Directories

Loghome54

Got a call from a company called Claimspages. They are a directory service that caters to the insurance adjuster community. They want to put my Heating and Cooling business in their directory and online, for a fee of course. Having never heard of them I did a web search to get more info about them. They seem to be a legit co. but I wondered if the directory would be the best use of my businesses money. I'm a small co. and have limited funds for advertising. Anyone had any experience with this co. or any other opinions about directory ads would be helpful. Thanks.

truckkin

It depends on how they charge you. Is it a flat fee? If so how much? How visible are they on searches related to what you do on the web. What do they claim they can provide you? Obviously exposure in places other than your own site are helpful, but get an idea of the traffic to their directory and the audience they handle. Then match it up to see if that audience is who you want to target.

mkc3190

I would be particularly careful before paying any directory service. If they are going to link to your website, Google has started to penalize sites with links to paid link farms. I'm not saying that it will happen, but Google has been showing this behavior.

If you are only getting your local business info listed, you need to consider things like (a) how many visitors to the claimspages site and (b) how many need your service in your area, etc.

Grumpy

They contacted me also, they claim that thousands of these books go out like yellow pages to adjusters and consultants in the area in addition to their website content. I've seen them before but I haven't done anything.

I'm not a storm chaser, so maybe I don't know, but why would claims adjusters contact me for an estimate? Isn't it typically the home owner's job? Isn't there some conflict of interest (ethically) for an adjuster or consultant giving a referral? I know it happens all the time but the adjusters usually get a kick back.

Loghome54

I was supposed to talk with the salesman thurs. but he never called. For $799. they will put a quarter page of my business into their directory. It goes out to all insurance adjusters in my state (IL.) There is also a link on their web site: claimspages.com. I could use the advertising but my problem with the directory is the adjusters likely use their established contacts and wont even open the book. Seems alot of money without any results. However, its cheaper than advertising in the yellow book. Should an adjuster actually use the directory, my business would be the only one listed from my county, so far. Right now, Im leaning on not buying an ad. I think money could be better spent elsewhere.

Standstrong

I think an adjusters job is to look at a job and adjust the claim proposal for appropriate pay out. I have worked with many adjusters and often the same ones, I have never had him even suggest that he could offer more work, and that is after I have asked. I've also asked the paperwork adjusters I talk to in the office, they really try to steer clear of it. (or they hate me)

I think that's called leading, or staging, or something of the like. I have heard it is Illegal in the state of Illinois.

I do remember working with a very big company on a fire damage claim. Somewhere along the line I found out the adjusters husband owns a GC co. and he was backed up for 3 mo. and that was why they were not paying the claim into the esgrow yet, because it was so close to their home they wanted the job, but I had it.

They probably do send it to the adjusters. Just like the doorhangers for an Additions, Landcsape and seal-coating company all in one.

BreyerConstruct

I was listed with them for a year, and as far as I could tell, not even one call.

~Matt

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ramsy

Was contacted by claimspages.com today

The sales agent confirmed the distributed publication covers all insurance, including Health, Auto, Product, and General liability industries, and could not tell me how many contractors were represented in my industry.

The agent also offered a credit-card size starter package for $499.00

As long as I could provide bid information, the agent had no problem with my State licensing board limiting my projects under $500, unless made a direct owner-builder employee.

The sales agent did not agree with my assumption that adjusters or owners do not blindly pick contractors from their directory, without first examining several bid proposals.

The sales agent was surprised that I asked for impartial publications or 3rd party references describing his publication, when the web site should have all the information I need.

I asked for more information by email or fax for further research and consideration for next year's advertising budget. Received nothing so far.

Fuller

A little late but, good info still has a place here. We had a half page ad with them for a year. Not one call, let alone a an actual lead or job. They called for year 2 about a month ago and got my wife on the phone who thought they were another advertiser and asked for a payment. Thinking we owed them the money she paid the deposit for the next years book/ web ad. I've spent hours arguing with these clowns ever since. They are completely unwilling to refund the 300$ deposit and are actually insisting on the remaining balance! I have since spoken with several adjusters who we've worked with and they all say that Nobody uses their books. I'd advise anyone considering advertising with the claims pages that their money would be better spent as toilet paper than with this company!

Tool

I bet those directories are so full of listings that most of the guys never even get looked at.

I wouldn't!

Anchor Fence

Dont do it...

There are MANY directories that are FREE that hold more weight than 'most' paid directories.

Instead of paying them for a directory listing, add your free listing to the following directories:
-yahoo directory
-DMOZ (this is arguably the #1 weighed directory that you could be listed in)
-yellowpages (free listing)
-superpages (free listing)
-yellowbook (free listing)
-manta.com (free listing)

There are MANY MANY more but the above ones are a good start.

In my experiences, Yellowpages sends the most traffic to our website (a fence company in michigan). We are still waiting to have our listing in DMOZ approved (this can be tough and take a while).

I recommend that you spend your advertising dollars better by paying for proper Internet Marketing or Search Engine Optimization of your website to ensure that you show up in the #1 traffic source for your website which is unequivocally Google.

There are PLENTY of free venues for advertising online that will keep your small company in business and making profits. I do recommend hiring a professional web designer/internet marketer who will handle all of the above for you. (if you check their track record and make sure they can deliver results)

hope this was helpful

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user70489

AnchorFence knows his stuff!

Agree 100%

There are about 40 directories we focus on for clients, especially google places.

We also create a video and post on youtube and a few other video sites.