Directories is based on what AI is already citing for your prompt set. It updates weekly so you’re always working from the current citation ecosystem.
The goal is not just to “get a link.” The goal is to add accurate, differentiated, on-brand language about your company in places AI already trusts—so that language shows up in AI answers over time.
How Directories works
Directories is built from the same citation ecosystem as Outreach and Engage:- Meridian starts with the sources AI is citing for your prompts (Analytics → Citations).
- It identifies the directory sources that are driving answers in your category.
- It filters down to the directories where:
- you are not currently included, or
- your presence is incomplete / not strong enough to be cited.
Refresh cadence (weekly)
Directories refreshes weekly to reflect the past week’s citation data. As new directories become important in your category (or as your prompt set changes), your targets will shift.How to use Directories
Step 1. Start with the highest-impact directories
Not all directories matter equally. Prioritize the ones that show up repeatedly in the citation ecosystem for your tracked prompts. A good weekly cadence is to pick 3–10 directory targets, depending on how much time you have.Step 2. Confirm eligibility and how inclusion works
Open the directory and confirm:- the directory is relevant to your category and geography,
- the directory accepts listings (or has a submission flow),
- and the listing page format matches how AI might cite it (clear fields, structured descriptions).
Step 3. Add language that matches how AI answers
When you create or update a listing, focus on the language AI uses in recommendation answers: Include:- who you are and who you’re for (ICP),
- your core offerings (products/services),
- your differentiators (with specifics),
- proof signals (certifications, compliance, ratings, awards, customer count, etc.),
- and clear “best for” positioning (who should choose you).
- vague superlatives (“best,” “#1”) without proof,
- marketing fluff,
- and long paragraphs that don’t say anything concrete.
A directory listing is often treated like structured evidence. Short, specific, criteria-based language tends to work better than long brand narratives.
Step 4. Keep the listing consistent with Brand Kit
Before you submit, check:- your exact positioning sentence,
- approved vs disallowed claims,
- and proof links.
Step 5. Track whether it starts showing up in citations
After you are listed, measure impact week over week:- Analytics → Citations: does the directory domain begin appearing more often? Does your presence improve your owned citation ecosystem?
- Analytics → Prompts: do you see improvements in visibility/prominence on prompts where directories influence answers?
- Off-page → Directories: does the target fall off the list (because you’re now included)?
Industry-agnostic vs industry-specific directories
You will typically see two kinds of targets:Industry-agnostic directories
These are broad platforms that cover many categories. They can be influential because they have strong authority and structured listings. Examples (varies by industry and prompt set):- major review platforms
- marketplaces
- general business directories
Industry-specific directories
These are often the highest-leverage directories because they map directly to how buyers research in your category. Example:- superlawyers.com for legal services
Important expectations
Getting listed does not guarantee visibility increases. Many factors affect outcomes:- whether the directory is actually cited for your tracked prompts,
- whether your listing contains the criteria the answer emphasizes,
- whether competitors still dominate other core sources,
- and whether your prompt set matches the queries that directory influences.
If you add your name but don’t add meaningful, differentiated language, you often won’t see impact. The content of the listing matters.