While local directories are undeniably important, small business owners often struggle when assessing which sites are worth their time. First and foremost, we recommend ensuring that your business is listed on the following:
- Google Maps (Google My Business listings)
- Apple Maps (Yelp listings)
- Bing Maps (Bing Places listings)
However, there are so many other directories out there that allow you to list your business. Every individual directory that you submit to is another chance to get found online, so it’s important to make sure you’re listed in every directory possible.
Listing your business on these sites can have a positive effect on your place in search engine results. The end result is that customers have an easier time finding you, learning about your company, and purchasing your products and services online. Here’s a list of many popular local directories available on the internet.
Hyperlocal Listing Considerations
Yahoo Local – Yahoo Local lets owners list their businesses for free, but charges extra for premium services and cross-listing across Yahoo’s network. As an added bonus, the directory offers easy-to-use tools for tracking impressions and evaluating overall search performance.
Foursquare – Fifty million people currently use Foursquare, which lets users share information about their favourite businesses online. Unlike some of the other online directories listed, Foursquare lets users check in when they visit businesses and even comment on their experiences via their Twitter accounts. Additionally, businesses can use the mobile app to target and connect with customers on the go.
Manta – Designed with the needs of the small business owner in mind, Manta offers a variety of products including paid ads and a listing manager that lets owners supervise multiple directories from a single location. And with 20 million plus users searching for businesses, there’s a good chance that your website will get some attention. Manta calls itself one of the largest online resources dedicated to small business. “The Manta directory boasts millions of unique visitors every month who search our comprehensive database for individual businesses, industry segments, and geographic-specific listings,” it reports. “[We] deliver helpful news and advice, promotion opportunities, and tools for small businesses.” Registration is lightning-fast and allows for the highlighting of your products along with optimization package options.
MerchantCircle – Along with helping your company enhance its rankings on Google, Bing and Yahoo, MerchantCircle lets owners build out their business listings with coupons, photos, newsletters, event postings and even videos. Further, the MerchantCircle LeadStore provides owners with valuable tips on customers who are actively searching for products and services.
Angi – Featuring extensive feedback and reviews from customers, Angi is a great place for primarily service-based businesses to showcase their offerings. With more than 2 million users, businesses have a strong chance of being found. As an added benefit, reviews are never anonymous, and must be verified by BPA Worldwide’s certification process.
Yellow Pages – This well-organized online version of the Yellow Pages generates millions of daily searches. It offers advertising, lead generation, and detailed ad performance data. Company research from last year points to 70 million visitors across the YP app and YP.com combined, with digital revenues exceeding $1 billion in 2014. The company considers itself “the No. 2 local search destination in the U.S.”
White Pages – White Pages lists some 30 million companies, offering sponsored ad opportunities and a premium text message service for clients.
Local.com – This free directory gives searchers detailed info about events, deals, and info relevant to a given city. Its database includes more than 16 million business listings covering every zip code in the U.S., it reports. Paid ad options allow for coupons and other features. Enroll here.
EZ Local – Accessing business listings is as easy as updating a business’s information on EZ Local. The directory offers enhanced business listings for premium users but the basic free listing still gives local businesses an opportunity to be more visible online. They provide a link to your site and are a credible citation source.
Want more Hyperlocal information? Need some tips on how to Optimize Your Yelp Listing or Why You Should Be on Bing Places. Have you Optimized Your Google Listing? Get Noticed With Hyperlocal Marketing.
