The Best Online Local Business Directories & Listing Sites
The Best Online Local Business Directories & Listing Sites For Boosting Local SEO
The launch of a new website is a significant milestone in your business's digital journey. However, once your website is live, the challenge lies in driving traffic to it. One proven (and free!) strategy that often goes unnoticed is listing your website on reputable business directories.
Why List Your Website on Business Directories?
Enhanced SEO - Google's algorithm uses over 200 signals to determine the ranking of websites in search results. Among these signals, Google assesses the relevance, distance, and prominence of a business to decide local search rankings. These factors are affected by the information Google has about a business from across the web, which includes details aggregated from different directories.
Relevance: Listing your business on various directories allows Google to have a better understanding of your business and what services or products you offer. An additional aspect to consider isthe consistency of your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across these directories. Google's algorithm values consistency; if your NAP information is uniform across all directories, Google sees your business as more credible, further improving your local SEO.
Distance: While you can't control the distance between a user and your business, ensuring your business's accurate location data is listed on directories can help Google identify where your business is located and serve it in relevant local searches.
Prominence: This refers to how well-known a business is. Google uses information from across the web including links, articles, and directories to assess this. A business that is listed on several high-quality directories can boost its prominence signal.
Increased Online Visibility - Greater visibility in the digital world is crucial. Business directories amplify your visibility, connecting you to a broader audience. Not only does listing on business directories improve your visibility and customer reach, it also enhances your Google local search rankings by influencing key signals Google uses to assess your business. This makes it an essential element of your online marketing strategy.
Boosted Website Traffic - Greater visibility translates into more traffic. A business directory listing heightens the chances of potential customers discovering and visiting your website.
Credibility and Trust - Listings on well-regarded directories can bolster your credibility and reputation, fostering trust among potential customers.
Customer Reviews - Most directories feature customer reviews, which significantly enhance your business’s reputation and influence purchasing decisions.
Top Business Directories to Consider
Google Business Profile
Formerly known as Google My Business, Google Business Profile is crucial for all businesses, particularly those with a local scope. Google Business Profile directly integrates with Google Search and Google Maps, thus playing a critical role in boosting local SEO. A well-optimized listing can lead to higher rankings in local search results. Create a listing >
Yelp
Yelp is an ideal platform for customer engagement, with a strong reputation for customer reviews and ratings. Yelp allows users to post reviews and ratings, significantly influencing prospective customers. It's also an ideal platform for businesses to demonstrate their customer service by responding to reviews. Create a listing >
Better Business Bureau
A trusted resource in North America, the Better Business Bureau is iconic in the business world. BBB accreditation and a high BBB rating can significantly impact a customer's decision to do business with you. Create a listing >
Foursquare (Global, Strong Presence in the US)
Foursquare is a global platform that provides location-based recommendations. Foursquare's location-based approach makes it highly valuable for brick-and-mortar businesses. Create a listing >
Angi
Angie (formerly Angie's List) is popular for home services businesses and is trusted for its credible listings. Businesses listed on Angie's List are often considered more credible due to the platform's reputation. Create a listing >
Manta
Manta focuses on small businesses, offering tailored services to this particular group. Manta provides helpful digital marketing tools and resources for small businesses. Create a listing >
Yell
YP.com serves primarily businesses and customers within the United States. YP.com's robust search functions and high traffic can give your business increased visibility and credibility. Create a listing >
Glassdoor
Glassdoor provides insights about businesses and allows users to post and read reviews about different companies. Listing your business on Glassdoor can give you access to a broad audience and an opportunity to showcase your business culture and values. Create a listing >
Boost Your Local SEO With Online Directories
Remember, while it can be beneficial to list your business on multiple directories, it's important to manage these listings well. Keep your business information updated, respond to reviews, and engage to make the most of your listings. By leveraging the power of business directories, you can effectively boost your online presence, increase your credibility, and attract more traffic to your new website. What's more, it's totally free!
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Hausman Graphics is a certified Wix Partner and creates stunning websites for businesses in the UK, USA and beyond. If you are looking for a new website, a fresh look for your current website, or are seeking to improve your performance on Google, contact us today and let's get started. Or if you'd like to learn a little more first, read our recent feature in The Drum.