Top 35 Free Business Directories For Your Local Business
Top 35 Free Business Directories For Your Local Business
Top 35 Free Business Directories For Your Local Business
In 2019, having a website for your local business isn't enough on its own.
Your website needs to get found by potential customers, and to do that - you need website content, links and a Google My Business Listing.
In this article, we'll be looking at how you can submit your website to local business directories, which is a great way to get your website noticed by the search engines.
Advantages of Local Business Directories
There are 3 key reasons you want your website to be listed on local directories:
- They're another way for your customers to find you. The directories are they're own search ecosystem, and by being listed on there - you have another avenue to be discovered by your clients.
- Backlinks. They're not as valuable as other types of backlinks, but they do count and add up.
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) listing across the internet. This signals to Google that you're a valid business, as your physical address and phone number appear in multiple online places. It's very important, however, that you have the EXACT same information on all your listings.
Below is a list of 35 business directories in the UK where you can list your local business.
Google My Business
Google My Business - free
If you do nothing else, you should list your business in the Google My Business directory. It's not hard to do, but does require you receiving a postcard from Google (kind of cool, no?) which you then have to upload a pin they send you.
Getting your website to appear in the local maps listing is an easy way to get to the top of the search listings. And the potential to then drive lots of traffic to your website is huge.
Bing Places
Bing Places - free
Less sexy than the top dog, Google, don't underestimate the power of Microsoft’s Bing. Bing Places is a portal where local businesses can add a listing for their business to the Bing search engine.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps - free
You'll need to login with your Apple ID and password – this is required in order to get submitted to Apple Maps. Once logged in, you fill out your details as per the other directories.
Again, this might be a secondary place to appear (after Google maps), but don't underestimate the power of iPhones!
118 Information
118118 - free
This is the online business and address directory of the well-known 118 118 phone help line. It's a bit like being in an online version of the phone book.
Scoot
Scoot - free
Scoot is not just a business directory, but is also part of a wider network. Partners include The Sun, The Mirror, The Independent, Touch Local and others.
What this means is that if you add your business to Scoot, you'll also get listed on their partner websites. Bonus!
Thomson Local
Thomson Local - free
Thomson Local is not only an online directory, it also still has a printed version. The directory features over 1.8 million businesses.
Factual
Central Index
Yellow Pages
Yelp
Yelp is not only a directory but is also a place where customers can review their favourite places and businesses. Yelp has over 40 million reviews and is ranked as one of the top 800 most popular websites in the United Kingdom.
Infobel
Free Index
192
Touch Local
Four Square
Hot Frog
Cylex
Tipped
My Local Services
Mister What
Fyple
Brown Book
Wampit
The Best Of
City Local
City Visitor
Tupalo
I Begin
Opendi
Independent Directory
Touch Local
UK Small Business Directory
1. FAQ Section
No brainer, right?
You'd think so. Here's why...
Every time a new client has a question.
Every time you find yourself answering the same thing over and over.
Add it onto your FAQ page, and send them the link.
Over time this will grow, and become a really valuable resource for your business.
And potential clients who are looking to understand what it means to work with you?
Point them over there as well.
You'll weed out tyre-kickers, and at the same time help to attract your ideal client.
Want a peek at the FAQ section on my website? Here you go.
2. Blog posts (that streamline your processes)
I know, I know.
I said this wasn't going to be another post about writing huge blog posts for SEO purposes.
But what about blog posts to help streamline your working processes?
(Doesn't that sound like it's worth your time?)
It's taking the FAQ section another step further.
For example - what are common questions you get asked by clients?
What are themes that crop over and over again through the process of working with you?
Go into more detail in a blog post, and next time you get asked to explain how something works, or how to do something, you can send your client to the blog post in question.
You can also create a Project Wrap-up pack when finishing up a project. In there, link to the blog posts that are most revelant to that particular project.
That way, the client keeps coming back to your website for ongoing help, keeping you top of mind if they want to refer you, or need your help in the future.
An example? Sure! Here's a blog post I wrote to help my clients take charge of their own website backups.
3. Video content
If you really struggle with writing, then try a different medium!.
I love writing, but I'm also partial to a nice piece of video content.
Love your face? Brilliant! Me too. (love your face, that is.)
Record yourself talking to your camera, and explain something that's going to help your audience out.
Camera shy?
No excuses. Share some sexy slides, talk over them, and you're done.
Video is a such an effective marketing tool, because you can repurpose it in many ways.
Start the video as a Facebook live, then upload it to You Tube.
Then, have a transcription created using a service like Rev – and turn the video into a blog post.
Want another example? OK...go on then.
It's a bit meta because it’s a video about using video to create a simple funnel to get more clients.
Case Studies
Testimonials are a great way to add social proof to your website, and your business.
But they tend to be small snippets that work best sprinkled throughout your website.
Case studies, on the other hand, are more in-depth, and give you a chance to really show the results you have gotten for your clients.
Don’t forget to include a CTA so that they can easily take the next step with you – whether that’s opting in to your email list, or booking a call to talk about working together.
You can see how I use case studies on my website here.
Over to you
Now go and start planning these key pieces of content for you own website.
They don't take long, they're not complicated - but they add a heap of value to your website (and business) in the long run.