Major Listing Platforms for Local Visibility
Getting your business found online can be a challenge, especially with so many options for listing and directories out there. But having your business properly listed on the right sites can be a great way to improve local SEO and visibility. I’ll walk through my top recommendations for business listing sites – focusing on the most useful, popular, and free options that every business should strongly consider.
To start, let’s look at the major listing platforms that you absolutely want to be on…
Google My Business – This is the big one. Google My Business listings put your business info right into Google Search and Maps for your local area. Completing and optimizing your GMB listing improves local pack rankings and helps customers find accurate info for your business.
Facebook Business Page – With billions of active users, get your business on Facebook. Create a free Business Page to gain visibility, connect with customers, run ads, and more.
Apple Maps – iOS users rely on Apple Maps, so make sure your business is found here by adding an Apple Maps listing. You can sync this with your GMB listing.
Bing Places – Microsoft’s search engine Bing also provides local listings. Bing Places makes it easy to get set up.
Yelp – The popular reviews site is great for customer visibility and engagement. Claim and manage your free Yelp business page.
Now let’s look at some top specialty and niche listing sites…
Top Specialty and Niche Listing Sites
Thumbtack – Lead generation for local services like contractors, personal services, events, lessons, etc.
Manta – Business directory with a focus on small and medium B2B companies.
Hotfrog – Global business directory with popular profiles.
Foursquare – Restaurant and retail listings with user reviews and tips.
TripAdvisor – Must for hospitality/tourism businesses to manage listings and reviews.
Yellow Pages – The classic directory, still important for local visibility.
Exploring Specialty and Niche Listing Sites
Alignable – Connect local small businesses and build referral networks.
Chamber of Commerce sites – Local chambers often have member directories.
Industry-specific sites – List your business on top directories for your niche.
Local/regional business sites – Find the top local sites for your geography.
Business news site directories – Good way to get media visibility.
Online yellow pages – Sites like YellowPages.com and Superpages.com
Review sites – In addition to Yelp, list on other review sites popular in your geography.
Local newspaper/city guides – Many have free listings for local businesses.
Online business registries – List on sites like Better Business Bureau, Manta, LoopNet, etc.
Trade association directories – If you belong to any trade organizations or associations, list your business on their member directories as well.
Magazine directories – Industry magazines often have listings and directories to submit to.
Domain business directories – Sites related to your domain name or web hosting may offer free listings.
Online menus/ordering platforms – For restaurants, cafes, etc. listing your menus helps customers find your offerings.
Local/regional coupon sites – List your deals and offers to attract customers.
Local job/employment sites – Services like recruitment and staffing can benefit from targeted exposure.
There are so many options! Start with the major platforms, then fill in with industry-specific and local directories relevant for your business. Maintain complete, updated listings and watch new customer discovery add up. Let me know if you need any help getting listed on the top sites for your niche and location!
