13 Best Local Business Directories and Listing Websites

Intro

Adding your business listings to local directory websites is a simple yet effective marketing strategy known as building citations. This approach plays a vital role in improving local SEO marketing.

Citations are online mentions of vital elements of your business: your brand name, address, and phone number (NAP) on business directory listing service(s).

As a result, you can appear in local packs and SERPs when consumers search for relevant businesses in your location.

This marketing technique offers immense SEO value as it establishes your online presence. Local directory listings provide a powerful way to display your business to local customers.

These local directory submissions can significantly boost online visibility with user-friendly interfaces and high traffic. Your business will reach more customers searching for related products/services in your area and drive more foot traffic to your store. A business coach can also help put it all together. Advice from Ronald Osborne about business coaching costs can help you determine if it is worth while or not.

This article will cover five vital areas:

1. What are Online business directories?
2. What is a business listing?
3. The value of listing your business on online directories
4. The best paid/free business directory websites
5. How to select the best online directory for business listing

That said…

What are Online Business Directories?

Business directories, or 'Online directories' or 'Yellow Pages,' are comprehensive online platforms that compile and categorize information about businesses from various industries.

These directories are a centralized database, providing users an easy way to search:

• Particular types of businesses
• Contact details
• Services or products offered, and other relevant information.

Consumers use online business directories to find local businesses, service providers, or retailers. These local directory submissions help companies improve online visibility, attract new customers, and boost local search engine optimization (SEO) rankings.

Nevertheless, do not confuse a business directory for a business listing. Marketers use these terms interchangeably, but they differ. If the users are searching for a public adjuster near me, you want to ensure that they are shown results that are close to them geographically. Say you are working with a public adjuster Miami, you should get them listed on all the relevant insurance directories to help boost their listings.

What is a Business Listing?

A business listing is an online directory entry or profile containing vital information about a business. These listings typically include basic information such as the following:

• Business name
• Business address
• Phone number
• Brand website.

In addition to these essential details, business listings may include a:

• Description of your business
• Hours of operation
• Customer reviews
• Applicable visuals and other related information.

These details help businesses establish a solid online presence and attract potential local consumers.

Business Directories vs. Business Listing: The Differences

A business listing typically refers to a single entry for a particular company. You can find business listings on online directories, search engines, and social media platforms.

In contrast, a business directory is a comprehensive database or website containing multiple listings and information about various businesses within a niche or industry.

They are essential online marketing tools for businesses. These platforms help marketers and brands reach a wider audience and attract potential customers.

What are the Benefits of a Local Business Directory Submission?

You may wonder, "Why local business directory submission?" According to studies, business directories offer numerous advantages for brands and consumers.

For example, "Near me" searches increased to over 200% across all categories in the last few years.

Source: Think With Google

The report shows the following outcomes:

• Over 50% of Google Business Profile interactions result in website or landing page visits.
• 97% of consumers learn about local businesses through an online search. Interestingly, most shoppers know about local brands via Google Business Profile (GBP).
• 64% of consumers rely on the phone number listings displayed in business listing platforms to find contact details and contact local businesses.
• Calls from GBP increased by over 60% in 2020. This trend is not slowing down.
• 72% of online shoppers conducting local searches visited a business within a five-mile radius.

What Do These Numbers Mean for Your Local Small Business?

These statistics show that having an optimized local listing business profile is crucial for small businesses to thrive.

Adding your business to paid or free online business listings will improve local search ranking and drive foot traffic to your physical store(s). It enhances contact with potential customers and drives sales.

For this, these website directory lists can help you achieve the following results:

1. Improve online visibility and brand recognition: Listing your business in a directory makes it more likely for prospective consumers to discover your offer. It increases your chances of attracting new customers and driving more traffic to your business website, landing page, or storefront.
2. Enhance local SEO efforts: Online directories allow your business to provide detailed information such as the business address, phone number, and website URL. Providing consistent and accurate information across multiple directories will boost your business's local search ranking, making it more visible to local customers.
3. Establish credibility and trust: Consumers view businesses with a presence on reputable online directories as more legitimate and trustworthy. Given this, customers are more likely to choose a business listed in a directory over one that isn't. This trust factor increases your chances of generating leads and conversions.
4. Offer networking opportunities: Listing your business or company to relevant directory categories can connect you with other complementary brands or potential partners. This marketing strategy promotes collaborations and expands your professional network.

Many small businesses need help appearing in local search results. However, you can boost search visibility by adding your enterprise to reputable business directories, business listing websites, and citation platforms.

As a result, you appear prominently in local packs and boost SEO rankings. So, ensure your information is consistent and comprehensive across all platforms for optimal outcomes.

13 Local Business Directories List and Listing Websites

Below is the top list of local business directory listings to help you get found by online shoppers searching for relevant businesses.

1. Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly Google My Business (GMB), is one of the best free business listings on the internet. By claiming your free business profile on the site, you display vital information about your business.

The information you provide includes your business name, physical address, and phone number (NAP). This practice is commonly called the NAP citations or local citations.

These citations impact local search results, especially for Local Pack, Google 3-Pack, and Snack Pack. That's according to data from WhiteSpark's Local Search Ranking Factors report.

The business listing website also lets you record the following details:

• Business hours
• Services offered
• Customer reviews
• Eye-catching photos, and much more.

As a result, your Business Profile will prominently feature you on Google Maps, Google's local packs, and SERPs. This SEO strategy will boost your online presence and drive traffic.

Here's how to claim your free GBP:

1. Visit Google Business Profile (see link above)
2. Enter your business details.
3. Complete the form
4. Optimize your page by completing every section and writing a business description. Then, choose the right category, select applicable attributes, and add appropriate business photos. Also, get Google reviews to amplify your profile.
5. Get your free business profile.

These steps will help you gain a competitive advantage as GBP allows you to appear on Google Maps in local search results.

2. Bing Places for Business

Like Google Business Profile, Bing Places for Business lets you list your company on the Bing search engine portal to reach a wider audience.

Listing your business on this website can increase your online presence, attract new customers, and improve local search rankings. Bing may already have a listing for your business.

All you need to do is claim it or add a new one. You can claim an existing listing or add a new one by following these three steps:

1. Click the "Existing user" tab to update your profile, or tap the "New user" button to add a new list.
2. Add all relevant details, including location(s), brand photos, services or products, business operation hours, etc, to complete your Bing business profile.
3. Ensure the information provided is accurate and consistent across platforms. Then, verify your listing to protect it from unauthorized changes.

3. Yahoo Local Business Listings

Claiming your small business listing on Yahoo Local helps you gain exposure to Yahoo's large user base and enhances your search engine visibility.

This marketing technique is valuable as it allows you to provide accurate and up-to-date information to potential customers.

Thus, it enhances your online presence, improves ranking in local search results, and increases your chances of attracting nearby clients.

Follow the steps in the screenshot below to claim the Yahoo Local listing:

If you don't have a current listing, you can add a new one by tapping the "New Listing" tab and adding your business information.

4. Yelp Business Listing

The popular review-based platform (Yelp Business Listing) enables your business to display its services or products, respond to customer reviews, and build a solid reputation.

Adding your business to the Yelp Business listing provides significant value, such as:

• Increase SEO results
• Improve brand credibility
• Attract new buyers
• Facilitate customer engagement through reviews and ratings.

It enables you to tap into a large consumer base actively looking for businesses like yours, driving more revenue and growth.

The screenshot below reveals crucial elements of a Yelp business page:

So, like the business listing alternative websites above, you can verify your free listing or create a new business page.

To create a new Yelp business page, go to the Yelp website, enter your business name, click "Add to Yelp for free," and follow the prompts.

5. Yellow Business Pages

An online version of the traditional phone directory, Yellow Pages, helps customers find local businesses and offers them a detailed overview of your business.

As one of the most popular local directories and business listing websites, this platform helps you amplify your brand presence and online reputation.

A Yellow Pages listing includes your business:

• Name, address, and phone number (NAP)
• Parking information
• Business hours
• Customer reviews

To claim your Yellow Pages listings, enter your business location, name, and address and hit the "Claim Now" button.

6. Meta (Facebook) Pages

Creating a business page on Meta (Facebook) lets you interact with customers and helps you rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Meta, Facebook Pages is one of the best free local business directory listings to list your company.

Why?

It helps you access a massive audience through organic search and Facebook's internal search feature. A Facebook business page consists of your brand's basic NAP information and updates from your business.

To create your business's Facebook page, click the "Start now" button at the far right corner of the home page or the "Create Page" button below the headline.

On the next page, select the option that meets your needs. But you must log in or sign up if you don't have a Facebook account to use this tool.

7. LinkedIn Pages for Business Directory

Primarily a professional networking website, LinkedIn allows businesses to create company pages, gain industry recognition, and connect with potential clients.

The platform offers a directory of business pages or LinkedIn Pages where marketers and brands list their businesses and create a business profile for free.

Once created, you can update your page with marketing articles and other content types. It allows you to show on LinkedIn search and search engine results.

If you want to list your business on LinkedIn and create a profile, click the link above and tap "Create your Page."

On the following page, the platform will display three choices:

1. Company page: for small, mid-sized, and large enterprises
2. Showcase page: You can create sub-pages associated with an existing LinkedIn page
3. Educational institution page: This page type is for Schools and universities

Therefore, select the option that best fits your business/organization. However, you need help creating your LinkedIn business profile.

In this case, tap the "View best practices" tab to discover practical tips and tricks, including a video to help you maximize your LinkedIn page.

8. TripAdvisor

Getting listed on TripAdvisor is crucial if you're in the travel or hospitality industry. This website attracts millions of travelers searching for accommodations, restaurants, and attractions.

People planning their next trip or have already scheduled a trip visit this site to read reviews and get travel advice from the TripAdvisor community.

They get information on the following and more:

• Where to stay
• What to do during their trip
• Save money on hotels
• Book the perfect accommodations

Therefore, to claim your listing on TripAdvisor, log into the site and click the "Claim your listing" tab on the far left corner of the home page.

Alternatively, enter your business location and address in the "Location" and "Business name" boxes and tap the "List now" tab to create your free TripAdvisor listing.

When done, you can customize your business page details by uploading applicable visuals to demonstrate what makes your business unique.

9. Foursquare for Business

The Foursquare local business listing website has an incredible check-in feature. This feature helps local businesses gain exposure, acquire new customers, and encourage user-generated recommendations.

Interestingly, your business may already be on Foursquare without you knowing.

How is that…?

Your customers are talking about your business to their friends. Given this, they might have listed it on Foursquare without your notice. So, enter your business details and search for your business in the directory.

A dialog box will appear under your brand name once you enter your business name, as seen in the screenshot above. That's if your business is off the site.

Click the "Create a listing" tab to create a new business listing. On the next page, enter your details and follow the prompts to complete the process.

Once listed, you can update and optimize it with:

• Recent quality images
• Business category
• Hour of operation
• Current business NAP
• Links to website, landing page, and social media sites

Incorporating these details into your listing enhances user experience (UX).

For example:

1. Recent quality images give users a visual understanding of your business
2. The accurate business category provides clarity
3. Business operating hours assist in planning visits
4. The NAP information and links create seamless communication and interaction with potential customers.

10. Manta Business Listing

Creating a free company listing on Manta is beneficial for your small businesses. It enables you to build an online presence, connect with other companies, and attract potential buyers.

The website provides a "Free Listing Scan (FLS)" to help you view how your company or small business stacks on multiple online business directories.

Besides your business' NAP information, you can also add your:

• Location type
• Opening date (if you're not open for operation yet)
• Annual revenue estimate (ARE)
• Number of employees

Do you want to claim your listing on Manta?

To do so:

1. Click the link in this section and fill out the form.
2. Add all essential details and guarantee the information is accurate and consistent across platforms.
3. Tap the "Add my company" button under the form to create your company listing.

11. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

This local business listing website, Better Business Bureau (BBB), is a reputable organization that millions of consumers rely on to make informed decisions.

So, adding your listing to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides several benefits for your business.

For instance, when you claim your free business profile, your business will get the BBB-accredited business seal (you can apply for it after creating your account). The BBB accreditation helps boost your online visibility and improve search engine rankings.

Moreover, the accreditation demonstrates your commitment to:

• Resolving customer complaints
• Enhancing brand reputation
• Promoting a positive customer experience.

Therefore, claiming and adding your free listing to the BBB directory will significantly enhance your business's credibility and attract more customers.

As an online directory website for various local business categories, your business might be on the site already. So, visit the platform (link above), enter your Business NAP information, and hit "Search."

If you find your company or small business, claim it. Otherwise, submit a request to create a new business profile.

12. Local.com

You may be wondering, "Why should your business be on Local.com/? As a local search engine, Local.com aggregates business information and provides customers with local results.

This action helps businesses reach their target audience more effectively. It also enables potential customers to find your business quickly.

Moreover, the online business listing and directory has a blog and a series of advertising options to meet your marketing goals.

Here are a few more reasons why your business should be on Local.com Listing:

• Increase local visibility
• Target local customers
• Gain credibility and trust
• Improve your online reputation
• Boost your search engine rankings
• Increase website traffic
• Cost-effective advertising.

Adding your business to the Local.com Listing will contribute to its growth and success. If you want to add a new business listing to an existing profile, log into your business listing page and tap the "Claim Your Listing" button.

But if you want to create a new listing, go to the Local listing site, sign up, and follow the prompts.

13. Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce business listing and directory provides businesses with a centralized location to list information and promote their products/services.

The platform is a directory where you can create a business profile and provide details such as:

• Contact information.
• Company address
• Website link
• A description of your offerings.

The Chamber of Commerce website, organized at the local or regional level, supports and promotes the local business community. It advocates for your business, providing resources, networking opportunities, and representing your interests.

The business directory is often integral to the Chamber's offerings, allowing businesses to gain visibility and connect with potential customers, clients, or partners.

To add a new business, access the website, enter the required business and personal information, and click the "Add My Business" button below the page.

How to Select the Best Business Directory Listing Service

When choosing the best online directory for business listings, there are a few crucial factors to consider. Examining these elements is vital for making informed decisions.

Here are nine tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Define your goals: Before choosing a directory, determine your objectives and what you hope to achieve by listing your business. It could include improving online visibility, driving more traffic to your website, or attracting local customers.
2. Research directory reputation and credibility: Look for directories with a solid reputation and credibility in your industry or local area. Examine reviews, ratings, and testimonials from other businesses using the directory to ensure a positive track record.
3. Consider the directory's audience: Identify whether the directory caters to your target audience, either based on location, industry, or specific customer demographics. Ensure the directory's audience aligns with your target market to maximize the potential for reaching relevant customers.
4. Evaluate directory visibility: Assess the directory's visibility in search engine results. Perform searches related to your industry or location to see if the directory appears prominently. A directory and listing website that ranks well in search results will increase the chances of customers finding your business.
5. Assess the directory's traffic and reach: Look for listing platforms with a large user base and significant traffic. These metrics indicate the directory's popularity and the potential exposure your business may receive by being listed.
6. Check directory features and functionalities: Consider the features and functionalities offered by the listing website. Look for options such as customer reviews, business profile customization, integration with social media, and the ability to add photos and videos. These features can enhance your business listing and attract more customers.
7. Compare pricing and value for money: Evaluate the cost of listing your business on the directory. Consider whether the benefits and exposure gained are worth the investment. Look for directories that offer reasonable pricing plans and ensure you get good value for your money.
8. Analyze customer support: Check what level of customer support the directory provides. Responsive customer support is valuable if you face any issues or need assistance with your listing.
9. Seek recommendations: Ask colleagues, industry peers, or other business owners for recommendations on the best local business directory listing services they have used. Their insights and experiences can help you make a better decision.

These factors will help you select online directories that align with your business goals for better ROIs.

Wrapping Up The Best Business Directory Listing Websites

To improve your local marketing strategy, establish a robust online presence on platforms where potential customers will likely find you.

This approach is vital for increasing your local search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. It increases your chances of being discovered by your target audience and expands your customer base.

Consequently, harness the influence of local business directories and listing websites to engage with your ideal customers and accelerate growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have more questions about business directory listing websites? We provide answers to some additional queries you may have below:

What is an online business directory?

An online business directory is a website that lists and categorizes businesses, providing information such as contact details, location, products or services offered, and customer reviews. It helps users find businesses relevant to their needs.

What is an online business listing website?

An online business listing website is a platform where businesses can list their information, such as name, location, contact details, and services offered. These websites help companies to increase their online presence and reach a wider audience.

What are the differences between online business listings and business directory websites?

Online business directories typically provide a comprehensive list of businesses categorized by industry or location, focusing on providing contact information. On the other hand, business listing websites offer more detailed profiles with additional features like reviews, ratings, and sometimes even the ability to purchase products or services directly.

What are the best local business directory listings websites?

Some of the best websites for business or company directories include Google Business Profile (DA 100), Yelp (DA 94), Bing Places for Business (DA 94), Yellow Pages (DA 86), and LinkedIn Company Directory (DA 98). You will find more in the article.

What is the importance of business directories in SEO?

Business directories are crucial in SEO as they help improve a website's online visibility and local search engine rankings. They provide valuable backlinks and citations, boost local SEO efforts, increase brand exposure and attract targeted traffic. These actions lead to higher conversions and business growth.