it offers too much. The number of results can be overwhelming. And the information out there can be hit or miss (mostly miss), especially if you’re relying on huge, non-local directories like Yelp (which only publishes some of the user reviews; this can lead to skewed ratings that favor the companies that pay for their listings, not the actual local favorites).
Boulder deserves better. That’s why TravelBoulder.com recently launched a totally local online directory called Places.
Places is run by locals (TravelBoulder.com is a family-owned, locally curated media outlet), and it provides local companies much more control over their listings. In fact, the goal of Places is to build a direct bridge between Boulder businesses and the community. Places is the ultimate directory of Boulder-area businesses, and beyond.
The directory is free to use and also offered for free to businesses, with the option to upgrade to provide more content and details.
Places serves both Boulder County residents, plus is useful for the 4.5 million visitors who come to Boulder every year. Not sure where to grab Italian food? Ask Places. Looking for the local-favorite shop to rent skis or buy a new backpack? Places knows. No more guesswork, no more google hunts. And after you find your answer in the directory, the full TravelBoulder.com website offers additional information to help and inside, local tips from area natives (our staff).
TravelBoulder.com is a content- and photojournalism-driven online experience launched in 2017. It continues to steadily grow, averaging 500 users per day with projected 185,000 annual users in 2019. Travel Boulder also publishes a print magazine twice a year.
How to Use Places
Places has an easy-to-use platform and provides technical support, promotion and readers. While it is Boulder County-focused, it remains open to any business, regardless of location, that wants to share its services and connect with readers.
Every company can publish a free business profile on TravelBoulder.com.
It’s simple. Here’s how:
1. Search for your company in the directory: www.travelboulder.com/directory. If found, claim your listing and populate it. Please correct and check all information.
2. If your company is not found, click “add my listing” and follow the prompts to build your business profile.
Craft your profile to look and feel however you want.
Included in a custom business profile:
- Contact information
- Website and other URLs
- Images and video
- Google search results
- Links to social media and video channels
- GPS directions
- An online storefront
- Hours
- Customer reviews
- And more.
Want more? Businesses also have the option to upgrade their listing to feature their business by category or to sponsor their listing to appear throughout on TravelBoulder.com website. So you can reach more visitors and locals and create more personal, meaningful connections.
