To succeed in the SEO industry, you must be unique and well-known across reputable websites. One strategy that can help you thrive is directory submission. Although some think doing this is archaic, it’s a robust local SEO listing strategy to build SEO backlinks from reputable directories. Adding your website to online directories can still be an effective way to increase your business exposure and rank high in search engines, especially when utilizing relevant and authoritative directories.
However, there are so many directories to choose from, and it might be challenging to figure out which is best for you. That is why we have selected the best for you so you don’t spend any time doing the research manually. We will explore top directory submission sites and their features, benefits of use, cons, and pricing.
Best 10 Directory Submission Sites List for SEO
Take a Screenshot of each site home page and add it below the site’s name
1. Yelp
Yelp is one of the top directory sites, popular among service-oriented businesses like shops and eateries. Yelp primarily connects clients and local companies using user-generated reviews and suggestions.
Features
- Business performance analytics
- User rankings and reviews
- Search functionality is location-based, which is crucial for local directories.
- Advertising options for increased exposure.
- Mobile app for easy access
Pros
- Yelp fosters high visibility for local searches
- Directly engages with potential clients
- Yelp has a robust mobile presence
- Uses user review to build trust
- Creating a basic listing is completely free
Cons
- Since Yelp uses user reviews, negative reviews can damage your business reputation.
- Some Paid ads are expensive
Pricing
- Basic listing is free on several local directories and various free directory submission sites.
- Paid advertising options start from $150/month, which can significantly boost your visibility in relevant directories.
2. Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages is an online SEO directory site that allows businesses to be found by potential clients through categorized local listings, user ratings, and reviews.
Features
- Search functionality is location-based
- Uses client’s rankings and reviews
- The user interface is mobile-friendly, making it easier to navigate local directories.
- Advertising options for increased exposure.
- Business profile personalization
Pros
- Easy to use
- It has an excellent reputation when it comes to local searches.
- It can be used to reach people in different locations
- Suitable for marketing online and offline
- Your best buddy for creating a local presence.
Cons
- Paid features are costly.
- Younger people think it’s archaic.
Pricing
- Basic listing is free
- Paid options start from $5/month.
3. Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool for local SEO. It allows businesses to appear in local search results and helps them manage their visibility online and across Google.
Features
- Client ratings, reviews, and Q&A section
- Can manage a business profile
- Information on client interactions
- Upload photos for improved engagement
- Messaging feature to interact better with clients
Pros
- Free to use
- Enable direct interaction with clients
- Improved local search visibility
- Increases trust
- It gives you complete knowledge about the behaviors of clients
Cons
- Negative reviews can damage your reputation
- You have limited charge over how listings appear
Pricing
Free
Crunchbase
Crunchbase is a directory submission platform that provides business data, including personnel and acquisitions. It mainly targets small businesses, entrepreneurs, and brands.
Features
- Finance and expenditure tracking
- Audience-generated content engagement
- Brand search functionalities
- Profile performance analytics
Pros
- Increases visibility
- It is a valuable tool for market research, especially when evaluating competitors’ domain authority.
- Brings about opportunities for collaboration
Cons
- Primarily for new businesses and companies that are into tech
- You need to keep updating your profile to remain relevant.
Pricing
- Basic is listing free
- Pro features start from $49/month.
5. AllTop
AllTop is an online news collector that gathers and arranges top stories and blogs from different categories. It also allows businesses to submit their blogs and websites for visibility.
Features
- Well-selected lists of top blogs and stories
- Easy navigation with categories
- Easy-to-use interface
- Shows content to a larger audience
- increases traffic to your website
Pros
- More visibility for blog and website content
- Increases traffic from a top website
- You get the chance to reach your target audience
- You can submit websites for free
- It has a user-friendly interface
Cons
- It can only be used by blogs and websites that are just focused on content
- You need to keep updating your profile to remain relevant.
Pricing
- Free
6. Bing Places for Business
Bing Places business is an online tool that business owners can use to create and maintain their listings on Bing. This will help increase exposure on Bing maps and search results, enhancing your SEO efforts.
Features
- Client reviews and ratings
- Location verification procedure
- Information on client interactions.
- Photo uploads for enhanced listings.
- Capacity to manage several locations
Pros
- Free to use
- Perfect for businesses focused on Bing users.
- Can enhance local SEO.
- Easy-to-use interface
- It is connected with other Bing services.
Cons
- It is not as popular as Google, thereby yielding low traffic.
- It is not the best choice for many other business types.
Pricing
- Free
7. Manta
Manta is focused on helping small businesses increase their visits and connect with prospective clients.
Features
- Free listings
- Client reviews and rankings.
- SEO tools for enhancement.
- Connection opportunities with other businesses.
- Articles and Blog creation tools.
- Business profile personalization.
Pros
- Manta is perfect for small businesses.
- It has a user-friendly interface.
- Basic listing is free.
- Allows business owners to network with other businesses
- Perfect for local SEO
Cons
- Offers limited exposure compared to more extensive submission directories
- It may not draw much traffic.
Pricing
- Basic listing is free.
8. Hotfrog
Hotfrog is an online global business directory that companies can use to list their services and increase their searchability and visibility.
Features
- Business profile creation involving photographs and images
- Client reviews and ratings
- SEO tools for enhancement
- Global reach with local targeting.
- Features for lead generation.
- Capacity to post content and updates.
Pros
- A perfect choice for small and new businesses
- Creating a basic listing is free.
- High exposure in local searches.
- It has an easy-to-use interface.
- Enables interaction using updates.
Cons
- Some listings are not adequately screened.
- The free version has limited features.
Pricing
- Basic listing is free
- Premium listings price varies
9. B2B Yellow Pages
B2B Yellow Pages is a submission directory site that focuses on business-to-business services. It helps businesses network with each other using categorized listings.
Features
- Listings and profiles for business-to-business
- Search by industry and area
- Client reviews and rankings.
- Lead generation features
- Marketing options for increased exposure.
- Business profile personalization.
Pros
- Perfect for B2B networking
- Provides high exposure for business services
- Creating a basic listing is free
- Offers lead generation tools
- It is easy to use and navigate.
Cons
- It is not suitable for B2C businesses as it gives them limited exposure
- Draws a low volume of traffic
Pricing
- Basic listing is free
- Prices for paid options vary
10. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a directory submission site that helps consumers find reliable businesses. BBB allows enterprises to build trust through client reviews and ranking.
Features
- Business rankings and Accreditation
- Client reviews and criticism
- Niche-specific listings.
- Learning resources for clients and businesses
- Client feedback tools
Pros
- Increases credibility and trust in business
- Creates higher visibility search results.
- Allows you to respond to complaints from clients
- Basic listing is free
- Better Business Bureau is well-known and respected by customers.
Cons
- Better Business Bureau requires specific criteria and fees for accreditation.
- Negative reviews can damage the reputation of your business.
Pricing
Basic listing is free. Accreditation fees depend on the business type and where the business is located.
A table showing the top 10 directory sites, their recommendations, and overall ratings
| Directory Site | Recommendations | Overall Ratings |
| Yelp | Ideal for local business | 4.5/5 |
| Yellow Pages | Best for reaching a large number of target audience in different areas | 4.4/5 |
| Google My Business | Good for local SEO and exposure on Google. | 4.7/5 |
| Crunchbase | It is good for new businesses and tech companies looking to get exposure | 4.4/5 |
| AllTop | Best for blogs | 4.5/5 |
| Bing Places | Best for businesses focused on attracting Bing users | 4.2/5 |
| Manta | Best for small businesses | 4.4/5 |
| Hotfrog | Good for startups and small businesses looking to reach a large target audience | 4.5/5 |
| B2B Yellow Pages | Perfect for B2B connections and visibility | 4.4/5 |
| Better Business Bureau | Best for building brand client trust | 4.4/5 |
Conclusion
While directory site submissions are not the only tools you can use to level up your SEO, they are still important to increase your online presence, draw more visitors, and build trust with prospective clients. All you need to do is make use of the right ones.
Since each directory has its advantages, we advise you to choose the ones that best suit your industry. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of directory submission sites.
FAQs
1. Why are directory submission sites important for SEO?
Directory submission increases exposure in search results, attracts traffic from users looking for your products or services, and builds backlinks to your website.
2. Are all directory submission sites suitable for SEO?
Not all directory submission sites are beneficial for SEO. Good-quality industry-specific directories are better than poor-quality ones. It is better to go for sites with good reputations.
3. How do I choose the correct directory submission site?
Choose directories that best suit your needs and industry. Ensure the site is credible and has a strong online presence.
4. Is directory submission free?
Most directory sites offer free basic listings just as forum backlinks; some may charge you if you want to use their premium features or advert options. Ensure you go through the price structure before submitting.
5. How frequently should my directory listings be updated?
It is best to update your listings frequently to ensure all information is correct. We created a post to guide you about local SEO listings.
