Most of today’s businesses have likely heard about search engine optimization and have taken steps to try to optimize their web pages. Good search engine optimization is important because it can help to increase your business’s visibility and ranking on Google and other popular search engines.

In addition to global search engine optimization, it is also important for business owners to pay attention to their local SEO. Improving your local SEO can help potential customers to quickly find your business. According to Forbes, 50 percent of people who search for local businesses while using their smartphones visit stores during the same day. One way to increase your local search rankings and your business’s visibility is with local listings. When you list your business in online directories, you increase the chances that your business will be found by consumers, helping to increase your customer base. Ideally, you should try to list your local business in numerous online directories. With each additional listing, you add more people to your potential customer base. Here are 14 directories that you should include when you begin adding online listings for your company.

 

1. Angie’s List

Angie’s List has built its reputation as a highly respected site that offers business reviews that are known for their objectivity. The site has more than three million members who use it to review businesses and to find ones that are rated highly. In order to create your business’s listing on Angie’s List, you can complete the site’s online form.

2. Better Business Bureau

When consumers are trying to decide to whom to give their business, many check the business’s record with the Better Business Bureau. By listing your business and apply for accreditation, you may increase your customer base. The Better Business Bureau reports that 70 percent of customers prefer to do business with companies that are accredited by the BBB. In order to list your business and to apply for accreditation, click here.

3. Bing

Bing Places for Business allows you to increase your business’s visibility by tapping into customers who opt to use Bing instead of Google. Since it is the default search engine that is used by Windows 8, it is also the second-most used behind Google. When you enroll your business, you are able to add photographs, videos and multiple business locations. To list your business, start by clicking here.

4. Citysearch

Citysearch is a very popular mobile app that allows customers to quickly find your business on their smartphones. The company lists a variety of different types of businesses and includes “best of” lists across a variety of categories. Sign your business up on Citysearch here.

5. Facebook

Facebook lets your business go where your customers are. It is important for you to establish a social media presence for your company so that you can interact with your potential customers and increase your brand awareness. You can sign your business up for your local business page by starting here.

6. Foursquare

Foursquare is both a social media site as well as a business directory. When you list your business on Foursquare, customers can leave comments about your business and check in using a map. The site boasts more than 60 million users and can offer your business good exposure. You can sign your business up on Foursquare here.

7. Google My Business

Google is recognized as the most powerful search engine in the world, and it makes sense for you to start by listing your business with it. Google My Business is the search engine’s free listing for businesses. When you list your company on it, consumers will be able to easily find your location on its easy-to-use map. You can add photos and respond to customer reviews. To list your business on Google My Business, start here.

8. Hotfrog

Hotfrog is an online directory that enjoys 1.5 million active visitors each month in more than 38 countries. The directory is detailed, and it allows you to offer coupons for your business. A Hotfrog business listing may also help your business to appear in Google searches. You can sign up for your listing here.

9. LinkedIn

Having a presence on LinkedIn can help to improve your brand awareness and your business’s reputation. This platform is the most recognized site for business networking and can help you to find new employees and customers while also letting you to socialize with other professionals in your field. To create a LinkedIn company page, follow the instructions that are given on this page.

10. Local.com

Local.com is a free online directory that lets people know about different events, activities and businesses in their areas. There are more than 16 million listings for businesses in the U.S. on Local.com. You can list your business for free, but the paid option also allows you to offer coupons and paid advertisements. Sign up your company on this page.

11. Mapquest

While Mapquest has been around for a while, it is still popular with many people. According to the Washington Post, an average of one out of every 20 smartphones has the Mapquest app installed. When you list your business on Mapquest, people can quickly find it on the local map and get directions for getting there. List your business on Mapquest by filling out your information on this page.

12. Whitepages

More than 30 million companies are listed on Whitepages. A straightforward listing service, Whitepages allows you to potentially reach as many as 200 million people in the U.S. and Canada. You can sign up for your listing by starting here.

13. Yelp

Yelp is a terrific resource for both businesses and consumers. This review site is favored by people who are between the ages of 18 and 34, allowing your company to tap into this burgeoning generation. When you list your business on Yelp, you are able to send messages, including deals, to your customers. Enroll your business here to get started on Yelp.

14. YP.com

Before the internet changed how people find businesses, they turned to the Yellow Pages. The company has established an online presence, and millions of people regularly search for companies by searching its online directory. The company offers ads and can give you detailed analyses about how your advertising on its site is performing. Get started with your Yellow Pages listing at this link.

In addition to these listing sites, there are other online directories that you can use to increase the visibility of your business and to build your brand. When you list your local business in online directories, you can help your local SEO so that customers can find you.