Local search continues to be a major SEO topic in 2024. And we don’t expect that to change into 2025 and beyond.
As Google’s search engine algorithms become more sophisticated in evaluating local relevance and authority, registering with multiple local search engine directories not only increases a business’s visibility in local search results but also enhances its credibility through consistent and accurate online citations. In plainer terms: The more you put yourself out there in ways relevant to your consumers, the more the Google gods notice.
And sure, you’ve got Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), still the crème de la crème in the world of directories. Integrating Google Search and Google Maps, the massively impactful directory provides businesses, brands, artists, and organizations with a free listing, along with the capacity for user reviews and ratings that are prominently displayed with your business contact information, a link to your website, and attending map directions.
They use a star-rating for reviews, and showcase three businesses at the top of the local search results or ‘map pack’. In the past, Google used to show more than 3 results, but since they cut it down, it’s even more important to engage in local SEO strategies and robust link building strategies to stake that coveted real estate on the first page.
But what about the world beyond Google Business Profile? How do you capture the top spots in local search results? Making it easy for users to find you is the first step to increasing your online visibility. Although Business Profile is the most popular, there are many other local search directories used daily that capture significant traffic and execute some backlink building as well.
Creating a business listing in these additional search engines can help you attract visitors who may never have become aware of you. In this article, Paul Teitleman SEO Consulting explores a few additional local search directories that you should leverage.
Better Business Bureau
The BBB is a North American-wide consumer group with locations in every state and province, as well as Mexico. It contains over 5 million business reviews and is constantly growing.
Consumers and business owners alike can create a business listing as well as submit reviews. There’s a good chance that if your business has been in existence for a while, it may already be listed in the BBB. If your business is designated as a BBB Accredited Business, your credibility and rating is sure to improve. Registration is free at www.bbb.org.
Superpages
One of the oldest business directories, Superpages continues to function as a valuable resource for SEO local citations. Integrating many of the search features you’re familiar with (maps, directions, ratings, reviews), Superpages is a comprehensive business tool and a trusted business directory.
It often ranks only second to Google in popularity with consumers and draws on listings from traditional sources such as White Pages and Yellow Pages, which they own. You can register or claim your business listing for free here. Keep in mind that Superpages is more popular among users age 65 and over, who are still familiar with the print versions of Yellow Pages.
(And please note: Superpages should not be confused with SuperPages).
CitySearch
Covering all of the United States as well as Canada, the ‘Best of CitySearch’ is a feature that provides user feedback for businesses in the form of polls and reviews. Polling reports for the top 10 businesses in each category are routinely published, which could generate further traffic for you if your website happens to be included.
On CitySearch’s local search directory, consumers can find competitive deals on local dining, night life, health and beauty, shopping and travel. US and Canadian businesses can visit CitySearch to create a free business listing in only a few minutes. Join CitySearch and reach more people searching in your city.
TripAdvisor
Anyone specifically in the travel business should be listed in TripAdvisor.com. Consumers drive much of its content, sharing photos, reviews, feedback and ratings on their travel experiences. If you operate a bed and breakfast, a resort, hotel, luxury transportation, restaurant, or travel agency you can register your business listing for free.
TripAdvisor widgets for your website can be added, which will help you stand out from local competitors without them. TripAdvisor’s popularity and credibility means that positive reviews generated here can have a positive impact on your website ranking.
Angi
A powerful force in the services world, Angi (formerly Angie’s List) provides a platform for consumers to find and review service providers. These services typically fall under home improvement—like maintenance and repair—but they cast a wide net. You can find everything from independent contractors to national plumbing companies, woodworkers, hot tub sales, you name it.
A presence on Angi can significantly enhance credibility and visibility for service providers and trades companies. A well-maintained profile with positive reviews can help you stand tall in your local community. Additionally, Angi offers advertising opportunities and lead generation services for businesses looking to further boost their visibility on the platform.
Merchant Circle
Focused primarily on small businesses, Merchant Circle was founded in 2005 and has been growing ever since. Recognized by search engines as a trusted source for reviews, Merchant Circle provides a free business listing as well as savvy marketing tools, tips and advice for entrepreneurs.
It also serves as a social network for local businesses, connecting local business owners with each other for expert help, advice and support. Their popular deals program connects consumers with popular local businesses and offers a great way to promote yourself to local customers as well as businesses and brands you may share common goals with.
With an international presence in the US, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, MerchantCircle is a local search directory you shouldn’t overlook, especially if you are located in the United States.
Maintaining Your Local Directory Presence
Alongside content marketing for local SEO, maintaining your local directory citations is one of the fundamental tenets of good optimization. These are only a few of the most significant local search directories, but there are dozens of others you can register with, most of them for free. They can include:
- Foursquare
- Trustpilot
- Hotfrog
- EZLocal
- and Manta
Once you’ve listed your business with as many relevant local directories as you can, you’ll need to manage your online presence regularly to ensure your customers enjoy a consistent experience of your brand. And whatever you do, update your listings if you move! Google does not like inconsistent listings, as it signals untrustworthiness and can negatively impact your ranking. Keep it current!
More than that, reply promptly to reviews and inquiries to cultivate a positive customer experience that will drive social engagement with your brand. If you can, research keywords before listing—either on your own or partnered with an SEO expert—to improve search visibility and targeted traffic. And utilize the many free business tools, apps and resources offered by popular local search directories to make the most of your citations and watch the floodgates open. For more local SEO tips, head to our authoritative resource on the topic, linked just to the left there.
