Increase your website traffic?
Written by: Benjamin Paine
Managing Director at Digital Nomads HQ
Why trust Digital Nomads HQ?
Digital Nomads HQ is continually recognised as a leading agency & industry "thought-leader" in the digital marketing segment. Known for our expert insight, industry data, and new innovative finding within the Digital Marketing industry. Our agency is frequently cited as a trusted source of credible marketing information, demonstrating the value and impact of our work in shaping industry standards and practices.
Are you running a local business in Australia? Taking the route of going after local directory links will have a positive impact on your business and your business Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
Of course, it is important to note that while listing your business on Australian directories is an important SEO consideration, only these directories will most likely not allow you to rank for super competitive keywords. With that being said, these directory links usually don’t cost anything and are easy to create.
In our guide, we’ll walk you through the best Australian business directories. But first, we’ll discuss what local directories are and whether it would be beneficial for you to hop on this strategy.
What Is a Local Directory?
In simple terms, a local directory is an online listing service where businesses can register to improve their visibility to customers within a specific geographical area. These directories are often categorised by industry and location, making it easier for local customers to find relevant services. Local directories help businesses address problems like low local search rankings, limited online visibility, and difficulty in reaching nearby customers.
If you want to do the following, local directories are your next go-to:
- Do you want your local business to rank on Google?
- Do you have a newish (3 – 6 months) website that doesn’t show up on Google?
- Do you want to show up on Google Maps results?
If you answered yes to these questions, take a look at our top Australian directories to start improving your SEO!
Top 20 Australian Directories in 2024
- yellowpages.com.au
- yelp.com.au
- aussieweb.com.au
- hotfrog.com.au
- truelocal.com.au
- businesslistings.net.au
- wordofmouth.com.au
- australiaonlineadvertising.com.au
- australianplanet.com
- savvysme.com.au
- localsearch.com.au
- startlocal.com.au
- misterwhat-au.com
- superpages.com.au
- fyple.biz
- pinkpages.com.au
- au.showmelocal.com
- cylex-australia.com
- au.enrollbusiness.com
- searchfrog.com.au
Recommended Read: How Much Does SEO Cost in Australia?
Listing Your Business on Local Directories: 3 Considerations
Now that you have our complete list of recommended local directories, it wouldn’t help much if you don’t know how actually to get your business listed there. Follow our three steps listed below to make sure you experience a smooth sailing process!
1. Prepare Your Business Information
Gather all important business details in one place to streamline your directory submissions. By organising the following information, you’ll save time and ensure consistency:
- Business Titles: Create 2-3 variations to use across directories – Keep the business name and NAP information the same. Here, you can add varying local keywords or slogans after your business name to add keyword relevancy. However, some directories may only require a business name, and others may ask for a business name + slogan, so be sure to follow instructions for a higher acceptance rate carefully.
- Submission and Contact Emails: Use a dedicated email for submissions to manage communications.
- Business Contact Details: Include your business phone number, physical address, and social media links.
- Business Descriptions: Write 2-3 unique, concise descriptions (150-200 words each) to fit directory requirements and help avoid duplicate content issues.
- Visuals: Prepare a high-quality square logo (300px is optimal) and 3-5 images representing your business.
- Business Identification: In Australia, including your ABN is often required.
Note: By having these ready, you’ll avoid the hassle of gathering them repeatedly and reduce the chance of errors across listings.
2. Choose the Right Directory Submission Approach
While automated tools for submitting to multiple directories sound appealing they often fall short. Directory fields vary, and automated submissions may leave out information or fail (a more effective approach would be a semi-automated one). Use your browser’s autofill settings to speed up the form-filling process and then review each listing manually – This hybrid approach ensures accuracy and allows you to customise fields specific to each directory.
3. Follow Directory Submission Tips
To get the most from your submissions, consider these tips:
- Check for Duplicate Listings: Before submitting, search each directory by business name and phone number to avoid duplicate entries.
- Use Consistent Login Information: Keep a record of usernames and passwords to streamline any future updates.
- Complete All Fields: Fill in every available field to enhance the listing’s visibility and authority.
- Rotate Titles and Descriptions: Slightly vary titles and descriptions to create unique entries across directories (while, of course, keeping your business name the same).
- Expect Follow-Up Emails and Calls: Many directories send confirmation emails and may follow up with sales calls. Keep an eye out for verification emails immediately and up to a week after submitting.
Don't Go in Alone
You don’t have to manage your local presence alone. If you’d like us, Digital Nomads HQ – also a local Australian business, to manage this for you or any of your other digital marketing needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Regularly Update My Business Listings on Local Directories?
Yes, periodically reviewing and updating your business listings on local directories is beneficial. Regular updates allow you to add new details like social media links, improve top-performing listings with fresh content, and ensure consistency across platforms. Revisiting your listings also gives you a chance to explore additional quality directories that may have come up.
How to Keep Track of the Directories Where My Business Is Listed?
To keep track of the directories where your business is listed, create a spreadsheet including links, contact information, login credentials, and listing content. Verify your listings at least once a year to ensure that your business information remains accurate and up to date. Additionally, regularly monitor reviews and ratings on each directory, respond to feedback or questions, and update your listings whenever there are changes or new information to add.
Are Some Local Directories More Relevant for Certain Industries?
Yes, certain local directories are more relevant for specific industries, especially niche directories that cater to specific fields. Niche directories, like business consulting, can provide stronger relevance signals for your industry. To find these, try searching Google with phrases like “[industry keyword] add a business” or “[industry keyword] directory.”
Do the Yellow Pages Still Exist in Australia?
Yes, the Yellow Pages still exist in Australia, both in print and online formats. While the print version is less common, the digital platform remains popular and is used by businesses and customers alike for finding local services.
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