Business directories are easily one of the most effective marketing tools to use to get your business out there for free and all you need to do is spend some time submitting your information and reap the rewards!
To help you get started, here are some of our recommended free business directories.
Google My Business
1.17 billion people use Google as their go-to search engine and its ranked number 1 in the UK, so it’s where you’ll want to start. You can also take advantage of google maps. When a user is searching for services or a business in your local area, you’ll also pop up. A considerable amount of traffic can be driven to your website just by being in the Google directory listings.
Bing Places
Google’s less popular little sister, but you don’t want to underestimate her. Bing Places for Business enables local business owners to add their listing. Again, helping create a consistent trust signal to make sure that you rank as high as possible for your business and area.
Yelp
Easily confused with Yell but different. Yelp is a social directory that allows customers to review their favourite local places and businesses. It’s a great place for customers to decide whether they want to spend their money with you. It’s ranked in the top 800 most popular websites in the UK, so definitely one you want to choose when submitting your business information.
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Your business may already be listed on here, but it’s good to check if there are any mistakes. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for finding businesses or people, plus it’s ranked in the top 500 websites in the UK, so always worth being on there.
FreeIndex
FreeIndex is one of the most popular UK business directories in the UK with over 250,000 business members, 650,000 customer reviews and over 1.5m registered users. By completing more of your business profile, you can see your listing rank highly within the FreeIndex website.
Cylex UK
Cyclex operate over 30 directories and have more than 1 million visitors per day. Setting up a profile is simple, and features include contact details, website URL, social information, opening hours and much more.
UK Small Business Directory
The UK Small Business Directory offers free business listings and advertising with the option to upgrade your listing for enhanced visibility. With over 280,000 businesses already listed, it's a great directory to be on, especially with more and more people opting to use small businesses rather than run to the big ones.
Hotfrog
Hotfrog is a way to find, book and review services from businesses around the UK. You can add your business details, so they’re easily found by those looking for your particular service in the local area.
Facebook is one of the first contact points for some customers to find out more about a business, including reviews, locations, opening times, and to communicate directly with the company.
Bizify
Bizify is not just a simple listing site, Bizify combines the use of local SEO with the information in business directories and social media accounts to help your company be found by the people who need it the most.
Opening Times
Opening Times fulfils a need that we all have at some point - to find out whether a shop or business is open today. It is a clear and useful service for those searching online for information about companies. They list the current opening times for businesses and include key information about Sunday opening hours, car parks and shopping centres in the local area.
Business Magnet
Join 140,000 members at Business Magnet, which lists thousands of businesses and suppliers in the local area. It makes your own company easier to find by others and also simplifies your own search for other businesses and suppliers.
My Local Services
My Local Services is a business directory with listings rated and reviewed by real people. It’s a great place to have your business featured and to show off great reviews for other customers searching for the services or products you offer.
Next Steps...
Don't forget to update all business directory listings with any changes to your business, especially if you have moved address, changed your contact details or social media accounts.
It's important to keep your details up-to-date which will help with local SEO, but most importantly, it will help a new customer base get in touch with you.