Why sign up?
Nearly 80% of consumers turn to directories to find a local business! By being part of the CGC Directory, you and your business will help to build a sustainable local economy where your neighbours are your customers and where everyone’s needs can be met without having to look miles away. People love to source goods and services locally and the Directory will support them (and your business) to do just that.
How do businesses sign up?
Simple! Take a look at the Join Us page which gives an indication of what a basic listing will look like and then choose the ‘Click Here To Join‘ button!
How long does it take to be listed?
At present, the Directory is largely being managed manually. This is so that we can properly verify listing requests and ensure everything being added is accurate and genuine. Subject to resolving any queries, we aim to ensure that listings are added within 5 days of a business requesting to join.
Is the Directory free?
Business listings are currently free of charge until 1st April 2024 however we are asking for a small, one off, donation from anyone adding their business to the Directory to help cover running costs during this start up phase. We will introduce some additional paid for enhancement options if a business wants to expand its listing (see below) however the Directory will always be free to anyone searching for a business, service or trade.
Can businesses pay for enhanced listings?
Currently all businesses will have a core listing free of charge that includes the business name, logo, a brief description and key contact details. We will be introducing ‘Featured Listings’ which will enable businesses to advertise more of their services on a dedicated page (directly linked to from the core listing) for a chargeable fee however numbers will be limited to ensure that a ‘Featured Business’ always remains prominent on the Directory.
Can Directory users list a business?
Yes! There is a Suggest a Business Form that users can use to show support for businesses they already use and feel should be included in the Directory. Once a submission has been made, we will undertake some further validation and contact the business to see if they would like to be listed. The priority is to develop the directory to support local trades and businesses based within the Chelmsford Garden Community area. If however there are sufficient requests for ‘outside’ businesses that operate within the area, they will be contacted and considered for potential inclusion although they will not be able to display the CGC Local Verified badge on their listing.
Can Directory users leave reviews?
At the current time, the Directory has been created with simplicity in mind so that we can concentrate on building a core list of local business that is well categorised, tagged and is easily searchable by visitors. As the Directory grows, we will be developing a much enhanced site that has many more features including ratings, reviews, maps and feedback forms.
For now, visitors can Recommend a Business which will enable a business to earn a special ‘Recommended’ badge on their listing.
Is the Directory popular?
We are just starting and it will take time to build the listings. We are aiming to actively promote the Directory during the start up period so that residents in the community are aware and actively use it. By April 2024 we hope it will be fully established and the ‘go to’ place for residents when looking for a business.
What is a Founding Member?
Anyone that lists a business and helps with covering running costs by donating during the start up phase (until 31st March 2024) will become a Founding Member. Founding Members will have a special badge on their listing and will receive preferential offers in the future.
Chelmsford Garden Community Directory 