Listing your business in online directories will help your website be found online - not just by people using 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. Get on as many of these as you can - the more the merrier when it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)!
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?
- How well do the directory's results show up in Google or other search engines?
- Can you list your business or services under more than one category?
- How much information can you include? What about pictures or documents?
- 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 own 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?
- Check that links to your website are set as follow (the default) rather than "nofollow" (which means Google won't count them).
Australian business directories
Google Local Business Center
Put your business on the map (literally) by listing it with Google Maps. It's free, and you can add a logo and contact info as well as your business location. This will help people find your business when they search on Google using a location keyword or postcode - very important if you are after local business.
Hot Frog
A curiously named Australian online directory provided by Reed Business Publishing. Add your business for free, with product/service listings. Seems to rank pretty well on search engines.
Clickfind
An Australian business directory and search engine that lets you list products and services as well as business info. These targeted pages can help boost search engine results in Google. All businesses are verified by ABN. Paid listings.
Small Business HQ
More like a business portal, this website is aimed squarely at small business owners and includes resources on starting and running a business, as well as a business directory. Offers a range of paid directory services, with options to upload articles, images and video.
DMOZ
A non-commercial directory, known as the Open Directory Project. It is constructed and maintained by a global community of volunteer editors. 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.
Website Link - Australian Website Directory
Free directory service, quick and easy to list on. Go for it.
Yellow
Once THE source for business information, Yellow Pages is now just another directory. You can get a basic free listing (business name and contact info only) or pay for 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.
Big Roo
Definitely an Aussie site with that name! Free and premium listings available.
Elaroo
Yes, another Aussie site with "roo" in the name. Offers free business listings.
Local Business Guide
An Australian directory with free business listings, plus premium rates for extra features.
Ezy Directory
This directory offers free and premium listings. The design is not particularly "ezy" on the eye though.
A to Z Pages
Australian Business Directory. Not an easy to use website, but 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.
Business.com.au
An Australian business directory (backed by Fairfax Digital) with business listings by category and location. Premium listings and initial free trial.
Best Aussie Online
Add your website or blog to this Australian directory. Free listings, or premium listings for a low annual fee.
Shopseek
An Australian business and website directory, including products and business offers. Free and paid listings.
National Directory
Australian directory with business listings by category and searchable by location. Free listings and option of category sponsorship.
Localised websites and directories
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.
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.
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 in Qld? Get listed in the My Samford business directory (free, or small fee for premium listing).
Directories for designers and creative businesses
The Loop
The Loop is an Australian career network for creative talent. Get your creative portfolio online to promote your design business, reach employers or drive traffic to your website.
Behance Network
An international design network for creative professionals to gain exposure and get hired or promote work. Free, includes link to website and ability to upload many images.