Top Local Directories for Local SEO
Citations in local directories (mentions of your name, address and phone) are a major trust signal for Google. Here are the directories to prioritise and the method to manage them effectively.
Why Local Directories Matter
Local directories create citations — mentions of your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) on third-party sites. These citations confirm to Google the existence and legitimacy of your business. The more consistently your information appears on authoritative sources, the higher your local prominence score.
Essential General Directories
- Google Business Profile — the absolute foundation
- Bing Places for Business — Bing represents ~10% of UK searches
- Apple Maps (via Apple Business Connect) — essential for iPhone users
- Yelp — strong for restaurants and retail
- Facebook Business Page — with full address and hours
- Yell.com — UK's leading directory
- Thomson Local, 192.com — secondary UK directories
Industry-Specific Directories
- Restaurants: TripAdvisor, OpenTable, Deliveroo, Just Eat
- Trades: Checkatrade, Rated People, MyBuilder, TrustATrader
- Healthcare: NHS.uk, Doctify, WhatClinic
- Legal: Law Society Find a Solicitor, Solicitors.com
- Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor
Effective Submission Method
- Prepare your standardised listing: exact name, full address, phone, URL, 150-word description, logo and photos
- Check for existing listings before creating — your business may already be listed with incorrect information
- Submit in priority order: Google + Bing first, then industry-specific, then secondary directories
- Keep a tracking spreadsheet with URL of each listing and login credentials
Maintaining NAP Consistency
Consistency is more important than volume. One inconsistency (abbreviated name, old address, different number) can cancel the positive effect of dozens of correct citations. Regularly audit and correct your listings, especially after a move or phone number change.