What Are Local Business Directories? A Beginner's Guide

What are Local Business Directories?

If we talk about a directory on the computer, it is a location where we store our files and we arrange different directories in a hierarchy. But, an online local business directory is slightly different from the directories/folders on our computer.

A local business directory is a website which stores the information of various business that exist in the local area. For example, if I live in Mumbai and I wanted to find SEO companies which exist in Mumbai, then I must search for different SEO companies that work from the Mumbai. A local business directory of Mumbai can help me in finding the relevant companies.

Through these directories, I will be able to find the companies names, introduction, phone numbers, address and other useful information.

Free or Paid?

There are different types of local business directories. Some are free while some are paid. In a free business directory, you just need to sign up on that directory using an email or social media accounts like Facebook or Google plus. After that, you just need to submit your business details in the relevant fields.

Though most of the business directories are free, a few local business directories are paid as well. In such directories, you might need to pay for different features. For example, a few paid directories may ask for a small payment if you want to list your website address alongside with the business. Some directories might post your website address for free, but they will ask if you want to add a "call to action" button. 

A few directories will even add everything for free but they can ask for the payment to make your business listing appear on the top page as a featured listing. 

So, it is up to you what type of directory you want to choose to list your business.

Business Directories Help in Local SEO?

Many people believe that there are no advantages to using business directories for the SEO. But they failed to realize that business directories are best and must have an opportunity if you are doing the local SEO. 

Here you can find the top 5 benefits of local business directories.

These directories will not only benefit you in the Local SEO and local searches, but you will also get various other advantages like improved visibility, more customers, more reviews, brand awareness, customer's trust and many other.