
10 Online Directories to Improve Your Local SEO in 2025
Key takeaways
- Online directories are an essential part of local SEO because they improve a business’s visibility, credibility, and ability to attract customers.
- Businesses using directories should ensure consistency in the information they display online, to prevent confusion.
- Popular online directories include Google, Yelp, and Facebook, but there are many others, including those that are industry-specific.
Local SEO involves efforts to improve a business’s visibility in location-specific search results, which is a crucial endeavour for companies that operate locally.
To name just a few, common businesses that rely on local SEO include those providing services like cleaning or plumbing, those with physical premises such as florists or restaurants, healthcare providers like dentists or therapists, fitness centers such as dance schools or martial arts studios, and hospitality offerings like hotels or spas.
There are lots of things these businesses can do to improve their local SEO and attract new customers. They can ensure their Google Business Profile is updated and functioning, create localised content, and earn customer reviews. However, being visible and displaying company information in an online directory is important too. It may even be a secret weapon.
But which directory should you pick? And how can you use them effectively? Let’s dive in:
How do online directories work?
Online directories function as virtual listings where businesses can share key information such as their name, address, phone number, operating hours, website link, and sometimes even custom er reviews. It’s easy for businesses to create accounts, claim or add listings, and provide their details.
Many directories offer paid options for enhanced visibility, analytics, or promoting services to target audiences. We’ll explain later why some businesses should branch out and pay for these. And finally, users may be able to filter results by distance or rating and view an estimated price for the service they require.
Online directories can significantly benefit your local SEO, and business in general, because:
- They afford you greater online visibility.
- Your business is more likely to be discovered through these additional means.
- Search engines pull information from online directories to populate their results.
- Consistent and accurate information on directories signals to search engines that you are legitimate and trustworthy.
- Users who find you this way are more likely to be target customers.
- Directories provide backlinks to your website, which can improve overall SEO.
- Potential customers are more likely to view you as credible if you appear in a reputable directory.
You are more likely to reap these attractive benefits if you choose the right directories and use them effectively.
10 online directories for improved local SEO in 2025
1. Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool for businesses to manage their online presence on Google (including Search and Maps). Once you create a profile, businesses can showcase key details such as their name, address, phone number, website URL, opening hours, and any relevant photos.
GBP allows businesses to engage with customers through features like reviews, posts, and FAQs. It’s especially vital for local SEO, helping businesses appear at the top of the SERPs and Google Maps for relevant searches.
Businesses using GBP can also analyse performance insights, such as search queries and customer interactions, to optimise their presence and better reach their target audience.
If you’re going to create an account with just one online directory, it should be GBP. As the most widely used search engine globally, Google drives the majority of online searches. A GBP listing ensures your business appears in Google Search and Maps, making it the most impactful tool for local visibility. Without it, you risk being invisible to potential customers actively searching for your services.
2. Bing Places for Business
Bing Places for Business is a free platform that allows businesses to create and manage their listings on Bing’s search engine and maps. By adding essential details like name, address, phone number, opening hours, and photos, businesses can enhance their visibility in local search results.
Bing Places supports multi-location businesses, enabling you to manage all your listings from one place. You can expect features like customer reviews, promotions, and the ability to monitor performance insights like views and clicks.
While the information on GBP is manually inputted, Bing will collect data from different sources on the internet to complement what you input, including reviews from sites like Trustpilot.
Though Bing isn’t as popular as Google, being on it will ensure users searching on Bing can find your website – don’t forget that the whole point of online directories is increasing your chances of visibility.
3. Yelp
Yelp remains a popular online directory and review platform despite the growth of Google. It connects users with local businesses across various industries, including restaurants, retail, services, and healthcare. Businesses can create free profiles to share essential details such as their name, address, phone number, opening hours, website URL, and any promotional photos.
Yelp’s robust review system allows customers to rate and provide feedback, helping businesses build credibility and attract more clients. Enhanced paid options, like Yelp Ads, offer increased visibility in search results and on competitors’ pages.
Yelp listings appear high in Google search results and, with millions of active users, it’s still an important platform to be on for improving local SEO performance.
4. Facebook
Facebook serves as both a social media platform and an online directory where businesses can create dedicated Facebook Pages to connect with customers. These pages allow businesses to share key information such as their name, address, phone number, website, operating hours, and services.
Businesses can also post updates, showcase products, and interact with customers through comments, direct messaging, and reviews. Facebook’s features, like the “Check-In” and events, help promote local visibility. Paid advertising options, such as boosted posts or targeted ads, enable businesses to reach specific audiences.
With billions of users globally, Facebook is a powerful tool for local SEO – even if it isn’t exactly a ‘directory’.
5. Trustpilot
Trustpilot is a global review platform that allows businesses to build trust and showcase their reputation through customer reviews. Businesses can claim or create a profile to collect, display, and respond to reviews from customers.
Trustpilot profiles feature details like the business’s name, website, and average star rating. It’s beneficial to be on Trustpilot as reviews contribute to transparency and credibility. Some potential customers will opt for Trustpilot over other directories since reviews are the first thing they want to read when considering a new service.
Trustpilot also offers paid plans for features like detailed analytics, custom review invitations, and integration with marketing tools. Widely recognised in the UK and beyond, it’s a trusted platform for enhancing brand trust.
6. Yell
Formerly Yellow Pages, Yell is another leading online business directory in the UK. It helps businesses connect with local customers by featuring essential details such as name, address, phone number, website, and services.
Yell allows businesses to enhance their profiles with photos, customer reviews, and special offers. Its platform supports paid advertising options for increased visibility in search results. Yell also integrates with search engines like Google and Bing, making it a valuable tool for local SEO.
Despite there being a handful of popular directories out there, Yell remains a go-to resource for millions of users and so should definitely be included in your arsenal.
7. 192.com
192.com is a UK-based online directory that helps users find local businesses, individuals, and services. Known for its extensive database, it provides detailed information, including business contact details, reviews, maps, and even financial performance summaries for some companies.
Businesses can create or claim their listing to ensure accurate and updated information is available to potential customers. 192.com is widely used for local searches and is particularly valued for its integration of public records, offering additional insights to users.
8. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a globally recognised platform for discovering and reviewing travel-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tours.
Businesses can create free profiles to showcase essential details like their name, address, contact information, hours, and services, alongside photos and menus. TripAdvisor’s review system allows customers to rate their experiences, helping businesses build credibility and attract more patrons. Enhanced paid options, such as TripAdvisor Ads and premium listings, increase visibility and provide advanced analytics.
With millions of users worldwide, including the UK, TripAdvisor is a vital tool for businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors to improve their reputation and reach.
9. Checkatrade
Checkatrade is a trusted UK-based online directory specialising in connecting homeowners with vetted and reliable tradespeople, such as plumbers, electricians, builders, and decorators. Tradespeople can create profiles showcasing their qualifications, services, contact details, and photos of completed projects.
Customer reviews and ratings are key features that help businesses build credibility. Checkatrade verifies businesses through background checks, ensuring trustworthiness and quality for users.
Paid membership options provide additional benefits, such as enhanced profile visibility and marketing support. Widely used across the UK, Checkatrade is a valuable platform for tradespeople to attract local customers and grow their reputation in their community.
10.HappyCow
Perhaps a little niche, but HappyCow is a notably unique online directory that’s reached the global stage.
Catering to vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking plant-based dining options, HappyCow helps users discover restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and other businesses offering vegan and vegetarian-friendly menus. Users can apply filters to find places with wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating, and certain cuisines.
Businesses can create profiles to share their name, location, contact information, operating hours, and menu highlights, along with photos and reviews from customers. Users can filter results by dietary preferences, cuisine, and distance. HappyCow also features a mobile app, making it easy to find plant-based options on the go.
Popular worldwide, HappyCow is a go-to resource for promoting ethical and sustainable dining or grocery shopping.
Tips for using directories effectively
To get the most out of online directories, there are some best practices you should follow:
1. Choose the right directories
Focus on directories that are relevant to your industry and audience. For instance, restaurants should prioritise Yelp and TripAdvisor, while tradespeople benefit from platforms like Checkatrade.
If no directory specifically caters to your industry, prioritise broader platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook, which are versatile enough for all business types. These general directories still attract high traffic and will allow you to showcase your offerings effectively.
2. Maintain accurate and consistent information
Consistency is crucial for local SEO. Ensure your business name, address, phone number, website, and operating hours are identical across all directories. Inconsistencies can confuse customers and cause them to take their custom elsewhere.
Discrepancies can also confuse algorithms, weakening your local search rankings and reducing your visibility in map results.
3. Fully complete your profile
A half-finished profile can deter potential customers. Take advantage of all available fields, including descriptions, photos, and services offered. A detailed, professional profile not only informs users but also makes your listing stand out.
4. Prioritise high-quality images
Upload clear, high-resolution images that showcase your products, services, or physical space. Great visuals grab attention and help potential customers envision their experience with your business. Images that are low quality can make your business appear less trustworthy or competent.
5. Leverage customer reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews on your directory profiles as these will build credibility and influence purchasing decisions.
Arguably, reviews are more important on some platforms compared to others. For example, platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor heavily emphasise reviews. Their primary function is to showcase customer feedback, and businesses with high ratings typically receive more visibility and traffic. Plus, on TripAdvisor, rankings in search results are directly influenced by review quantity and quality, making them super important.
Reviews are also more important on the more niche directories like Checkatrade. Since these platforms are founded on trust and credibility within a specific industry, reviews here are often seen as more authoritative and impactful by users.
On platforms like Facebook, reviews contribute to your overall reputation but may not be emphasised as much compared to features like posts, photos, or business updates.
Whatever platform you choose, you should engage with reviews if you receive them. Make sure you always respond to positive reviews with gratitude and address negative ones constructively. This shows professionalism and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
6. Use keywords wisely
Incorporating relevant keywords into your directory profiles will enhance your business’s discoverability in search results.
Use specific, location-based keywords in your business description such as “affordable plumber in Manchester” or “handcrafted furniture in Birmingham”. Avoid keyword stuffing, as this appears spammy and may deter potential customers. Instead, write naturally and focus on highlighting your unique offerings.
7. Take advantage of premium features
Many directories offer paid options for enhanced visibility, analytics, or featured placement. If your budget allows, these tools can provide a competitive edge and better insights into customer behaviour.
Certain businesses are more likely to rely on these premium features, and so shouldn’t scrimp on this expenditure. Local-only or regional companies, such as plumbers or salons, often depend on priority placement to stand out in competitive markets. Brick-and-mortar stores without e‑commerce or a strong online presence should use paid options to get the best chance of attracting local customers.
Final thoughts
By following these tips, you’ll not only optimise your online directory presence but also create a strong foundation for improving customer trust and driving local traffic.
For further assistance with your SEO, marketing, or any website needs, reach out to us here at purpleplanet. We have a whole suite of digital solutions on offer: