Listing your business in online directories will increase your chance of being found online - not just by people using the directories, but also by Google and other search engines.
Many directories are paid services, but there are quite a few that offer basic free listings. Before deciding whether to part with your cash for a paid service, take a good luck at what each directory service offers:
- Do they let you list your products and services, or just your business details?
- Can you adjust keyword/link settings to optimise the listing for search engine performance?
- Can you list your business or services under more than one category?
- How much information can you include?
- Who is likely to use the directory, and how is it promoted?
- Do you have to sign up for a set period, or can you try it out first?
- How good is the directory's search engine - are the results accurate?
- Is the site full of adverts that distract from the business listings?
- If they charge for premium services, what do you actually get? Top placings in results, highlighted listings, or other extra features?
Directories you could list on
Here is a list of some directories to consider. It's worth listing your business on as many reputable directories as you can, as it helps with SEO (search engine optimisation), meaning more people will find your website.
Clickfind
An Australian business directory and search engine that lets you list products and services as well as business info. It can even be used as a self-contained mini website, and the extra pages and SEO links will boost search engine results in Google and elsewhere. All businesses are verified by ABN. Paid listings, flat monthly fee.
DMOZ
A non-commercial directory, known as the Open Directory Project. DMOZ describes itself as "the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web. It is constructed and maintained by a vast, global community of volunteer editors." Definitely worth listing on - partly because it's free, but also because its data is often used by other websites and search engines. Note it can take a while (sometimes months) for your listing to appear.
Yellow
Once THE source for business information, Yellow Pages is now just another directory, albeit a big one. You can get a basic free listing (business name and contact info only) or can pay for commercial advertising in print and online.
Startlocal
An Australian search/directory focused on local searching by suburb/postcode. Free business listings (name, business info, service summary, web link).
TrueLocal
Another localised search/directory, owned by News Limited and promoted in local newspapers as well as online. Includes business reviews/ratings. You can get a free listing with business name, details, images, contact info, or pay extra for premium services.
Small Business HQ
More like a business portal, this website is aimed squarely at small business owners and includes many resources on starting and running a business, including a business directory. They offer a range of paid directory services, monthly or annual contract, with options to upload articles, images and video as well as business information.
Big Roo
Definitely an Aussie site with that name! Free and premium listings available.
Elaroo
Yes, another Aussie site with "roo" in the name. Not the most usable website in the world, but they do offer free business listings.
Local Business Guide
Another Australian directory with free business listings, plus premium rates for extra features.
Hot Frog
A curiously named Australian online directory provided by Reed Business Publishing. Add your business for free. Seems to rank pretty well on search engines.
Brisbane Australia
If your business operates in Brisbane, it's worth listing for free on this directory. The website also includes information on visiting and living in Brisbane.
Ezy Directory
This directory offers free and premium listings. The site design is not particularly "ezy" on the eye though...
A to Z Pages
Australian Business Directory. Not a pretty or easy to use website, but once again, you get a free business listing. Every little helps!
OzeBiz
Directory promoting Australian business; list yours for free.
Yahoo 7
You can submit your website URL to help it be found on Yahoo 7 Search.
Gumtree
A community bulletin board that includes a business directory. Gumtree has localised sites in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Tassie. You can post an ad in the business section and renew it regularly; it's free. Takes effort but does seem to rank well.
Google Local Business Center
Put your business on the map (literally) by listing it with Google Maps via the Local Business Center. It's free, and you can add a logo and contact info as well as your business location. It will also help people find your business when they search on Google.
Business.com.au
An Australian business directory (backed by Fairfax Digital) with business listings by category and location. Premium listings and initial free trial.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Business Directory
If your business is based in the Moreton Bay region (northern Brisbane) you can register to be listed in this directory (free).
My Samford Information & Business portal
Based in or around Samford? You can ask to be listed in the My Samford business directory (free, or small fee for premium listing).
Best Aussie Online
Add your website or blog to this Australian directory. Free listings, or premium listings for a low annual fee.