Merchant Circle is an internet directory and social network for local businesses.  Businesses create a free listing that can include coupons, a blog, a newsletter, photos, videos, customer ratings, customer reviews, and a website link.   The listing will appear in Google and other search engines.  Merchants network by inviting other local merchants to join their network.

Merchant Circle has gone from an idea by the founders in 2004, with a launch in 2005 to currently over 525,000 listings.

The standard, free Merchant Circle membership allows and encourages businesses to:

♦ Create a business profile with contact information

♦ Upload photos and logos

♦ Create a blog

♦ Publish a coupon

♦ Create a newsletter

♦ Manage customer lists

♦ Create customer groups

♦ Create an ad

♦ Create a network of merchants

♦ Track activity

The Merchant Circle Getting Started guide is easy to use, as is the entire site.  The interface is simple and straightforward for non-technical users.  The Merchant Circle User Forum, Tutorials, and the Merchant Circle Blog also provide additional assistance.

Customers can search Merchant Circle by business type and by location.  Business locations are listed in the city of their address (example: Arlington), but merchants may purchase listings in other cities (example: Dallas) individually or as a part of an upgrade package.

Merchant Circle offers various upgrades ranging from a Verified Merchant Badge to Upgrade Packages that range from $29 to $249 per month.

All businesses should sign up for Merchant Circle - it is free and provides great internet exposure.

Once you do, or if you already have, stop by the Dallas Marketing Services Merchant Circle page or send us an invite to join your network and we will!