Online Business Directories You Should Be Listed In

Many local businesses rely on gimmicks to draw attention to their business. Unfortunately, this isn't always well-received by consumers. Fortunately, you don't need to go to extreme measures to capture the attention of potential customers. Instead of paying for extravagant billboards and radio ads, you can use online business directories (or two or four) to enhance your listings.

If you're unfamiliar with local SEO, online business directories act as a link between businesses and customers, providing detailed listings.

Statistics prove it: approximately 72% of people who perform local searches visit a store within a 5-mile radius. With proper optimization, you can ensure your listing appears every time someone local searches for your product or service in online directories. This means you have a high probability of prospects coming to your business (but only if you're close enough).

So how do you list your business in local business directories?

How Can Online Business Directories Help Your Business?

If you don't have the reputation of a big brand, then you'll need to turn to other methods to increase your visibility. With online business directories, you can expand your reach by appearing in Google's "snack pack" through your listings.

When you add or claim your business listing to an online directory, it can help your business in several ways.

For example, you can:

• Improve your SEO (the more people click through to your website from your online listings, the better!)

• Increase your visibility (highly rated business listings appear even before organic results)

• Generate qualified traffic to your website through directory listings.

• Increase foot traffic to your physical store with accurate listings.

• Legitimize your business (improve your professional appearance with comprehensive listings)

• Increase your income

• Improve your business reputation (reviews can do wonders!)

Next, let's take a look at ten online local business directories where you should be listed.

Claim a Business Listing in Online Business Directories

It's easy to claim or create your listing in online business directories. They're pretty similar across all platforms.

You must:

• Create a business profile page.

• Select your business type ("Local Business or Location").

• Enter your address (don't worry if you have more than one location. Choose one or your main office).

• Make sure you fill out all the information (business name, description, phone number, hours, categories, etc.).

• Add a photo (logo, photo of your facade or CEO portrait).

• Add your website and social media profiles.

• Claim your listing and it will be published (sometimes after an approval period).

In most cases, you can update the information on your business page by logging in and clicking edit.

Top 10 Online Business Directories

There are over 70 online directories where you can list your business. The more directories your business is listed in, the greater your company's visibility will be. Here's a quick list of 10 online business directories.

1. Google My Business Page

You can add or claim your Google My Business page using a computer or mobile device. The great thing about adding your listing here is that your business will appear on the map of this online directory. This helps local visitors and shoppers find your business when they're out and about searching for nearby businesses like yours on Google Maps, one of the most popular directories. If you need to update the information on your listings, you can follow the steps here.

2. CityLocal101 Business Listing

If you're targeting local customers in the U.S., CityLocal101 is a powerful platform to list your business. It offers free and premium business listings for a wide range of categories, including home services, healthcare, automotive, and more. With its simple interface and strong SEO optimization, CityLocal101 can help your business appear in local search results and attract potential customers near your area.

To get started, you just need to register, fill in your business details (name, phone number, address, working hours, etc.), and submit your listing. Once approved, your business will be visible to thousands of local visitors searching for services like yours. You can also receive and respond to customer reviews, which can boost your online reputation and credibility.

3. Apple Maps Listing

Here's another directory that comes with an excellent map feature. By claiming your business listing on Apple Maps , you can potentially attract more iPhone users to your business. As with most directories, you'll need to verify your business. You'll receive a phone call requesting the code you were given during registration. In about a week, you should see your listing in Apple Maps.

4. Bing Business Directory

Bing is Microsoft's search engine, so it's no surprise that it's one of the most used. But there's a downside to using Bing's business directory : you need a Microsoft account. So, if you don't have one yet, you'll need to create one. This can be a Hotmail, Xbox LIVE, or SkyDrive account. Bing also makes things easier by allowing you to add multiple businesses after completing your first listing.

5. Yelp Business Listing

If you're an established business, you can start by checking to see if there's already a listing for your business on Yelp . If so, you can claim it. If not, you can create one using your smartphone or computer. The steps are simple: add your business details, confirm your email, and submit your business listing. If you need help doing this on your phone, you can follow the instructions here. Then, if you need to make any changes, you can use the tips here.

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6. Business Listing in the Yellow Pages

Out with the old and in with the new. The Yellow Pages has successfully adapted to the digital age, allowing consumers to find businesses not in a cumbersome phone book, but in a digital resource. And now it's accessible to any business owner who wants to use it. Simply register, fill in your business details, claim, verify, and you're done. If you need to update your information, just click "Improve your listing" and change what you need.

7. Business Listing on Angi

Angi (formerly Angie's List) is the perfect place to claim your business listing because it's where many consumers go to share reviews. These reviews help other consumers choose businesses to buy from. So be sure to claim your listing so you can respond to reviewers as needed. Just follow the usual steps, and if you need to make updates, go to "Edit My Profile."

8. Foursquare Business Listing

Of all the online business directories we've mentioned so far, Foursquare is by far the simplest. All you have to do is fill in your name and details, social media accounts, and press save. You will need to verify your business using your phone number. Your business location will then be added and ready for potential customers to view. If you need to make updates, you can use these tips.

9 & 10. Local Business Listings from MapQuest & Yahoo

MapQuest is now owned by Verizon, which is good news since it has a lot of subscribers. And we all know how popular Yahoo is. But the disadvantage (although not major) is that these two directories are not free. You'll need to find a provider that allows you to claim listings in multiple directories (including Yahoo and MapQuest). You can also use these platforms to update your listings.

Attract More Traffic to Your Local Business Local business directories can help your business, whether you're looking for more website traffic or more in-store purchases. By leveraging the power of local SEO, you can list your business on multiple maps so both locals and travelers can find you.