Promoting a local business can be challenging these days. Whether due to oversaturation or complicated search engine algorithms, it’s all too easy to feel like no one is finding your business in local search results.
It’s even more frustrating when you offer great products and services but customers simply can’t find you online.
Local online business directories and business directories can transform your situation and put your business front and center where your potential customers are already looking. As a local SEO specialist at my previous company, I know exactly how to reach your local audience.
In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about creating business listings and why they’re so valuable in the age of social media and other marketing tactics.
Table of contents
What is a business directory?
A business directory is an online list of businesses within a specific niche, location, or category. One way to get local businesses found by online searchers is to be included in business directories.
When you list your business on these directories, you create citations, an important part of a business local marketing strategy.
Nowadays, Google inserts itself between consumer and local business websites more often than ever before.
For proof, look no further than Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), featured snippets and, most importantly, local packs.
Local packs are the top or recommended results that Google shows when users make a location-based query.
The result typically shows three business listings with details such as the business name, customer reviews and ratings, physical location, opening and closing times, and phone number.
You can increase visibility in local packs by listing your local business’s NAP (name, address, phone number) in directories, online business listing sites, and citation sites. Aside from improving your local SEO, these can also improve your search engine rankings since the listings usually point to your website.
But what is a business listing and what does it look like?
What is a business listing?
A business listing is your company’s profile page in an online directory site, which typically includes your company’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). Some business directories allow you to include a link back to your website, an image of your logo, and even a list of your services.
When I was a local SEO specialist, I spent much of my time finding new business listing opportunities, creating citations, and Generate backlinks for our local websites. These links allowed us to rank not only in the local packs but also in the main SERPs.
I have a few tips to help you get the most out of your listing. Make sure your business listing includes the following information once you add it to a directory:
- Consistent napping. If you add or update your business on multiple business listing sites, make sure you include the same business information on each directory. For example, don’t use HubSpot in one listing and HubSpot Marketing in another.
- A link to your website. Backlinks or inbound links are crucial for the domain rating of your business website. I recommend adding a Tracking link at the end of directory URLs to see how much traffic your website specifically receives from the business directories linked to it.
- A company description. Make sure you have a detailed description of your company that reflects your company’s mission, culture and values. Such descriptions can help you target the specific type of customers you serve.
- Multimedia. Give business searchers a visual impression of your company with an image or video of your office, employees, or daily business operations.
Although there are numerous sites with location- and industry-specific business listings, I recommend starting with larger sites and then working your way down to niche directories to promote your local business.
Before I share my list of the best local directories, let’s discuss the methodology I used to select the sites.
How I Chose the Best Online Directories
I created citations for my former company and I can tell you with certainty that there are many, many business directories out there – and not all of them are good.
I used two simple parameters to curate the best business listing sites you can sign up for right now.
Domain valuation
Domain rating is a rating given to websites to show how well they rank on Google based on their backlink profile. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 100. The domain rating is similar to Domain Authority.
The minimum required domain score for the directories on this list was 50. I collected the data from Ahrefs (September 2024), but you can also double-check with your favorite SEO tool.
category
Most of the directories on this list will work for any industry or target market. However, I have some reservations about very popular directories that work for specific industries such as healthcare and real estate.
I included traffic numbers for reference, but I don’t consider them to be the most important factor in deciding where to list your business. Each local citation helps you create consistent references to your NAP information online.
Now let’s go through the best free business directories you can join now.
Free business listings
- Google business profile
- Yellow Pages
- Foursquare
- Better business office
- Supersites
- Hotfrog
- Dealer circle
- EZLocal
- eLocal
- manta
The following business listing sites made the list because they are free and offer an easy process for claiming or creating a profile.
Some online business directories require phone verification or additional steps, but signing up for the following options is easy. These ten business listings are a good starting point before signing up to more industry-specific business listing sites.
1. Google Business Profile
Domain Rating: 92
Monthly organic traffic: 3.5 billion visits
Google business profile (formerly Google My Business) lists you directly in the local pack and Google search results. A Google Business Profile includes your NAP, business hours, services, customer reviews, photos, and more.
Request your free Google business profile.
With over 22 billion daily Google searchesYou would be doing your business a disservice if you don’t create a Google Business Profile.
2. Yellow Pages
Domain rating: 90
Monthly organic traffic: 2.1 million visits
The Yellow Pages are an oldie but a treat and perhaps the best-known local directory. A Yellow Pages listing includes your NAP, parking information, business hours, and customer reviews.
Request your free business listing in the Yellow Pages.
Given that the Yellow Pages has been around for over 25 years, the site has built a reputation that people trust.
3. Foursquare
Domain Rating: 91
Monthly organic traffic: 6.2 million visits
Foursquare is a general online directory for a variety of local business categories. A Foursquare listing includes your NAP, business hours, logo, and customer reviews.
Request your free business listing on Foursquare.
When I was doing citations at my previous company, one of my favorite business listing sites was Foursquare. Adding your online listing is quick, easy and hassle-free and contains all the important information without any fuss.
4. Better business office
Domain Rating: 93
Monthly organic traffic: 7.2 million visits
Better Business Bureau is an online directory site for a variety of local business categories. A Better Business Bureau listing includes your NAP, business history, email address, and website. You can also apply for optional accreditation.
Request your free business listing from BBB.
BBB accreditations add credibility to your listings and help you attract more customers. I also like that BBB allows you to manage customer reviews and resolve complaints.
5. Supersites
Domain Rating: 85
Monthly organic traffic: 60,000 visits
Superpages is a general online directory site for a variety of local business categories. A Superpages listing includes your nap, business hours, and website.
Request your free business listing on Superpages.
The listings here are very detailed. You can pay for targeted ads so your listing reaches the right people at the right time.
6. Hotfrog
Domain Rating: 80
Monthly organic traffic: 6.2k visits
Hotfrog is a general online directory site. A Hotfrog listing includes your NAP, business hours, business description and website.
Request your free business listing from Hotfrog.
Hotfrog’s interface is simple, allowing users to quickly find the companies they are looking for. Hotfrog also gives you valuable insights into how users find your business.
7. Circle of dealers
Domain Rating: 85
Monthly organic traffic: 12.6k visits
Merchant Circle is a general online listing site. A Merchant Circle listing includes your NAP, logo, payment options, business hours, business description, and website.
Request your free business listing from MerchantCircle.
The great thing about Merchant Circle is that you can network with other business owners through listings on the site.
8. EZLocal
Domain Rating: 80
Monthly organic traffic: 8.6k visits
EZLocal is a general online directory for a variety of local business categories. An EZLocal listing includes your NAP, parking information, business hours, and website.
Request your free business listing on EZLocal.
Business listings on EZLocal are often synced with other directories, improving your visibility on search engines like Google and Bing.
9. eLocal
Domain Rating: 77
Monthly organic traffic: 20.1k visits
eLocal is a general local directory. An eLocal listing includes your NAP, business description, website, and payment options.
Request your free business listing from eLocal.
In addition to free listings, you can pay for eLocal to promote your business to potential customers.
10. manta
Domain Rating: 87
Monthly organic traffic: 412,000 visits
A Manta listing includes your NAP, business hours, services, website, business description and social media links. You can also request Manta verification.
Request your free business listing on Manta.
In addition to listing websites, Manta has comprehensive business management software that helps small businesses grow online.
Preferably Online directories for local businesses
When you list your business online, you are not limited to using the free websites mentioned above.
I’ve rounded up the best directories on the Internet to list your business in, whether paid or unpaid (most should be free, though).
In my years as a local SEO and citation builder, I’ve found signing up to most of these relatively easy, but some sites may require additional verification or a wait. The good news is that there is little to no chance of these sites rejecting your listing.
1. Facebook pages
Domain Rating: 100
Monthly organic traffic: 1.7 billion (Facebook.com)
Facebook Pages are one of the best places to list your business online and gain visibility through both organic search and Facebook’s internal search functionality.
A Facebook Page contains both basic NAP information and updates about your business. With 31% of people prefer to use social media for search. You don’t want to neglect your presence there!
Create your free business listing on Facebook Pages.
2. Instagram for Business
Domain Rating: 99
Monthly organic traffic: 1.6 billion (Instagram.com)
Like Facebook, Instagram is also a valuable place to list your business’s NAP information for visibility, local SEO, and social media marketing. An Instagram profile contains your business’s NAP information, photos, and updates that you post directly.
Create your free business listing on Instagram.
3. LinkedIn Business Directory
Domain Rating: 98
Monthly organic traffic: 7.1K
LinkedIn offers a directory of company pages (so-called LinkedIn Pages) in which most companies and businesses can add a profile for free. Like Facebook and Instagram, you can list your NAP and post updates and jobs.
Businesses are listed alphabetically on the business directory landing page. Users can find your business by navigating to “Browse for” and selecting the first letter of your business name.
Create your free business listing on LinkedIn.
You can also post and be found directly from your LinkedIn business account by over 1 billion LinkedIn users.
4. Apple Maps
Domain Rating: 97
Monthly organic traffic: 125,000
If people visit your business in person, it’s always a good idea to add it to navigation apps and services. Apple Maps isn’t technically a business listing site, but it’s still an essential citation. You can now easily get started with Apple’s new Business Connect portal.
Create your free business listing on Apple Maps.
5. Yelp
Domain Rating: 95
Monthly organic traffic: 98 million
Whether you run a restaurant, a local boutique, or a repair shop, Yelp is an invaluable directory for listing your business online. It increases your credibility through customer reviews and ensures further mention of your NAP, business hours, services and more.
Create your free business listing on Yelp.
6. Bing Places
Domain Rating: 82
Monthly organic traffic: 413,000
Bing may not seem as important as Google, but it is still an important quote, especially because some of your customers may use Bing as their primary search engine. In China, for example, where Google is banned, Bing is the primary search engine.
When you add your business to Bing, users can also navigate directly to you using Bing Maps.
Create your free business listing on Bing Places.
7. Angi
Domain Rating: 90
Monthly organic traffic: 4.3 million
Formerly known as Angie’s List, Angi is a valuable reference for home services – from plumbing to landscaping to maintenance and renovation.
Create your free business listing on Angi.
8. Thumbtack
Domain Rating: 90
Monthly organic traffic: 1 million
Thumbtack is another excellent business directory for home renovation and maintenance service providers. Other industries that could add a business listing to Thumbtack include electronics repair specialists and web designers.
Create your free business listing on Thumbtack.
9. Next door
Domain Rating: 90
Monthly organic traffic: 3.8 million
Nextdoor is a neighborhood guide and free online business directory for local businesses of all categories. I especially recommend it if you offer home services or products at a local store.
Create your free business listing on Nextdoor.
10. Zocdoc
Domain Rating: 88
Monthly organic traffic: 2.1 million
Zocdoc is an online directory that allows easy booking of appointments with healthcare specialists. I recommend it if you offer healthcare services.
You can set your availability on the website and receive and manage customer reviews. The only downside is that this site is only available in the United States.
Create your business listing on Zocdoc.
Preferably Business listing websites
These are not all the online directories you can join. Below are some of the best options for businesses in each category.
You will notice that some of them have low organic traffic numbers. Remember: The main benefit of listing your business on business listing sites is that you can create citations with your NAP information.
Even if an online directory only gets a few organic visits per month, that’s okay – the main value is having a listing with your correct name, address, and phone number (NAP).
Don’t worry about updating any of these offers. I never did that when I created quotes. Most people no longer visit online business directories; Instead, they use Google or other popular websites like Yelp.
1. HubSpot Solutions Online Directory
Domain Rating: 93
Monthly organic traffic: 100 visits
HubSpot provides an online directory for marketing and advertising agencies. If you fall into this category, I highly recommend you sign up for free.
Add your free business listing to HubSpot’s solutions directory.
Although traffic here is low, visitors to this directory know exactly what they are looking for.
2. City-Data
Domain Rating: 84
Monthly organic traffic: 730,000
City-Data is a neighborhood forum and online directory covering the entire United States. I like how City-Data provides demographic and statistical data. Here you will find statistics such as median household income and the unemployment rate.
Create your free business listing on City-data.com.
3. Chamber of Commerce
Domain Rating: 82
Monthly organic traffic: 23.8K
The Chamber of Commerce is an online directory with membership and accreditation options. Membership on the Chamber of Commerce website increases the credibility of your business and makes you more attractive to potential customers.
Create your free business listing on ChamberofCommerce.com.
4. Brownbook.net
Domain Rating: 79
Monthly organic traffic: 2.6K
Brownbook.net is an alternative to the Yellow Pages for companies of every category. It’s one of my favorite quotes and it’s very easy to sign up.
With a presence in over 200 countries, a Brownbook listing gives your company global exposure.
Create your free business listing on Brownbook.net.
5. Sales spider
Domain Rating: 70
Monthly organic traffic: 617
Sales Spider is an online business directory with over 80 million companies worldwide. The site’s filtering features allow users to quickly connect with companies that offer the services they want.
Create your free business listing on Sales Spider.
6. Compass.com
Domain Rating: 77
Monthly organic traffic: 844K
Compass is a B2B online business directory that you can also use to respond to public requests for quotations. Kompass supports multiple languages, enabling companies to enter international markets.
Create your business listing on Kompass.com.
7. Storeboard
Domain Rating: 77
Monthly organic traffic: 3.2K
Storeboard is an online business directory with a homepage feed, similar to a social media site. This social media element makes it easier for users to find your business and can potentially increase your reach.
Create your free business listing on Storeboard.
8. eBusiness sites
Domain Rating: 77
Monthly organic traffic: 231
eBusiness sites may have low traffic, but it’s a simple and easy citation to add to your list.
Create your free business listing on eBusinessPages.
9. City squares
Domain Rating: 74
Monthly organic traffic: 27,000
CitySquares is an online business directory with a convenient partner program for companies with multiple locations. You can easily customize your listing and integrate multiple payment methods.
Create your free business listing on City Squares.
10. BOTH
Domain Rating: 74
Monthly organic traffic: 8.1K
Best of the Web (BOTW) is an online business directory with advertising and upgrade options. BOTW analytics can help you optimize your listing and attract more customers.
Create your free business listing on BOTW.
11. Infobel
Domain Rating: 74
Monthly organic traffic: 148,000
Infobel is an EU-based business listing website and a local US directory for businesses of all categories.
Create your free business listing on Infobel.
12. iBegin
Domain Rating: 73
Monthly organic traffic: 4.9K
iBegin is a simple online directory where you can submit your business and blog posts. Listing your website here will increase your chances of appearing in relevant searches in your area.
Create your free business listing on iBegin.
13. Neustar Localeze
Domain Rating: 73
Monthly organic traffic: 69,000
Neustar Localeze is a business listing service that also includes an online directory. This option is paid and signing up can be a little more complicated than other options, but in my opinion it’s still worth it.
Create your business listing on Neustar Localeze.
14. GoLocal247
Domain Rating: 73
Monthly organic traffic: 600
GoLocal247 is an online business directory where you can also place free classified ads. You can easily customize your listing on GoLocal247 so users always receive the most accurate information about your business.
Create your free business listing on GoLocal247.
15. Cybo
Domain Rating: 74
Monthly organic traffic: 660,000
Cybo is a global business listing site for businesses of every category. You can improve customer loyalty because Cybo allows you to interact with customers directly on the website.
Create your free business listing on Cybo.
16. Just landed
Domain Rating: 71
Monthly organic traffic: 5.9K
Just Landed is an online business directory that includes an expat community and classifieds section. If you own a business that caters to this community, be sure to list on Just Landed.
Create your free business listing on Just Landed.
17. Yellow.Location
Domain Rating: 73
Monthly organic traffic: 30,000
Yellow.Place is an alternative to the Yellow Pages with advertising options. The focus is on the accuracy of business listings, which makes the verification process a little more tedious than other business directories.
Create your free business listing on Yellow.Place.
18. Hub.biz
Domain Rating: 72
Monthly organic traffic: 133,000
Hub.biz is an online directory with a text-based “feed” containing updates from local businesses.
Create your free business listing on Hub.biz.
19. Dun & Bradstreet Business Directory
Domain Rating: 79
Monthly organic traffic: 6.9K
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is a well-known online directory with an accreditation option. D&B doesn’t just connect you with potential customers. You can also expand your business opportunities by networking with potential partners and investors.
Create your free business listing with Dun & Bradstreet.
20. Turbify
Domain Rating: 86
Monthly organic traffic: 11.8K
Turbify is a local online listing provider that will give you a free report and list you online. It also offers other tools and services, such as a website builder and domain name registration, that help small businesses succeed.
Create your free business listing on Turbify.
21. n49
Domain Rating: 74
Monthly organic traffic: 3.5K
n49 is a Canada-based directory with a US branch. Signing up is easy and editing your entry is easy via the portal.
Create your free business listing on n49.
22. Cylex USA
Domain Rating: 75
Monthly organic traffic: 25,000
Cylex US is an online directory that offers premium listings and the ability to post special offers. If your business receives a lot of searches, it has a chance of being featured on Cylex’s homepage and getting even more traffic.
Create your free business listing on Cylex.us.
23. Fyple
Domain Rating: 68
Monthly organic traffic: 1.2K
Fyple is a local directory for businesses of every category. It also allows customers to leave reviews.
Create your free business listing on Fyple.
24. Opendi
Domain Rating: 68
Monthly organic traffic: 6.8K
Opendi is a business directory with international branches in Europe and South America. Opendi has a long wait for new entries, but I believe it’s worth submitting.
Create your free business listing on Opendi.us.
25. Show me the place
Domain Rating: 79
Monthly organic traffic: 29.9K
Show Me Local helps businesses improve their local visibility through optimized listings. The site also has tools to run time-sensitive promotions and discounts.
Create your free business listing on Show Me Local.
26. My blueberry
Domain Rating: 64
Monthly organic traffic: 50
My Huckleberry is an online business directory with an online forum and coupon marketplace.
Create your free business listing on My Huckleberry.
27. Bizhwy
Domain Rating: 67
Monthly organic traffic: 284
Bizhwy is a simple online business directory that also allows you to submit a press release. Since traffic is low, I recommend sticking with a free listing.
Create your free business listing on Bizhwy.
28. DirJournal
Domain Rating: 65
Monthly organic traffic: 221
DirJournal is an online business directory that also offers advertising opportunities. Although DirJournal’s traffic is low, the company has a thorough listing review process that ensures only credible listings.
Create your free business listing on Dirjournal.
29. US directory
Domain Rating: 59
Monthly organic traffic: 800
USdirectory.com is a business listing website that provides advertising opportunities. Although it attracts slightly more visitors than DirJournal and Bizhwy, I still recommend sticking with this free entry.
Create your business listing on USdirectory.
30. FindUSlocal
Domain Rating: 61
Monthly organic traffic: 700
FindUSlocal is an online business directory with a feed-like homepage. In addition to listings, the site contains information about local news, concerts and sporting events.
Create your free business listing on FindUSLocal.
31. MapQuest
Domain Rating: 91
Monthly organic traffic: 20 million
MapQuest has a long history as a reputable navigation tool. Like Google Maps and Apple Maps, MapQuest has features that make it easier for shoppers to discover local businesses.
Create your business listing on MapQuest.
32. PennySaver USA
Domain Rating: 57
Monthly organic traffic: 2.9K
PennySaver USA is focused on helping local businesses reach more people – especially those in their area.
Create your free business listing on PennySaver USA.
33. Ailoq
Domain Rating: 66
Monthly organic traffic: 300
Ailoq uses artificial intelligence to help companies improve their marketing efforts. Ailoq’s AI business listings are equipped with self-managed advertising and SEO tools.
Create your free business listing on Ailoq.
34. Tupalo
Domain Rating: 51
Monthly organic traffic: 200
Tupalo allows businesses (particularly in the hospitality industry, such as restaurants, hotels, cafes, nightlife, etc.) to create listings. The site’s social interaction element allows users to recommend companies to others in their network.
Create your business listing on Tupalo.
35. Who are you?
Domain Rating: 73
Monthly organic traffic: 1.8K
Who Do You’s mission is to help users find the best local businesses that meet their needs. In addition to allowing you to create a listing, Who Do You aggregates recommendations shared on social media.
Create your business listing on Who Do You.
36. Good companies
Domain Rating: 85
Monthly organic traffic: 308,000
Good Firms is an excellent option if you offer B2B services. To ensure credibility and reliability, the site’s listings are often ranked based on thorough research.
Create your business listing on Good Firms.
37. Clutch
Domain Rating: 90
Monthly organic traffic: 1.3 million
Clutch is another directory website that lists companies that serve other companies. Using AI, Clutch can quickly match your business with users looking for your services.
Create your free business listing on Clutch.
38. Scoot
Domain Rating: 75
Monthly organic traffic: 29.3K
Scoot is a directory website specifically for business owners in the UK. Scoot is part of the Scoot network, which also includes The Mirror newspaper website (which has millions of readers every day), giving business owners more opportunities to reach more people.
Create your free business listing on Scoot.
39. Zumper
Domain Rating: 76
Monthly organic traffic: 381,000
Zumper is an easy-to-use online directory for real estate companies. You can easily create offers and manage offers and rental applications.
Create your business listing on Zumper.
40. LocalStack
Domain Rating: 67
Monthly organic traffic: 1.5K
LocalStack is an online business directory that allows businesses to create listings so locals can find them. The website ranks business listings based on a social score (calculated from tweets, likes and shares).
Create your business listing on LocalStack.
Benefits of listing your business in local directories
As previously mentioned, the value of listing your business in directories is not the visibility in the directories themselves (although that certainly helps); It’s more about creating quotes with your company information.
Here are some of the benefits of registering your business online. I know it’s a lot of work, but it’s infinitely valuable.
1. Higher rank in local packages.
You’ve seen local packs before – these are groups of local businesses that appear when you do a location-based search, such as: B. “Pizza near me”. Here is an example of a local package for this search in my region:
(Make a mental note to try these restaurants).
By listing your business in local directories, you repeatedly reinforce your business’s NAP information. This constant and consistent record of citations (really make sure your information is consistent!) can improve your chances of ranking higher in Google local packs.
This will increase your visibility and presence in your area, which can lead to more website visits and foot traffic.
2. Get white hat backlinks to your website.
We must not forget the big advantage: backlinks. Most local directories allow you to link to your website and generate traffic from interested users. Some could be No-follow links, but it’s still worth a mention.
Most directories are authoritative websites with high domain authority or domain rating. So by listing your business in these directories, you can indirectly increase your website’s domain authority by getting a “voice” from an authoritative website, so to speak.
In turn, obtaining backlinks or “votes” from directories can improve your search engine rankings and increase your site’s visibility and traffic.
3. Increase company legitimacy.
Creating business listings can also improve your legitimacy. Local directories are trusted sources of information, and being included in these directories can build your company’s credibility and reputation.
Imagine if people searched for my company and the first SERPs were filled with random URLs that happened to contain my company name. It definitely wouldn’t help me look established. But if the SERPs are all filled with listings from directories, users will feel like my business is real and worth their investment.
No matter what, being included in local directories will improve your online reputation and increase your brand visibility.
Before you list your website
I’m sure you’re already excited about generating citations by adding your business to relevant online directories on this list.
In addition to listing your website, you can improve your business visibility by ensuring your The website is fine and optimizing your website for AI-driven search results.
Today, more and more people are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to find answers and deals. Even search engines like Google have started using AI in search results.
To see how well your website appears in these results, use HubSpot’s AI Search Grader.
AI Search Grader helps you gain valuable insights into your brand and identify areas for improvement. You can also compare your performance with your competitors to see what works for your audience.
Rate your brand with us AI search grader And Website Grader today – free.
Add your local business to online directories.
Having a presence where potential customers might find you is crucial to any local marketing plan. Creating citations improves your website visibility and brings SEO benefits.
Get started with SEO, add your local business to some of these business listings and directories today, and watch your business and customer base grow.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2013 and has been updated for completeness.