Are you running a business in 2021 or planning to start one? You must be aware of business directories and their benefits for your growing business. To reap the maximum benefits, you need to list your business in the best online business directories. If you are looking for a useful and concise list, you have landed at the right place.
We have developed a habit of searching for answers online, even for the ones that have no answers. Whether it’s about finding your nearest shoe store or managing your mental health, the first instinct is to grab our mobiles and type in the queries.
Search engines display the nearest available service providers with their contact details using the information listed in the online business directories. As a user, business directories are helping us to get in touch with different businesses. For business owners, these are comprehensive platforms that are helping in increasing brand awareness and annual revenues.
Here is a list of the top 20 online business directories to list your business in 2021. These directories are still relevant to boost your SEO efforts and help you manage your online reputation.
1. Google My Business
As per the data gathered in June 2021, Google My Business has a domain authority of 100. If you are familiar with SEO and how it works, you already know that this directory is linked with Google, the granddaddy of search engines. Listing your business here is not only good for your online presence but more of a requirement to kick start your digital marketing strategy.
The best part about this directory is that it is free of cost. All you have to do is make an account on Google and list your business details. Once you have claimed your business and got it verified, your business information is ready to be displayed to the users searching for businesses like yours.
2. Apple Maps
When it comes to domain authority, Apple Maps is the only equal of Google My Business with a score of 100. Apple wants you to improve its database by adding your company to the Apple Maps local business listings. There is a free self-service data entry portal called Apple Maps Connect that helps you add your business without any hassle.
As Apple sharpens its database, you as a business owner get free advertisement. You have to log in with your apple id and password (you have to get one because there is no way around it). Go to Add a New Business Page and select your relationship with the business before adding the details such as location, phone numbers, and names.
3. LinkedIn Company Directory
With a domain authority of 98, LinkedIn Company Directory is one of the most trusted names when it comes to online business directories. It is the best platform to connect with other businesses and customers as well. The company page not only displays the basic contact details but acts as a voice for your company and helps others to learn more about your products, brands, and services. Sign up for LinkedIn and click the work icon to get to Create a Company Page. Select the page type and enter the basic credentials of your business. Create a page and you are good to go.
4. Facebook
Facebook is still among the top 4 with a domain authority of 96. Although the popularity of Facebook has been fluctuating drastically, it is still working well for businesses. Facebook rolled out a new business directory feature in 2018 and there has been no going back.
As you go to the Facebook business directory, you will see the homepage for your city. Make a Facebook business page and your local business gets found in their business directory. With millions of users worldwide, you can rely on this platform to get the word out.
5. Bing Places
This business directory has a domain authority of 93. As adding your business listing is free, you should not miss out on the benefits offered by Bing Places.
Although it is not mandatory, set up a Microsoft account. The process varies for different sizes of businesses. If your business has 1-10 locations, log in to your Bing Places for Business Account. The next step is to go to the Business Search Page and select the business type and country.
Now search for your business name and claim it. If your business is not listed already, select Create New Business and start adding the required details.
6. Yelp
Yelp is a household name when it comes to finding a local business. Go to biz.yelp.com and search for your business to see if it’s already listed there. If it isn’t, click on Add your Business and enter your business information in the provided details.
Any business additions are evaluated by moderators before they can appear in search results for users. Once the business submission is accepted, you will receive an email notification. With a domain authority of 93 and millions of users per month, Yelp is one of the best online business directories operating in the US.
7. Foursquare
Foursquare is often overlooked but with a domain authority of 92, it is a great choice for business owners looking to attract local customers. Foursquare is unique from previously listed directories as it is a mobile-based social network that allows people to check-in at different locations.
If you have a business front with a few customers that use the Foursquare app, chances are that your business is already listed there. If you cannot see your business yet, sign in to your account on Foursquare, go to settings and add a new place now.
8. Better Business Bureau(BBB)
Do you know a majority of your users check BBB ratings before hiring any service provider? That’s because it’s a trusted name with a domain authority of 91. Submitting your business to BBB is pretty simple. You have to visit the official website, find your local chapter, set your location, and search for your business. If it is not listed, fill the one-page form with accurate information about your business and click join. Keep in mind that you don’t have to pay anything to get listed on BBB.
9. MapQuest
It’s a free online web mapping service with a domain authority of 89. MapQuest powers thousands of businesses and is a trusted name in the geospatial industry for more than 20 years. The location-enabled solutions make exceptional experiences for you as well as your users. Visit the Map Quest homepage and claim your business link. Fill in the credentials and choose a plan for your listing.
10. Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages is the online version of those mighty local directories our parents and grandparents used to find any local business. Listing your business in Yellow Pages is still worth your time because it has a domain authority of 88. It is as simple as visiting the official website and claiming your business listing. The basic plan is free and customers can see the basic credentials of your business whereas you can boost your online presence by opting for the premium package.
11. Citylocal Pro
CityLocal Pro is one of the fastest emerging local business directories. Whether you run a roofing business or sell pizzas, the directory is a reliable means to connect you to the local customers. Users trust the listings of CityLocal Pro because each of the business listings is verified before publishing. Registering your business on CityLocal Pro takes only a few minutes and zero dollars. Once verified, you can use this comprehensive platform to manage your online reputation as well.
12. Manta
Manta employs the vast small business directory finder to connect users and businesses. If you haven’t yet listed your company on Manta, it’s time to do so. You will be amazed to know that more than 1000 businesses join Manta every day. If you want to be relevant in the business world and do not want to miss out on your competition, claim your business today. The software uses industry-leading tools to fix your local online listing and meet your business goals.
13. Angie’s List
Angie’s List is a reliable means to build your business profile but you have to pay the price for it. It is one of the most selective platforms and hence adding your business successfully offers a lot of perks. It requires individuals and businesses to create memberships. Your business must be vetted by a review before it appears in the search results. The process is a bit rough and requires patience but the benefits are worth every minute you spend on it.
It is no secret that local customers are the lifeblood of any small business. The best way to reach your local customers is to maintain a stellar reputation among users and credibility on online platforms. Choose the most relevant directories for your business and get to see a significant difference in your website traffic. Here is a list of other trusted directories with their domain authorities.
- Here Maps
- TomTom
- Next Door
- BizCommunity
- JustLanded
- Merchant Circle
- Local
