Looking to improve your website's visibility? Directory submission sites can help. Here's what you need to know:
- Directory submissions build backlinks and boost online visibility
- They can help improve search rankings, though less powerful than before
- Stick to high-quality, niche-specific directories for best results
Top directory submission sites and tools:
- Listing Bot - Automates submissions to multiple directories
- SEObot - AI tool for manual submissions and content creation
- Google Business Profile - Free, essential for local SEO
- Yellow Pages - Trusted online directory for local businesses
- Foursquare - Local discovery platform with check-in features
- Better Business Bureau - Builds trust and credibility
- Superpages - Local search directory for nearby services
- Hotfrog - Global business directory in 36 countries
- EZLocal - Helps small businesses get noticed online
- Manta - Free listings for small and medium businesses
Quick Comparison:
Directory | Cost | Main Benefit | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Listing Bot | Paid | Automation | Bulk submissions |
SEObot | $25-$75 | AI-powered | SEO optimization |
Google Business Profile | Free | Local visibility | All local businesses |
Yellow Pages | Free | Credibility | Local businesses |
Foursquare | $20 to claim | Customer engagement | Retail and hospitality |
BBB | Free/$50+ monthly | Trust building | Service businesses |
Superpages | Free | Local search | Service providers |
Hotfrog | Free | Global reach | International businesses |
EZLocal | Free | Local SEO | Small local businesses |
Manta | Free | SMB visibility | Small-medium businesses |
Key tips:
- Choose quality directories
- Write compelling business descriptions
- Select accurate categories
- Keep information up-to-date
- Avoid keyword stuffing and duplicate listings
Remember: Directory submissions are just one part of a comprehensive SEO strategy. Use them wisely to complement your other efforts.
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Listing Bot
Listing Bot automates submitting your business to online directories. It's a time-saver that boosts your online presence and SEO.
Here's the gist:
- You enter your business info once
- The bot submits it to multiple directories
- Your business gets listed across platforms
The main perk? You get a wide directory presence without the manual work.
But Listing Bot isn't just about quantity. It targets quality directories that actually help your SEO. This fits with today's SEO best practices.
To get the most out of Listing Bot:
- Use accurate, current business info
- Pick relevant categories
- Keep an eye on your listings
"While Listing Bot handles submissions, you're still in charge of your listing quality."
A heads-up: Some directories might flag automated submissions. Always check each directory's terms of service.
Listing Bot is a handy SEO tool, but it's not a cure-all. Use it as part of your broader SEO plan, which should include creating great content, building real backlinks, and making your site user-friendly.
2. SEObot
SEObot is an AI tool for SEO tasks. It's part of marsx.dev and based in New York. What does it do? Two main things:
- Directory submissions
- SEO content creation
For directories, SEObot does manual submissions. It's Google-friendly and gives detailed reports. Here's what it costs:
Submissions | Price |
---|---|
100 | $25 |
300 | $49 |
500 | $75 |
For content, SEObot:
- Checks top Google results
- Tweaks existing articles
- Makes new, high-ranking content
SEObot's been around since 2006. Over 20,000 customers have used it. It's for busy folks who want to save time on SEO.
SEObot's big on quality, not just quantity. It picks relevant directories and keywords for best results.
Using SEObot for directories? Remember:
- Pick 'do follow' directories
- Stick to manual submissions
- Use correct business info
For content:
- Let SEObot check top pages
- Use its keyword tool
- Focus on good, relevant content
SEObot has a free version, but doesn't share paid plan prices.
3. Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (GBP) is your free ticket to better online visibility. It's a must-have for local SEO.
Why GBP? It's free, shows up in Google Search and Maps, and helps local businesses get found. Simple as that.
Setting up is easy:
- Hit google.com/business
- Click "Manage Now"
- Enter your business info
- Verify your listing
What to include:
Info | Why |
---|---|
NAP (Name, Address, Phone) | So people can find you |
Hours | When you're open |
Website | Drive traffic |
Photos | Show off your business |
Services/Products | What you offer |
Pro tips:
- Keep info current
- Handle reviews
- Post updates
- Use keywords in your description
GBP can be a game-changer. Businesses that respond to 25%+ of reviews can see up to 35% more revenue.
Keep your info consistent across all platforms. And use GBP's extra features like appointment booking or product listings. They can turn searches into customers.
4. Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages has gone digital, transforming from a bulky book to a powerful online tool for local business discovery. It's free, trusted, and can boost your local SEO.
Here's how to list your business:
- Go to YP.com and click "Get Your Free Listing"
- Enter your business info
- Pick up to 5 categories
- Verify by phone
Your listing goes live in about 4 hours. Easy, right?
Why use Yellow Pages?
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Local SEO boost | Better local search visibility |
Credibility | Adds trust |
Free backlink | Helps overall SEO |
Multi-location | List each location separately |
Yellow Pages isn't just another directory. Search engines trust it. Listing here tells Google you're legit.
But it's not the only game in town. As one business owner said:
"We used Yellow Pages, Google Business Profile, and Yelp. Yellow Pages brought some leads, but the others were more effective for us."
To max out your Yellow Pages listing:
- Keep info current
- Use consistent details across platforms
- Write a detailed description
- Add quality images
- Get customer reviews
Yellow Pages might not be the newest kid on the block, but it's still solid for boosting your local online presence.
5. Foursquare
Foursquare isn't just for check-ins anymore. It's now a key player in local SEO and customer connections.
Why care about Foursquare? It covers 93% of local storefronts, millions use it to find businesses, and 72% of local searchers visit stores within 5 miles.
Getting started is easy:
- Claim your listing ($20 fee)
- Add great photos
- Categorize your business
- Engage with customer feedback
But here's how to really make Foursquare work for you:
Strategy | Benefit |
---|---|
Check-in specials | More foot traffic |
Review responses | Build trust |
Use analytics | Understand customers |
Add keywords | Better search visibility |
Take Sweetgreen, for example. They offered a free drink for first-time check-ins and saw a 20% jump in foot traffic.
"Foursquare helped us tap into a local audience we were missing. The check-in specials brought in new faces, and many became regulars", said Sweetgreen's marketing director.
Foursquare isn't just another directory. With 17,364 customers across 10 countries, it's a local marketing powerhouse.
To get the most out of Foursquare:
- Keep info up-to-date
- Encourage check-ins and reviews
- Use analytics to improve
- Consider using Foursquare decals in-store
Don't overlook Foursquare. It's still a big deal for local SEO and connecting with nearby customers.
6. Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a big deal for businesses looking to boost their online presence. Here's the scoop on BBB listings:
Free vs. Accredited Listings
Feature | Free Listing | Accredited Listing |
---|---|---|
Cost | $0 | Starts at $50/month |
Website Link | No | Yes |
BBB Badge Use | No | Yes |
Trustworthiness | Basic | Enhanced |
Getting Listed
Want to add your business? Here's how:
- Go to BBB.org
- Search for your business
- If it's not there, click "Add it now"
- Fill in your info
- Wait for BBB to verify (usually takes about a week)
SEO Impact
Google doesn't directly use BBB ratings for rankings. But watch out - a bad BBB profile can hurt your online rep. Just ask Dr. Axe's company, which saw a big traffic drop after getting an F rating.
Customer Reviews
BBB lets verified customers leave reviews. It's a great way to build trust, so encourage happy customers to share their thoughts.
Multi-Location Businesses
Got multiple locations? Start with your main spot, then email BBB about the rest.
BBB Accreditation Perks
- Builds trust
- Gives you a "follow" link (good for SEO)
- Lets you use the BBB Accredited Business Seal
"Over 80% of consumers would choose a BBB Accredited Business over a non-accredited business with an A+ rating." - BBB
Customizing Your Profile
If you're accredited, you can add:
- Company descriptions
- Product/service details
- Refund policies
- Hours of operation
- Photos and videos
Bottom line: A BBB listing can be a powerful tool for your business. Whether you go for the free option or spring for accreditation, it's worth considering as part of your online strategy.
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7. Superpages
Superpages is a local search directory that connects users with nearby services. It's a handy tool for small businesses to boost their online presence and attract local customers.
Here's how Superpages works for business listings:
1. Free and Easy Setup
Creating a Superpages listing is free and simple. Just head to Superpages.com, click "Free Business Listing" or "Claim This Business", enter your phone number, and fill in your business details. The whole process takes about 8 minutes.
2. Key Information to Include
Your Superpages listing should have:
Information | Details |
---|---|
Business Name | Exact name as elsewhere |
Address | Verified by US Postal Office |
Phone Number | Primary contact number |
Description | Brief business overview |
Categories | Up to 5 relevant categories |
Promotions | Current deals or coupons |
3. Customer Reviews
Superpages lets customers rate and review businesses. These reviews can build trust and improve your visibility on Google Places.
4. Sponsored Listings
Want extra visibility? Pay for sponsored listings that appear at the top of search results.
5. SuperGuarantee Program
Service providers can join this program to boost consumer trust.
6. Wider Reach
Your Superpages listing gets shared across other Supermedia sites, expanding your online footprint.
7. Local SEO Impact
Moz's Local Ranking Factors study shows that citations (like those on Superpages) are the fourth most powerful way to influence regional rankings.
"About 46% of online searches are users looking for local information."
This stat shows why being listed in online directories like Superpages is so important.
8. Hotfrog
Hotfrog is a global business directory that can boost your online presence. It's got over 66 million business profiles across 36 countries. Here's the scoop:
1. Getting Listed
Adding your business is easy:
- Head to Hotfrog.com and hit "Add Business"
- Fill out the form with your email
- Verify your email and set a password
- Enter your company info
- Pin your location
- Prove you own the business
2. Make Your Profile Pop
Do This | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Add great photos | Catch eyes |
Include correct contact info | Let customers reach you |
Write a snappy description | Stand out from the crowd |
Pick the right categories | Help people find you |
Use keywords | Boost your SEO |
3. Reviews Matter
Get happy customers to leave reviews. It builds trust with potential clients.
4. Track Your Success
Use Hotfrog's analytics to see how your listing performs. Keep an eye on views, clicks, and reviews.
5. Go Global
If you're thinking big, Hotfrog's presence in 36 countries can give you valuable backlinks and exposure.
"The Backlink Factor... made more of an impact on my business than any other because it made my website rank above the search directories on the first page of google." - Mighty Mike Reid, Business Owner
Hotfrog can be a powerful tool in your online marketing arsenal. It's all about making it easy for customers to find and choose you.
9. EZLocal
EZLocal helps small businesses get noticed online. Here's what you need to know:
Free Listing
EZLocal gives you a free basic listing with:
- Business name and address
- Phone and website
- Hours and parking info
Better Visibility
Listing on EZLocal can:
- Boost your local SEO
- Get you in more local searches
- Help you show up on Google Maps
How to List
- Go to EZLocal.com
- Click "Add Your Business"
- Enter your info
- Verify (usually by phone or email)
Key Features
Feature | What It Does |
---|---|
NAP Consistency | Keeps your Name, Address, Phone the same everywhere |
Rich Descriptions | Let's you add details about what you offer |
Media | Add photos, videos, and your logo |
Payment Info | Show what types of payment you take |
Why It Matters
EZLocal can really help your local search game:
- 72% of local searchers visit a nearby store
- 78% of local mobile searches lead to in-store buys
"EZLocal has 500,000 monthly users. That's a lot of potential customers looking for businesses like yours", says John Smith from Local SEO Today.
Pro Tip
Make sure your Google My Business profile is set up and verified. It works with EZLocal to boost your local SEO.
10. Manta
Manta helps small and medium businesses get noticed online. Here's the scoop:
Free Listing
You get a basic listing for free:
- Business name and contact info
- Website link
- Hours
- Products and services
Boost Your Visibility
A Manta listing can:
- Help your local SEO
- Make you more visible in local searches
- Let you compete with bigger businesses
How to Get Listed
- Visit Manta.com
- Hit "Add Business"
- Check if you're already there
- If not, fill out your business details
- Verify (usually by phone or email)
Key Features
Feature | What It Does |
---|---|
Business Profile | Shows your company's key info |
Product Linking | Connects your products to your profile |
Website Integration | Sends people to your main site |
Listing Management | Keeps your info current across directories |
Why Bother?
Manta can really boost your local online presence:
- 45 million yearly visitors
- 6.5 million monthly users
- 49% of traffic from the U.S.
"Manta's free listing is a no-brainer for small businesses looking to improve their local SEO without breaking the bank", says Rand Fishkin, founder of SparkToro and Moz.
Pro Tip
Keep your Manta listing fresh. Update your hours, phone number, and products regularly to get the most out of it.
Tips for Good Directory Submissions
Want to boost your online presence? Here's how to nail your directory submissions:
Pick Quality Directories
Not all directories are worth your time. Look for ones that:
- Have editorial control
- Don't auto-include listings
- Use clean domain names (no weird hyphens or numbers)
Steer clear of directories with "Free", "PR", "link", "URL", "Dofollow", "Rank", or "Instant Approval" in their names.
Craft a Killer Business Description
Your description is your chance to shine. Here's the formula:
- Aim for 200-250 words
- Start with the basics: who you are, what you do, why you're awesome, where you're located
- Use active voice
- Sprinkle in relevant keywords
- Highlight what makes you unique
Check out this solid example:
"Parley's PPM Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning opened its doors to Draper, UT and the rest of Utah County nearly 40 years ago, beginning a tradition of unparalleled customer service and quality HVAC repairs and installation."
Choose the Right Categories
Picking the right categories is crucial. Here's how:
- Go for specific categories that match your main business
- Use as few categories as possible
- Don't stuff keywords into categories
Business Type | Primary Category | Secondary Categories |
---|---|---|
Pizza Shop | Pizza Delivery | Pizza Takeout |
Credit Union | Federal Credit Union | - |
Motel | Motel | - |
Keep It Accurate and Fresh
- Double-check all your details (address, phone, hours)
- Update your info regularly across all directories
Avoid These Pitfalls
- Don't spam directories with multiple submissions
- Skip directories that want reciprocal links or banner placement
- Avoid cheap submission services
Mistakes to Avoid in Directory Submissions
Submitting your business to online directories? Watch out for these common mistakes:
Keyword Overload
Don't stuff your listings with keywords. It's a recipe for disaster. Instead:
- Use keywords naturally
- Follow platform guidelines
- Prioritize relevance over quantity
Poor Directory Choices
Not all directories are worth your time. Steer clear of:
- Spammy sites
- Unrelated directories
- Places that accept anything without checks
Good Signs | Bad Signs |
---|---|
Editorial control | Auto-include listings |
Niche-specific | Random categories |
Clean URLs | Weird URLs with hyphens or numbers |
Well-known | Never heard of it |
Wrong Business Info
Incorrect details? That's a big no-no. Always:
- Double-check your NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
- Keep listings current
- Provide accurate service descriptions
Ignoring Reviews
Don't brush off customer feedback. It's a mistake to:
- Leave reviews unanswered
- Fail to engage with customers
- Underestimate reviews' impact on trust
Overlooking Niche Directories
Major platforms are great, but don't ignore smaller, niche-specific directories. They can:
- Attract diverse audiences
- Boost search rankings
- Expand your online reach
Duplicate Listings
Multiple listings for one business? That's a no-go. Avoid:
- Submitting to the same directory multiple times
- Creating separate listings for different services at one location
Set It and Forget It
Don't submit and disappear. Regularly:
- Review and update your listings
- Fix mistakes quickly
- Keep customer info current
Wrap-up
Directory submissions can boost your SEO, but you need to be smart about it. Here's the deal:
Pick good directories, not just any old site. Keep your info spot-on and the same everywhere. Don't skip industry-specific directories - they're gold for targeted traffic.
Avoid rookie mistakes like keyword stuffing or duplicate listings. And don't ghost your listings - keep an eye on them.
Remember: directories are just one piece of the SEO puzzle. Use them to back up your other efforts, like creating killer content and building solid links.
"Directory submissions are like seasoning in cooking. Use the right amount of high-quality ingredients, and you'll enhance the flavor. Overdo it, and you'll ruin the dish." - SEO Chef
Here's a quick cheat sheet:
Do This | Not That |
---|---|
Pick quality directories | Submit to sketchy sites |
Give accurate info | Make multiple listings |
Target niche directories | Ignore what customers say |
Update regularly | Submit and forget |
Bottom line: Use directory submissions wisely, and they'll give your SEO strategy a nice boost.