Small businesses can get more exposure by submitting their business to local directories. These directories are a great way to get your business listed in various places, and many of them are free to list your business. You can also add photos, a brief description of your business, and contact information.

A Walkthrough: Where it All Began?

The first business directory was probably the phone book. Phone books were (and still are) a way for people to find businesses in their area that offer the products or services they need. But with the advent of the internet, business directories have taken on a whole new meaning.

Now, there are online business directories that list businesses from all over the world. And while the phone book is still around, more and more people are using the internet to find companies, which is why it’s so essential for small businesses to list themselves in as many online directories as possible.

The Importance of Getting Listed

Whether big or small, businesses should be registered in as many directories as possible for better visibility. Submitting your business to a directory is an easy and effective way to promote your products or services. You can even add photos, a brief description of your business, and contact information on most of these directories.

There are many advantages to having a business listed in a local directory. Let’s have a quick look on what are the different benefits:

Increased brand awareness and reach: When you list your business in a directory, your business name, logo, and contact information are displayed on the directory website. This helps increase brand awareness and reach as people who visit the directory website will be able to see your business listed there.

More traffic to your website: Most online directories provide a link to your website. This helps increase traffic to your website as people who see your listing in the directory will be able to click on the link and visit your website.

Improved search engine ranking: When you list your business in an online directory, you effectively create backlinks to your website. Backlinks are an essential factor in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and can help improve your website’s ranking on search engine results pages.

Greater credibility and trust: When you list your business in a directory, you effectively say that your business is credible and trustworthy. This is because only companies that are legitimate and have something to offer are listed in directories.

Access to new customers: Listing your business in a directory gives you access to new customers who may not have heard of your business before. These customers can be from anywhere globally, which is why online directories are so helpful for companies that want to expand their reach.

10 Local Business Directories You Should Submit Your Business To

If you’re looking for ways to get your small business more exposure, submitting it to local directories is excellent. These directories are a great way to get your business listed in various places, and many of them are free to list your business. You can also add photos, a brief description of your business, and contact information.

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of getting your business listed in a directory let’s look at ten local business directories to which you should submit your business.

1. Google My Business

Google My Business is a free listing service from Google that allows businesses to manage their presence on Google Maps and Search. You can add your business name, address, contact information, hours of operation, category, and more.

Most businesses should be able to list their business on Google My Business without any problems. However, some companies (such as those in the medical and legal industries) may need to verify before their listing is published.

Pros:

1. You can get your business in front of a large audience with little effort.
2. You can control how your business is represented by choosing what information to include.
3. It’s free (or low-cost) advertising.

Cons:

1. You may have to submit your listing to multiple directories.
2. You may have to update your listing information continuously.
3. You may not get much exposure if you’re in a competitive market.

2. Yelp

Yelp is one of the most popular online reviews and local business directories. It has a large audience, and businesses listed on Yelp can get a lot of exposure.

To list your business on Yelp, create a free business account. You’ll be able to add photos, your hours of operation, price range, and other essential details. You can also take advantage of Yelp’s advertising opportunities to get even more exposure for your business.

Pros:

1. You can get your business in front of a large audience.
2. You can add photos, descriptions, and other information to make your listing more informative and attractive.
3. Customers can leave reviews, which can help build trust and credibility.

Cons:

1. You may have to pay to list your business.
2. You may have to update your listing information continuously.
3. You may not get much exposure if you’re in a competitive market.

3. Angie’s List (Angi)

Angie’s List is a directory that allows businesses to list their services and customers to leave reviews. It’s similar to Yelp, but it’s specifically for businesses that provide services, such as home improvement businesses, plumbers, electricians, etc.

To list your business on Angie’s List, you’ll need to create a free account and add your business listing. You can include your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and more.

Pros:

1. You can get your business in front of many people for free.
2. You can add photos, a brief description, and contact information to your listing.
3. You can submit your business to multiple directories.
4. You can improve your local SEO by claiming your business listings on these directories.

Cons:

1. It can take some time to submit your business to all the directories.
2. You may have to resubmit your listing from time to time as directory listings change.
3. Some directories may not be well-maintained, reflecting poorly on your business.

4. Bing Places for Business

Bing Places for Business is a free listing service from Bing that allows businesses to manage their presence on Bing Maps and Search. You can add your business name, address, contact information, hours of operation, category, and more.

Pros:

1. Listing your business in a local directory gives you more exposure and can help attract new customers.
2. Many local directories are free to list in, so it’s a cost-effective way to market your business.
3. You can add photos, a brief description, and contact information to your listing, which helps potential customers learn more about your business.

Cons:

1. You may have to submit your business to multiple directories to get the exposure you desire.
2. Some directories charge a listing fee, so be sure to check before submitting your business.
3. There is no guarantee that your business will be listed in any directory.

5. Manta

Manta is a business directory that allows businesses to list their services and customers to leave reviews. It’s similar to Yelp, but it’s specifically for businesses that provide services, such as home improvement businesses, plumbers, electricians, etc.

If you own a small business, getting listed in online directories can be a great way to get more exposure for your business. And Manta is one of the best directories out there. They offer a free listing for your small business, and you can add photos, a brief description, and contact information. Plus, Manta’s directory is very well-organized, making it easy for customers to find the businesses they’re looking for.

Pros:

1. Manta’s directory is well-organized and easy to use so that customers can find your business efficiently.
2. You can add photos, a brief description, and contact information to your listing.
3. Manta’s directory is one of the most popular online, so that you can get a lot of exposure for your business.

Cons:

1. You’re not in control of the quality of the directory.
2. The directory might not be well-trafficked, which means your business might not get much exposure.
3. You might have to pay a fee to list your business.
4. Some directories are scams, and you could pay for nothing.

6. Whitepages

Whitepages is one of the largest online directories, with over 60 million monthly users. Businesses can create a free listing that includes their business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and more.

Pros:

1. Whitepages is a top-rated directory to get a lot of exposure for your business.
2. You can add a lot of information to your listing, such as your website, hours of operation, and more.
3. Whitepages is a reputable directory, so you don’t have to worry about scams or fake listings.

Cons:

1. You might have to pay a fee to list your business.
2. You’re not in control of the quality of the directory.
3. The directory might not be well-trafficked, which means your business might not get much exposure.

7. Foursquare

Foursquare is a location-based social network that allows users to check-in at businesses and leave tips and reviews. Companies can create a free listing that includes their business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and more.

Pros:

1. You can get your business listed in a variety of places.
2. It’s a great way to get exposure for your business.
3. Many of them are free to list your business.
4. You can add photos, a brief description of your business, and contact information.

Cons:

1. You have to submit your business to each directory individually.
2. You have to keep track of your listing login information for each directory.
3. Some directories require you to verify your listing via mail or phone, which can be a hassle.
4. You may get calls or emails from salespeople trying to sell you additional services.

8. Facebook

Facebook is the world’s largest social network, with over 2 billion monthly users. Businesses can create a free page that includes their business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and more.

Pros:

1. You can get your business in front of a whole new audience.
2. You can improve your SEO with backlinks from high-quality directories.
3. You can increase your chances of being found by potential customers actively searching for businesses like yours.
4. Many local business directories are free to list in, so it’s a great way to get started with marketing your business online.

Cons:

1. Some local business directories can be low quality, hurting your SEO.
2. You might have to pay a listing fee for some more premium directories.
3. It can take some time and effort to submit your business to all the different directories.

9. MerchantCircle

MerchantCircle is designed to help businesses grow by connecting them with local customers and other companies. With over 20 million members, MerchantCircle is one of the largest online directories for small businesses. You can create a free listing on MerchantCircle and add photos, a description of your business, and contact information.

Pros:

1. MerchantCircle has a large member base, so your business will be seen by a lot of people.
2. You can add photos, a description of your business, and contact information to your listing.
3. Listing on MerchantCircle is free.

Cons:

1. MerchantCircle does not offer as many features as some of the other directories on this list.
2. You may receive sales calls from MerchantCircle members.

10. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The Better Business Bureau is an excellent directory for small businesses. Your business will be listed alongside other companies in your area, and you can add photos, a brief description, and contact information. You can also add your hours of operation, payment methods, and products or services offered.

Pros:

1. The BBB is a well-known and respected organization.
2. You can add a lot of information about your business.
3. Your business will be listed alongside other businesses in your area.

Cons:

1. There is a fee to list your business on the BBB website.
2. You have to be an accredited business to list on the BBB website.
3. Some people may not trust businesses that the BBB does not accredit.

How to Create a Successful Listing for Your Business

1. Choose the correct directories: Not all local business directories are created equal. Make sure to choose high-quality, well-established directories.
2. Add as much information as possible: The more information you can add about your business, the better. Include photos, a description of your products or services, and contact information.
3. Verify your listings: Many directories will require you to verify your listing via mail or phone. Be sure to do this as soon as possible to avoid having your listing removed.
4. Keep track of your login information: You will need to keep track of your login information for each directory you list. Store this information in a safe place so you can easily access it when needed.
5. Monitor your listings: Once you’ve created your listings, monitor them regularly. If any of your information changes, update your listing accordingly. This will help ensure that potential customers have the most up-to-date information about your business.

Getting listed in these local business directories is a great way to improve your chances of being found online. First, however, it’s essential to choose the correct directories and create complete and accurate listings.

WowVisible’s local SEO services can help you with both of these tasks. We can research the best directories for your business and create complete and accurate listings. Contact us today to learn more about our local SEO services.

What are some other benefits of listing your business on local directories? Let us know in the comments below!