101 Platforms That Drive Customers to Your Website

by Salam Experts August 21, 2024 in SEO
101 Platforms That Drive Customers to Your Website
Reading Time: 7 minutes

97% of Your Potential Customers Can’t Find You

While you’re spending money on ads and marketing campaigns, your competitors are winning customers simply by showing up in local search results. Most businesses have incomplete or missing local business listings—making them invisible when nearby customers are ready to buy.

The solution?

Optimized local business listings work for you 24/7, capturing high-intent customers at the exact moment they’re searching. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a complete system to start dominating your local market.

This guide was created by the Backlink SEO specialists at Salam Experts—a digital marketing agency with over a decade of proven success helping small businesses, startups, and service providers improve visibility and dominate local search. Inside, you’ll find a clear explanation of business listings and 101 directories you can start with today.

1. What Are Local Business Listings?

Local business listings also known as business citations are online profiles that display essential details about a business, including its name, address, phone number (NAP), website, operating hours, and customer reviews. These listings appear on platforms like Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Yelp, Apple Maps, and dozens of other online directories.

They serve as digital identifiers that help search engines and customers verify your business’s existence and relevance in a specific geographic area. Accurate, consistent listings across trusted platforms increase your chances of appearing in AI/LLM citations, local search results, map packs, and voice search queries.

Salam Experts example: AI citing source for Gainsty info.

2. Why Local Business Listings Matter for SEO

Local business directories are ranking powerhouses. Google, Bing and other search engines including LLMs use listing data to verify your business legitimacy and determine local search rankings.SEO benefits:
  • 85% of local searches lead to phone calls or store visits within 24 hours
  • Consistent NAP data across platforms boosts local ranking signals
  • Quality backlinks from directory sites improve domain authority
  • Review signals directly impact Google My Business rankings
  • Local citations help you outrank competitors in map pack results
Salam Experts legitimacy analysis by AI, citing multiple sources.
Optimized listings = more visibility = more customers walking through your door.
Call to Action

Get Found. Get More Customers.

Salam Experts specializes in local SEO, citation audits, and Google Business Profile optimization to boost your visibility and leads.

Contact us for local SEO

Does it really matter whether the directory provides a do-follow or no-follow link?

In 2025, not so much. Most platforms are focused on controlling spam, and both search engines and large language models (LLMs) have evolved to understand context and verify credibility beyond just link type.

What matters more now is presence and accuracy. Our clients are getting leads from various AI models, not just traditional search engines. That’s why having a strong, well-maintained presence across these directories is essential.

3. 6 Essential Steps to Optimize Your Listings with a Golden Tip

Golden Tip: The key to optimizing these directories is to actively grow and maintain them rather than just creating an account and forgetting about it. These platforms have real audiences, so it’s important to ensure everything is complete, up-to-date, and ready to serve those users.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Listings

  •  Search “[business name] + [city]” to find existing listings
  • Check NAP consistency across all platforms
  • Note incomplete or outdated information
  •  Document review scores and photo quality

Step 2: Standardize Your NAP Data

  • Use identical business name format everywhere 
  • Write address exactly the same way (Street vs St.) 
  • Use consistent phone number format 
  • Match your website’s contact information

Step 3: Optimize Business Descriptions

  •  Include primary local SEO keywords naturally 
  • Mention specific services and service areas
  •  Keep descriptions between 150-300 words
  •  Focus on customer benefits, not features

Step 4: Upload High-Quality Photos

  •  Add 5-10 professional business photos 
  • Include exterior, interior, team, and product shots 
  • Use original images (not stock photos) 
  • Optimize file names with location keywords

Step 5: Encourage Customer Reviews

  • Set up automated review request systems 
  • Respond to all reviews within 24-48 hours 
  • Address negative feedback professionally 
  • Aim for 10+ reviews on major platforms

Step 6: Monitor and Update Regularly

  • Check listings monthly for accuracy 
  • Update hours during holidays or changes 
  • Add new photos and service offerings
  • Track performance metrics consistently

Step 7: Implement Local Schema Markup

  • Add LocalBusiness structured data to your website homepage
  • Include NAP data, business hours, and review markup in the code
  • Use Google’s Rich Results Testing Tool to validate implementation
  • Add Organization schema for consistent brand recognition
  • Update schema whenever you change business information

Quick Win: Businesses with proper schema markup see 30% higher click-through rates from search results.

4. Top 101 Local Business Listing Platforms

DomainDo-Follow/No-FollowAhrefs DRPaid/Free
business.google.comDo-Follow92Free
bingplaces.comNo-Follow82Free
businessconnect.apple.comNo-Follow97Free
facebook.com/businessNo-Follow100Free
yelp.comNo-Follow95Free (with Paid Options)
here.comNo-Follow89Free
yp.comDo-Follow90Free (with Paid Options)
superpages.comNo-Follow85Free (with Paid Options)
birdeye.comNo-Follow85Paid
podium.comNo-Follow81Paid
brandyourself.comNo-Follow76Paid
bark.comNo-Follow87Paid
expertise.comNo-Follow89Free (with Paid Plans)
clutch.coDo-Follow90Free (with Paid Plans)
goodfirms.coDo-Follow86Free (with Paid Plans)
trepup.comNo-Follow76Free
local.botw.orgNo-Follow75Free (with Paid Plans)
akama.comNo-Follow57Free
whitepages.comNo-Follow79Free (with Paid Options)
mapquest.comNo-Follow91Free (with Paid Options)
foursquare.comNo-Follow91Free (with Paid Options)
linkedin.comNo-Follow99Free (with Paid Options)
openstreetmap.orgDo-Follow94Free
tripadvisor.comNo-Follow93Free (with Paid Options)
opentable.comNo-Follow91Free (with Paid Options)
angi.comNo-Follow91Free (with Paid Options)
thumbtack.comNo-Follow90Free (with Paid Options)
houzz.comNo-Follow92Free (with Paid Options)
healthgrades.comNo-Follow87Free (with Paid Options)
avvo.comDo-Follow90Free (with Paid Options)
zillow.comNo-Follow92Free (with Paid Options)
cars.comNo-Follow85Free (with Paid Options)
bbb.orgDo-Follow93Free (with Paid Options)
instagram.comNo-Follow99Free
lii.law.cornell.eduNo-Follow92Free
justia.comDo-Follow90Free
homeadvisor.comNo-Follow91Free (with Paid Options)
care.comNo-Follow83Free (with Paid Options)
archinect.comDo-Follow78Free
porch.comNo-Follow86Free (with Paid Options)
nextdoor.comNo-Follow90Free
merchantcircle.comDo-Follow85Free
citysearch.comNo-Follow82Free
insiderpages.comNo-Follow77Free
local.comNo-Follow78Free
hotfrog.comDo-Follow80Free
dexknows.comNo-Follow79Free
elocal.comNo-Follow77Free (with Paid Options)
trustpilot.comNo-Follow94Free (with Paid Options)
patch.comDo-Follow90Free
hostelworld.comNo-Follow82Free (with Paid Options)
tomtom.comNo-Follow83Free
yplocal.comDo-Follow54Free
chamberofcommerce.comDo-Follow83Free (with Paid Options)
ezlocal.comDo-Follow80Free (with Paid Options)
brownbook.netDo-Follow79Free
2findlocal.comDo-Follow79Free
manta.comDo-Follow87Free (with Paid Options)
webmd.comNo-Follow92Free
viesearch.comDo-Follow73Free
somuch.comDo-Follow64Free
prolinkdirectory.comDo-Follow45Free
cipinet.comDo-Follow44Free
hdvconnect.comDo-Follow29Free
alistdirectory.comDo-Follow51Free
1websdirectory.comDo-Follow33Free
directoryvault.comDo-Follow36Free
ontoplist.comDo-Follow78Free
directoryseo.bizDo-Follow41Free
bedwan.comDo-Follow37Free
nonar.comDo-Follow31Free
ranaf.comDo-Follow31Free
thalesdirectory.comDo-Follow60Free
skoobe.bizDo-Follow33Free
sourcingmap.comNo-Follow41Paid
diytrade.comNo-Follow78Free
ec21.comNo-Follow75Free
ecplaza.netNo-Follow71Free
tradeindia.comNo-Follow88Free
indiamart.comNo-Follow86Free
exportersindia.comNo-Follow84Free
fibre2fashion.comNo-Follow77Free
eworldtrade.comNo-Follow69Free
21food.comNo-Follow73Free
expressbusinessdirectory.comDo-Follow64Paid
dandb.comNo-Follow79Paid
jayde.comNo-Follow59Free
salespider.comNo-Follow71Free
bizwiki.comNo-Follow70Free
bizjournals.comNo-Follow91Paid
f6s.comDo-Follow83Free
zipleaf.comNo-Follow58Free
hub.bizNo-Follow72Free
find-us-here.comNo-Follow74Free
cataloxy.comNo-Follow62Free
profilecanada.comNo-Follow55Paid
bizdb.co.ukNo-Follow52Paid
cylex-uk.co.ukNo-Follow75Free
yalwa.comNo-Follow68Free
localdatabase.comNo-Follow63Free
bizify.co.ukNo-Follow61Free
freeindex.co.ukNo-Follow82Free
agreatertown.comNo-Follow66Free
getfave.comNo-Follow62Free
mylocalservices.comNo-Follow69Free
localbusinessguide.com.auNo-Follow60Free
hispanicbusiness.comNo-Follow67Free
spoke.comNo-Follow73Free
lacartes.comNo-Follow71Free
b2byellowpages.comNo-Follow71Free
place123.netNo-Follow71Free
opendi.comNo-Follow36Free

Disclaimer: Stats are subject to change time to time currently these stats are taken on 02-Aug-2025

 

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • NAP Inconsistencies

    Mistake: Using “123 Main St” on Google but “123 Main Street” on Yelp

    Fix: Create a master NAP document and use it everywhere

  • Duplicate Listings

    Mistake: Multiple profiles for the same business location

    Fix: Claim and merge duplicate listings immediately

  • Ignoring Negative Reviews

    Mistake: Not responding to 1-star reviews

    Fix: Respond professionally within 24 hours with solutions

  • Incomplete Business Information

    Mistake: Missing hours, photos, or service descriptions

    Fix: Fill out 100% of available fields on each platform

  • Keyword Stuffing

    Mistake: “Best pizza restaurant pizza delivery pizza near me”

    Fix: Write naturally while including 1-2 target keywords

  • Set-and-Forget Mentality

    Mistake: Creating listings then never updating them

    Fix: Monthly audits and quarterly optimization reviews

6. How to Track Performance

Key Metrics to Monitor

Visibility Metrics

  • Local search ranking positions
  • Google My Business insights (views, clicks, calls)
  • Directory listing impressions
  • Click-through rates from listings to website

Engagement Metrics

  • Phone calls generated from listings
  • Direction requests and store visits
  • Website traffic from directory referrals
  • Review acquisition rate and average ratings

Conversion Metrics

  • Leads generated from local search
  • Revenue attributed to local listings
  • Cost per acquisition from local channels
  • Customer lifetime value from local customers

Recommended Tracking Tools

Free Options

Paid Solutions

Monthly Reporting Checklist

  • Review count and rating changes
  • NAP consistency across top 10 platforms
  • Local search ranking movements
  • Traffic and conversion data from local sources

For a deeper look at how these tools compare, see this complete guide to SEO reporting tools it covers both free and paid options with use cases.

7. Industry-Specific Strategies

Use identical business name format everywhere • Write address exactly the same way (Street vs St.) • Use consistent phone number format • Match your website’s contact information

Restaurants and Food Services

Focus platforms: Yelp, Google My Business, TripAdvisor, OpenTable
Key tactics:

  •  Upload mouth-watering food photos
  •  Include menu links and pricing information 
  • Respond to all reviews (especially negative ones)
  • Update hours for holidays and special events

Healthcare and Medical

Focus platforms: Angie’s List, Thumbtack, Google My Business, Yelp

  •   Showcase before/after project photos 
  • Include service area maps and emergency hours 
  • Highlight licensing and insurance information 
  • Use local keywords in service descriptions

Home Services (Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical)

Focus platforms: Avvo, Google My Business, Yelp, Martindale-Hubbell
Key tactics:

  •  Emphasize practice areas and years of experience 
  • Include professional headshots and bar admissions 
  • Share client testimonials (with permission) 
  • Optimize for “lawyer near me” searches

Retail and E-commerce

  • Focus platforms: Google My Business, Yelp, Facebook, Yellow Pages
    Key tactics: 
  • Upload product photos and store interior shots 
  • Include inventory information and brand partnerships 
  • Promote sales and special offers in descriptions 
  • Link to online shopping and curation services

8: Integration with Marketing Ecosystem

Your local listings shouldn’t exist in isolation. They’re part of your complete digital marketing strategy.

Social Media Synchronization

  • Ensure NAP consistency between listings and social profiles
  • Use positive reviews as social proof in social media content
  • Cross-promote listing updates across social channels
  • Create social media campaigns to encourage review generation

Content Marketing Alignment

  • Develop blog content around local topics mentioned in listings
  • Create location-specific landing pages that match listing descriptions
  • Repurpose customer reviews into detailed case studies
  • Use listing keywords in your website’s SEO strategy

Paid Advertising Integration

  • Use listing data to inform local PPC campaign targeting
  • Retarget visitors who viewed your listings but didn’t convert
  • Align Google Ads copy with listing descriptions for consistency
  • Use listing performance data to optimize ad spend allocation

Integration ROI: Businesses with integrated listing and marketing strategies see 65% higher local conversion rates.

Conclusion

Local business listings are a powerful way to boost visibility, attract nearby customers, and improve SEO. By optimizing your profiles across key platforms, maintaining consistent NAP details, and actively managing reviews, you set your business up for long-term local success.

 

FAQs

How long does it take to see results from local business listings?
Initial visibility improvements appear within 2-4 weeks. Full SEO benefits typically take 3-6 months as search engines verify information consistency and review signals strengthen.
Should I pay for premium listing features?
Start with free listings first. Upgrade to premium features on your top 3-5 performing platforms once you see consistent lead generation. Focus budget on Google My Business and industry-specific directories.
How many listings do I need to rank well locally?
Minimum: 15-20 consistent listings across major platforms. Optimal: 30-50 listings including niche and local directories. Quality over quantity: 10 fully optimized listings outperform 50 incomplete ones.
What if my business operates from home?
Use a service area business (SAB) setup on Google My Business. Hide your address and focus on service areas. Maintain consistency by using the same address format on all platforms.
How do I handle negative reviews?
Response strategy:
  • Acknowledge the issue within 24 hours
  • Apologize for their experience
  • Offer to resolve the problem offline
  • Keep responses professional and brief
  • Follow up privately to find solutions
Can I use the same description across all platforms?
Avoid duplicate content. Create 3-4 unique descriptions and rotate them across platforms. This prevents search engines from viewing your listings as spam while maintaining consistent messaging.
What's the ROI of local business listings?
Studies show businesses with optimized local listings see:
  • 70% increase in location visits
  • 50% more phone calls from search
  • 25% improvement in local search rankings
  • Average 5:1 return on listing optimization investment
How often should I update my listings?
  • Weekly: Monitor new reviews and respond
  • Monthly: Check NAP consistency and update photos
  • Quarterly: Audit all platforms for accuracy and completeness
  • Immediately: Update hours, contact info, or service changes
Call to Action

Get Found. Get More Customers.

Salam Experts specializes in local SEO, citation audits, and Google Business Profile optimization to boost your visibility and leads.

Contact us for local SEO

Author

  • Salamexperts Author Profile

    We are a digital marketing agency with over 17 years of experience and a proven track record of helping businesses succeed. Our expertise spans businesses of all sizes, enabling them to grow their online presence and connect with new customers effectively. In addition to offering services like consulting, SEO, social media marketing, web design, and web development, we pride ourselves on conducting thorough research on top companies and various industries. We compile this research into actionable insights and share it with our readers, providing valuable information in one convenient place rather than requiring them to visit multiple websites. As a team of passionate and experienced digital marketers, we are committed to helping businesses thrive and empowering our readers with knowledge and strategies for success.

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