If you’re running a small business, especially as a one-man-band, getting your name out there can feel like a constant uphill battle. While focusing on a website and social media presence is crucial, one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your SEO and get more customers is by listing your business on online directories. These directories can help you show up in local search results, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately grow your business.
In this guide, we’ll explain how getting your business listed on directories can improve your SEO ranking, why it’s an essential part of your digital marketing strategy, and how your business number can play a key role in the process.
How Do Online Directories Improve SEO?
You’ve probably heard the term "SEO" a hundred times by now—it stands for Search Engine Optimization, which basically means getting your business to appear higher up in Google search results. But how do online directories help with that?
Here’s how it works:
1. Citations Build Trust with Google
Online directories provide something called citations—these are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. Google looks for these citations when ranking businesses in local search results. The more consistent and reliable your citations are across directories, the more Google trusts that your business is legitimate, which helps boost your ranking.
For example, if you list your business on directories like Yelp, Thomson Local, or Yell.com, and all of those listings match the information on your website, Google sees this consistency as a positive signal.
2. Backlinks from High-Authority Sites
Many directories are considered high-authority websites in Google’s eyes. When you list your business on them, you’re not only getting a citation, but also a backlink—a link that points back to your website. Backlinks from trusted sites help boost your website’s SEO by telling Google that your site is worth ranking higher.
For small businesses, these backlinks can make a big difference, especially if you’re just starting out and trying to compete with larger companies.
3. Boosting Local Search Results
Online directories are particularly useful for boosting your visibility in local searches. When someone in your area is looking for the services you offer—whether they’re searching for a plumber, window cleaner, or mobile hairdresser—Google often pulls information from online directories to show in local search results.
The more directories you’re listed on, the higher your chances of showing up when someone searches for your business or services in your area.
Why a Consistent Business Number Matters
Now that you know why directory listings are so important, let’s talk about the role of your business number in all of this.
1. NAP Consistency for SEO
One of the key factors for successful directory listings is having a consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) across all platforms. If you’re using different phone numbers on different listings—like your personal mobile number on one site and a different number on another—it can confuse Google, making it less likely to rank your business well.
By using a dedicated business number that forwards to your mobile, you ensure that your phone number is consistent across all platforms. This consistency is a positive signal to Google and helps improve your SEO ranking.
2. Professional Appearance
Listing a local business number on directories also makes your business look more professional. Potential customers are more likely to trust a business with a dedicated number over one that just uses a personal mobile. When people see a business number, they assume you’re established and trustworthy, which increases the chances of them choosing your services.
For instance, if you’re listed on a directory and have a professional-looking business number, customers are more likely to call you directly from the directory listing. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when it comes to attracting new clients.
Where to List Your Business
So, where should you list your business to get the most SEO benefit? Here are a few key directories to start with, especially for UK-based small businesses:
- Google My Business: A must-have for any small business (more on this in the next guide).
- Yelp: Popular for reviews and a trusted site in Google’s eyes.
- Thomson Local: A well-known UK directory that’s perfect for local businesses.
- Yell.com: Another major UK business directory.
- FreeIndex: Offers business listings and customer reviews.
- Bing Places for Business: Don’t forget Bing—it’s still used by many people, especially in the UK.
- Trustpilot: Useful for building reviews and adding credibility.
When you list your business on these directories, be sure to provide accurate and consistent information across the board—especially when it comes to your business name, address, and phone number.
Final Thoughts
Listing your business on online directories is a simple, cost-effective way to improve your SEO and get more customers through local searches. But to get the most out of it, you need to ensure that your NAP information—especially your business number—is consistent across all platforms. A dedicated business number helps you maintain that consistency, making it easier for Google to trust and rank your business higher.
By taking the time to list your business in key directories and using a professional business number, you’re not just improving your online visibility—you’re also building trust with potential customers and setting yourself up for long-term success.