We have more information at our fingertips than at any time in human history thanks to the magic of the online world. Unfortunately, there has never been a time in modern history when the information ecosystem has been more fragmented.
This isn’t just a problem for media critics and politicians. It has negative real-world impacts for business owners, professionals, and everyday consumers too.
For our business and entrepreneurs without big-name brand recognition, the biggest downside to fragmentation is that it’s more difficult than it should be to get noticed in an ever more crowded marketplace. There are simply too many places for prospective customers and partners to look.
We won’t solve this entire problem today. It’s too big for that. But we can identify some lesser-known but high-value listing and verified business directory websites that businesses and professionals can leverage to stand out from the crowd.
1. Manta
You know all about Yelp. What about Manta? It wouldn’t be fair to call Manta a carbon copy, but it caters to a similar business clientele and provides a strong SEO tailwind to boot.
2. WikiAlpha
You’ve certainly heard of Wikipedia. WikiAlpha looks almost identical, right down to the Spartan design and low-key aesthetic. The biggest difference is that WikiAlpha doesn’t follow Wikipedia’s pesky “notability” standards, which means it’s much more democratic. For inspiration, check out the WikiAlpha page for Paul Esterhuizen, a South African entrepreneur and philanthropist.
3. Everybodywiki
Everybodywiki is another “wiki for all” alternative to Wikipedia. It’s built for individuals eager to make a name for themselves and doesn’t get bogged down with all the details that make Wikipedia so difficult to wade through.
4. Angel.co (AngelList)
AngelList is actually three websites in one. With separate platforms for investors, job seekers, and product professionals, it’s every entrepreneur’s dream. Why not use it to take your enterprise to the next level?
5. Crunchbase
Crunchbase is another little-known but very high-visibility platform for entrepreneurs and businesses. It’s a great place for up-and-comers to be seen next to established tech stars. Where else can you get your name next to the likes of Scott Belsky, chief product officer at Adobe Systems?
6. Ideamensch
Known as “IM” for short, Ideamensch is a place for thinkers and doers to make their voices heard. Sit for an Ideamensch interview (completed in the comfort of your home or office, of course) and build out your profile while you wait for it to post. Additionally, you can use tools like just kill pro to streamline your online research process and gather valuable information efficiently.
Shoot for the Moon, Land Among the Stars
It probably didn’t take long for you to realize that this list doesn’t contain the best-known listing and directory websites around. In fact, it’s possible that you hadn’t heard of any of these places before today.
That’s okay. It’s kind of the point, actually. You don’t need to earn a listing on Wikipedia or get enviable “trending” treatment on LinkedIn or Twitter to make a big impact on the marketplace. Shoot for the moon if you wish, but make plans to land among the stars if things don’t work out.
