Local directories

[ayetti]

I was wondering if there is a comprehensive list somewhere of places I should enter in my business information.  I have done the usual google places, city search, yahoo, and many others.  i have just been cruising for places to enter my information, and I am sure I have missed some.

[JGar-28032]

Hey Ayetti,

There used to be a list in here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. If you're looking for more directories, check out this post by Ross Hudgens:

http://www.rosshudgens.com/do-link-directories-work/

There are many ways that you can go about finding directories yourself, and focus on higher quality types.

[ayetti]

I checked out your link and that pretty much summed it up, it seems as if there are no GREAT directories, it is all about figuring out which one will work for you, and whether my category will actually index.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ayetti,
Josh has given you one resource. I can give you some more.

Here is an excellent article by Myles Anderson at Search Engine Land on the top 50 citation sources for both the USA and UK:

http://searchengineland.com/top-50-citation-sources-for-uk-us-local-businesses-104938

Also, read David Mihm's Local Search Ranking Factors Report from 2011. This is the premiere survey in the Local Search Industry. Good comments and data about citations/directories there:

http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-ranking-factors.shtml

Finally, go to GetListed.org (also a David Mihm product) and go through the process of entering your legal business name and zip code to see what results you get. Then read through the further information on the site about other places to list your business.

You essentially have 2 choices - to do all submissions manually, or, to create your Google Place Page manually and then do a paid submission via either Localeze of Universal Business Listing. If you go the paid route, they submit the business to a ton of directories (can't remember the exact number off the top of my head but it's quite a few). If you do it manually, you have more exact control over where you list yourself and the details you provide on each listing.

Then, beyond the regular local business indexes, there may be important industry-related directories where it would be good for your specific type of business to be listed. Those you will have to hunt for yourself. For example, if your products were Made-in-the-USA, you might want to find some little directories that focus specifically on that.

Hopefully, these resources will be helpful to you. Good luck!
Miriam