Expand your footprint by leveraging local business listings and aggregators
Local business listing websites increase your organization’s visibility and website visitors -and work toward improving your organic search engine result positioning.
Benefits of listing your business
- Visibility on the business listing website itself
When your business is listed on prominent platforms, potential customers searching for products or services in your niche are more likely to discover you. This increased visibility can significantly boost your online presence. - Relevant backlinks pointing to your website (search engines love this)
Search engines favor websites with quality backlinks. By listing your business on these platforms, you acquire valuable backlinks that increase search engine rankings. - Additional (non-linked) citations referencing your business (loved by search engines as well)
Apart from linked backlinks, business listings provide non-linked citations. Search engines consider these references to your business as a positive signal, further enhancing your online credibility. - Visitors to your website from the business listings
Being featured on business listing websites means potential customers can directly access your website. This can lead to a significant increase in organic traffic and potential conversions.
The top 14 local business listing websites in 2024
- Google Business Profile
Formerly known as Google My Business, is a free tool provided by Google that enables businesses to create and manage their online presence across various Google services including Google Search and Google Maps. - Bing Places
Given Bing’s significant market share, listing your business on Bing Places can expand your reach to users who prefer this search engine. - Yahoo Local
Yahoo’s version of Google Business Profile and Bing Places except that it’s powered by The Yellow Pages. - Apple Maps
Apple Maps is a widely used mapping service, and having your business listed here ensures visibility to Apple device users. - Better Business Bureau
Known for its credibility, BBB listings can instill trust among potential customers, making it a valuable platform for businesses. - Foursquare
Foursquare is not just for checking into locations; it’s a powerful platform for businesses to connect with local audiences. - Google Business Profile
Considering Google’s dominance in search, a well-optimized Google Business Profile is crucial for local businesses. - LinkedIn
For B2B businesses, a presence on LinkedIn can be instrumental in networking and attracting potential clients. - Nextdoor
A hyperlocal platform, Nextdoor is perfect for businesses targeting specific neighborhoods and communities. - Yelp
Yelp remains a go-to platform for users seeking reviews and recommendations. A positive presence here can significantly impact your business. - Alignable
Alignable serves as a community where business owners can connect, share insights, refer each other clients/customers and collaborate. - Clutch
Clutch is known for its reviews and ratings of B2B service providers, including software development companies, marketing agencies and design firms. - UpCity
UpCity focuses on digital marketing services and offers tools and resources for businesses looking to enhance their visibility on the internet. - Thumbtack
Thumbtack is an online platform that connects consumers with local professionals for various services.
Local data aggregators AKA business listing aggregators
Local data aggregators (LDAs) compile and disseminate comprehensive information about local businesses. They gather essential details such as business names, addresses, phone numbers and operating hours.
LDAs then distribute this valuable information to a wide network of third-party sources, including search engines, online directories, mapping services and mobile apps.
The top 4 local business listing aggregators
- Data Axle
A comprehensive data aggregator, Data Axle disseminates business information to various third-party sources, enhancing your overall online visibility. - Foursquare
Besides being a business listing platform, Foursquare serves as a data aggregator, distributing information to diverse online channels. - GPS Networks (Google, TomTom GPS)
Businesses benefit from widespread visibility by having their information distributed through GPS networks like Google and TomTom. - Neustar Localeze
As a trusted name in local search, Neustar Localeze ensures the accurate and widespread distribution of business data.
Local business listing management services
Business listing management companies exist to simplify the process of making sure your business is listed accurately and consistently across all major online directories, search engines and social media platforms. They do this by automating the process of creating, claiming and updating your listings.
- Brightlocal – 120+ directories
- Moz Local – 100+ directories
- Whitespark – 70+ directories
* We are not affiliated with any of the providers above.
Business listing optimization
Optimizing your business listings can help further increase your organization’s organic search authority.
Optimization tips
- Use the same company name, address and phone numbers across all listings (super tip: use the NAP format visible in Google Maps EVERYWHERE)
- Utilize company-branded email addresses for your profile, the same as your domain name
- Keep track of all business listings in a CMS or spreadsheet
- Schedule periodic maintenance updates (i.e. quarterly)
Submitting and maintaining your company profiles on top business listing websites not only improves search result visibility but also drives visitors directly to your website.
Need help with this? Hit us up! We’re Jtree SEO – a boutique SEO company born in Boise, Idaho and grown in Portland, Oregon.
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