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Top 10 free US business listing sites USA

With the never-ending amount of information on the internet, it can be difficult to navigate where you should advertise your business. Each business has its own personal and unique needs when it comes to advertising and marketing, so having information on resources is important. To start gaining traction, it’s a great idea to get on a business listing site or a business directory. Not only will this help drive traffic to your site, but it can lead to an increased number of clients or customers as well! Below, you’ll find our top ten local business listing sites.

1. Great American Buy Local

We’ll start with our own directory, just in case you need a refresher! Great American Buy Local is free and easy to sign up with. We also promote your business across different social media channels to help your business reach organic traffic. We also include blogs and articles to assist you with your online business journey. We’re easy to use and contact if there are any questions, and we focus on local areas so your customers will be close to you!

2. USCity

USCity is a .net website that allows you to list your business through a verification process. Though you may have to go through a phone call process, it helps avoid any spam or potential fraud listings that could be added. There is also an option to search for your business and claim it, which can help avoid inputting incorrect information and being rejected from the site. The site will list your business information for clients and customers to find based on their city location. This site doesn’t allow customers to leave reviews, however, if you would like to provide your customers that option, this list will have other directories for you to choose from!

3. YellowPages

YellowPages is a classic business listing site. Having evolved from the traditional phonebook to both an online website and mobile app, Yellow pages puts focus on your local business listing to bring you customers in your local area first. This directory allows you to claim your business by verifying information to avoid fraud or scams. It also allows customers to rate and leave reviews of your business which can help spread the word about your business and what you have to offer!

4. CrunchBase

According to TendToRead CrunchBase is “…the leading platform for professionals and business owners who wants to connect companies and people behind them. There are millions of business professionals—including entrepreneurs, investors, market researchers and sales people. Through Crunchbase you can not only add your business also get connected to people who are dealing in the same fields or business. You can also get information about the business for funding and leadership positions and also mergers of acquisitions.” To summarize, the site allows you to post your local business listing and reach not only customers but also other businesses that you may want to partner with in the future. It’s a great way to network and build connections while still allowing yourself to reach out to your community.

5. City Local Pro

This directory allows you as a business to list your site and cater the listing to maximize who you reach. Users can search based on specific keywords and criteria to find the services or company they’re looking for in their area. It’s a great way to make sure you’re reaching only those that are actually in need of your services, rather than taking calls or receiving emails from those who are unsure. City Local Pro is also easy to access so if customers are on the web or mobile, they can still search and find your business.

6. Yelp

With Yelp not only is it easy to reach a new customer base, but it gives others the opportunity to review your business! Yelp is based on customer reviews and ratings, and is a trusted source not only for restaurants but also for other industries as well! It’s easy to use, comes on web or a mobile app setting, and allows you to adjust your business information as needed. Because it’s a rate and review service, you also have the ability to respond to reviews customers have left, thanking them for stopping by.

7. Merchant Circle

Merchant Circle gives business owners and consumers the ability to rate and review, as well as respond to comments. Even though it is a free business listing site to sign up and use, they do have paid features as well to boost your reach across the platform. You can also post deals on the website for those in your community to take advantage of.

8. HotFrog

HotFrog is a local business listing site that allows you to register your local business and gain leads or traction in your community. It’s easy to sign up and validate your business online. HotFrog also allows your customers to leave a review and rating of their experience with your business, letting others know of your great work!

9. Foursquare

While FourSquare is not limited to the United States, it is a great place to post your local business listing. This directory is mobile app-based because it allows customers and clients to check in and let others know they visited your business. It’s a fantastic way to show how many people are coming to see your business, and a great way to interact with customers and your local community.

10. TrolleyLocal

TrolleyLocal is a business listing site whose mission states “ALL of us can make a difference and making a difference in our community is our top priority”. One of the great perks of this site, is not only does it provide customers with a local business listing, but it allows them and you to compare your business to others that are in the similar category. The listings provide ratings, reviews, and profiles for each business so you can see what your customers are saying, and how other businesses are operating.
Deciding where to lit your business can be a daunting task. There are a lot of different sources, and a lot of information regarding these online directories. With the information provided here, these free directories could be a great choice for your business, but if you have any questions or want more information? Feel free to check out our other blogs regarding online directories and what they offer!

Top 10 ways to Advertise your business in 2021

Advertising your business can be a scary thing. If you’re a small or local business, the last thing you want is to use resources that may not lead to more sales, customers, or clients. The best way to support local business is through advertising, and there are plenty of ways to do it! Below, you’ll find a list of our Top 10 ways to advertise your business in 2021.

1. Search Ads

The first and best way to advertise your business is through search engine ads. These ads can be run on Google, Bing, and Yahoo, and they’re a great way to get your business seen online. They are paid campaigns, so you have to monitor your budget, but they’re very easy to control how much money is spent and where. You can also always adjust your ads to fit your budget needs so you’re getting the most for your money. The other upside of these search ads is, you only pay for what customers click on. So while you may have an expensive keyword, you’re only paying if the ad has clicks. Like any good campaign, it can take a few tries to get it perfect, and even when you do you’ll have to continue monitoring to stay on top of your budget and the keywords. However, getting seen on these major search engines is a great way to advertise and boost your business.

2. Social Media Ads

You can also run ads on social media. Most platforms have paid advertising, making it easy to advertise your business. Social media platforms are also a key component in marketing your business in general, so it’s definitely worth trying an ad campaign to extend your reach. The major social media platforms are great to support local business, and when you pair your paid ads with other content like blogs, or posts to highlight services, you’re more likely to gain traction and boost your reach. Social media ads are also great if you only want to target a specific demographic, so your ads will only appear to those who have relevant interests, making them more likely to click and continue on their buyer’s journey with you.

3. Email Campaigns

Email campaigns are a great way to reach your goal, because you can utilize this advertising method to retarget previous buyers or buyers you may have lost. You can use email marketing to send certain targeted emails to those who showed interest, have been a customer or client, or if you have an online store, left something in their cart. The great thing about email marketing is it’s easy, and you can break your campaigns down while still including your entire target base.

4. Referrals

If a previous client or customer was happy with your business, they’re more likely to tell others. Referrals or word of mouth is a fantastic way to advertise your business because it’s coming directly from someone that has tried your business and had a good experience. Referrals are a great way to support local business, and for local business to reach out to their community.

5. Google My Business

Using Google My Business is how you can be seen on Google Maps. To do this, you set up your account and verify your business, which is the key component. Once you’re verified, you can optimize your listing so you appear higher on searches, and in more relevant searches. This option is also free, which is great for local business owners who are being conscious of their budget.

6. Optimize your SEO

We cannot stress this enough, optimizing your SEO is an organic way to boost your reach and to advertise your business. There are a lot of resources available on how to check your SEO ranking, tactics you can use, but by optimizing your site to meeting Google’s algorithm, you’re more likely to be seen and be able to compete with other businesses in your area. A few things you can try to start are adding relevant keywords to your website, increasing the speed your site loads at, and having regular high-quality content on your site and your social media accounts.

7. Utilize Blogs

Along with SEO, utilizing blogs to increase engagement and content on your site is another top way to advertise. You can promote your blogs on your social media accounts, allowing your customers or clients to both read about your business, but also engage with you. Having blog content for your website allows you to also utilize keywords for SEO purposes, which can drive your ranking up on Google. Your blog topics can range from products you have, to your local business story, or to address events in your community and show you care. There are a lot of possibilities, and your consumers will appreciate the authenticity of your words.

8. Share Content

Today with the prominence of social media content is still king, and sharing it can be key to your advertising campaigns. Not only can you share and promote your own content like blogs, social media posts, photos, but you can team up and collaborate with other businesses to support each other. This tactic can increase your social media presence and also help increase your engagement with others. It’s another organic way to advertise your business.

9. Utilize Online Business Directories

An online business directory is great for you to put your business out there without having to do promotion or SEO. These directories allow you to put in your business information, let customers leave reviews, and even let you interact with customers. Some of them are free but there are paid options as well, depending on your needs. They allow people to do local searches and find services from local businesses or businesses closest to them. If you’d like to get started you can check out our blog of free online directories, or you can read more about our services as well.

10. Allow For Reviews

This might be the scariest option on this list, but allowing reviews can help your advertising efforts tremendously. This ties back to referrals and how word of mouth is a powerful source, allowing people to review you online is a way to showcase your strengths. You can also respond and show your community or potential consumers that you’re invested in what is being said. If you get a bad review, this can also be helpful because it will show others you’re willing to address the situation and do your best to correct it. Of course, you might not win every battle, but others will see your efforts and appreciate them.

Advertising your business can be challenging, frustrating, and sometimes scary. You work hard, and having to put yourself out there is sometimes uncomfortable, but when it comes to your business it’s worth it! Whether you have a big budget or no budget, there are options and opportunities for you to advertise and be seen by your local community and visiting outsiders.

Top 25 Online Business Directories for Small Businesses

In the golden age of the internet, it can be difficult to make your content seen. Whether you’re promoting your business for sales, to gain customer traction at your restaurant, or just trying to be seen in your local community, a quick search can yield thousands of results. That’s why it’s so important to register your local business with an online business directory.

In our last article ( Check Here ), we provided not only one online directory but fourteen of them! We also talked about what an online directory is, the benefits of registering your business, as well as the importance of backlinks to gain traction. In this article, we’ll provide another comprehensive list of sites you can register your local business with, as well as whether they’re free or paid options, because we know every penny counts!

Great American Buy Local

Let’s crack into it:

Great American Buy Local

Facebook Business

Another great option is one of the internet’s biggest corporations: Facebook. The Facebook Business feature allows you to not only have a social media presence, but you can also create ad space, promote posts and services; and it gives your business a face so your customers know what you stand for. To create an account is free, and you can schedule posts, add your business hours, menu or services, photos, and other information that’s valuable to your business. To use the ad features, you will have to pay, but much like Google Ad’s you can set the amount you’re willing to spend on a monthly budget, or you can pay as you go depending on the needs of your business.

Google Business

Speaking of internet titans, Google My Business is a feature through Google that allows you to manage your business listing on Google Search. Through Google My Business, you can update your business information, respond to reviews, and if you choose you can utilize Google Ads through your My Business page as well. Ads are again a paid feature, but to create an account and to list with Google My Business is free.

Bing

Bing utilizes business and search ads the same as Google, so registering your business with Bing can only be beneficial for your small business! It’s easy to do, and like the other listings it has free and paid features depending on your needs.

BBB (Better Business Bureau)

The BBB is an organization that’s been trusted by the public for many years. It’s an online directory that showcases your local businesses trustworthiness as well as your commitment to transparency. Like Google, Yelp and other online directories, you’ll receive a score and reviews of your business will also be listed , increasing your connection to your community.

Angie’s List

Angie’s list, like few other directories mentioned in this list, allows someone in your community to search by category and need. It provides a review and rating system, and it’s easy to register local businesses through their site.

Yelp

Register your local business with Yelp to not only reach a new customer base, but to give others the opportunity to review your business! Yelp is based on customer reviews and ratings, and is a trusted source not only for restaurants but also for other industries as well! It’s easy, it’s free, and it will expand your reach.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a website and an app that brings customers to your business. When you register local businesses with them, they provide leads submitted by people in your community looking for services. Whether it’s wellness, home improvement, private lessons or other services, your business can find a niche! It’s easy to sign up and completely free.

Chamber of Commerce

Your local chamber of commerce is a great place to look as well! Your local chamber is a trusted source of information for your community, and they have an online directory where locals can find your business.

Show Me Local

Show Me Local is another free site that works like Yellow pages. You register your business, and then people in your area can search based on their needs. You provide a phone number, address, and website link, and Show Me Local will list your site under the selected keyword for your business.

Elocal

Local is a pay-per-lead online directory. If you want a site to boost your business and you have some extra cash, this is a great option. It’s not the same expense as Google ads, and you’re still reaching people in your local community who are looking for your services.

411 is an extension of the Yellow and White pages. However, this is a great option because it gives people the option to search online or dial 411 and be connected to you. The steps to register with 411 are a little trickier but very worth it to continue reaching out to your community.

Yelp

Yelp is great for a number of reasons. It’s free, it only shares your business with people in the area, and it’s a great way to build trust! Customers who have used your services or have visited your store can review, rate, and share pictures of your great work!

FourSquare

The benefit of FourSquare is it’s real time geo-locating. People can share their location to your business, as well as review and rate like other online directories. It also shows local favorites versus chains, which is helpful when trying to find new customers or clients.

YellowPages

YellowPages has since transformed from a thick phonebook to both an online directory and an app! It’s a huge asset to have when trying to reach new customers, as well as get your business name out to your community.

SuperPages

This online directory is free but also gives you a free score so you can see how you stack up against competitors. This is great because then you know what customers are saying and what they’re looking for, allowing you to get an edge in your industry. Our previous article also stated that you’re able to post deals as well as business information.

Merchant Circle

Merchant Circle gives business owners and consumers the ability to rate and review, as well as respond to comments. It’s free to sign up, but they do have paid features as well to boost your reach across the platform. You can also post deals on the website for those in your community to take advantage of.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is an interesting online directory because not only are you able to reach your local community when you register a local business, but you can also list deals and events happening with your business. It’s also free to register!

Networx

Networx is an online directory built for contractors. They promote your business and find leads for you to boost calls that lead to clients. While it’s pay-per-lead, it’s free to sign up, and like Google Ads, you can pause your leads at any time without consequence.

HotFrog

HotFrog is another free online directory that allows you to register your local business for free and gain leads or traction in your community. It’s easy to sign up and validate your business online.

Trip Advisor

With Trip Advisor you can sign up for free and take advantage of the tools they provide. The advantage of Trip Advisor is that not only can you reach local customers looking to try something new, but anyone coming to visit your town or city can find you as well!

Manta

Manta is another fantastic resource for contractors looking to gain more projects or showcase their services. Like eLocal it’s free with paid features that can help boost your visibility.

Cylex-USA

Cylex-USA provides an online directory for an array of business categories, from both small and large size businesses. It’s a free service with premium features that you can pay for if you would like to try them.

City Search

CitySearch is a location-based directory that actually reads the user’s current location and suggests businesses based on that location. For reference, I actually tried it and it was a pretty cool way to see what was around me! It does take some work to get onto CitySearch, but there’s a detailed guide here, and it is free to sign up and use so there’s no loss!

American Towns

American Towns is exceptional for small towns and small businesses. It not only provides ways to connect the community to business, but users can also see what’s happening with school systems, local government, town activities, and other assets that can be utilized to help you promote your business.

When it comes to the online world, there are many ways you can promote your business. Online directories are one way to get your name out there. This article covered only a few of the choices you have to register for local businesses, but there are plenty out there that may fit your needs!

14 Free Local Business Directories For Small Businesses

Are you looking to get the word out about your local business? As a new or seasoned business owner, it can be difficult to spread the word about your products or services. Promoting your local business online can feel overwhelming and impossible with so many avenues to explore and optimizations that need to be made.

When you are trying to establish your presence online, a great place to get the word out about your business is with local business listings. These listings are easy to use and are a great place to start conquering the online business world. But what exactly is a business listing?

What is a business directory?

A business directory is an extensive list of businesses or organizations. Think Yellow Pages, but online! Most business directories include important information about each individual local business listing. This business information can include customer reviews, pictures, videos, and other more detailed information about the specific products or services that the business provides.

There are tons of different business directories that you can list a business on, but what’s the point?

Also Read: How To Setup a Local Business Listing

The benefits of local business listings

There are various ways that local business listings and directories can help boost your business. Beyond the obvious benefit of gaining more customers or leads, there are benefits that may not seem as obvious.

Building Backlinks: Local business listings add a lot of value in terms of search engine optimization. Since backlinks are a great way to signal, you have a trustworthy site to Google, building backlinks by getting listed on business directories is a great strategy.

Increase Website Traffic: While listing your business, make sure to include a link to your website! When customers see your business and want to learn more, a link makes it easy for them to do so. This visibility should cause a good spike in your web traffic!

Increase Awareness of Your Business: If you don’t have a huge budget for advertising, promoting your local business online through a business directory is a great option! With a business listing, more customers will be able to find you and learn about your business.

List Your Business For FREE

Ready to start listing your business? Here are 16 free local business directories that you can start listing your business on now!

1.Great American Buy Local

Of course, the number one business directory on our list is the Great American Buy Local business directory! Our directory is completely free, easy to sign up for, and also includes the promotion of your business on all of our social channels to reach over 1,000 individuals.

2. Google

Did you know you can list your business on Google? As one of the most-used search engines, creating a listing with Google is a great idea. Google allows business owners to create a whole Google My Business profile with tons of information and the ability to update your audience with posts and real-time responses.

3. Moz

Moz is great for businesses of any size and has ongoing listings syncing automated duplicate deletion, and profile optimization.

4. Yelp

Everyone has used a Yelp review to help them find a restaurant to eat at or a business to employ; that’s why getting listed on Yelp is essential for your business!

5. Angie’s List

Angie’s list is a great directory that categorizes businesses based on their industry and services.

6. Foursquare

Give your customers the inside scoop on what is happening with your business using Foursquare.

7. Superpages

Post info and deals with Superpages, so customers can actively see what you have to offer.

8. Yahoo! Local

With paid and free options for listing your business, Yahoo Local is a website you definitely want to be listed on!

9. City-Data

Get involved with important conversations in your industry! City-Data acts as a forum and a directory that you can get listed on, so you never miss out on a chance to connect with potential customers.

10. MapQuest

Getting your local business listed on MapQuest is a great way to boost foot traffic if you have a brick-and-mortar location!

11. Better Business Bureau

Getting listed on the Better Business Bureau will show the trustworthiness of your business to your audience. On the listing, it displays your business score, along with customer reviews.

12. American Towns

If your organization is a non-profit or community group, don’t miss out on signing up for American Towns for free!

13. Bing

Just like Google, Bing also has a local business profile that you can create to highlight information about your business. Bing is a listing you don’t want to miss out on creating, otherwise, you may miss out on traffic!

14. Chamber of Commerce

If you aren’t part of your local Chamber of Commerce, now is the time to join! In addition to the many benefits you get from joining, Chamber’s lists all the businesses that sign up on their website in a business directory.

Don’t wait any longer to start getting the exposure your local business needs! Start getting listed on local business directories now.

Promote Local Business Online

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How To Setup a Local Business Listing

Why should you take advantage of local business listings? There are tons of major benefits to getting the word out about your organization with multiple business listings. Not only do they provide valuable information about your information to potential customers, but they also help contribute to your digital footprint and SEO efforts.

Setup a Best Local Business Listings

When getting the word out about your organization, there are plenty of options to choose from to register local businesses. Some of the places you don’t want to miss getting listed on include:

Google local listing

Bing local listing

Yelp Listing

NextDoor Listing

Yahoo Listing

For each listing you create, it’s essential to optimize it to have all the relevant information needed. Among all of the things to include, here are the things you don’t want to forget:

1. Business Name

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you want to make sure that your business name is the same across all of your local business listings so consumers don’t get confused. Continuity across your listings is key!

2. Address

Make sure customers know where to find you by listing the correct address on any directories you are utilizing. For brick and mortar stores, having the correct location details is especially important; so you don’t miss out on valuable foot traffic.

3. Phone Number

Don’t miss calls from customers because your business listing isn’t optimized! Make sure you have the correct phone number listed. For local businesses, a local area code is preferred by many listing sites.

4. Website URL

Delegate traffic to your website so customers can see all that your business has to offer. When linking your website to a listing, you want to make sure that the landing page you are directing users to is user-friendly and will deliver the answers to the questions they have.

5. Categories

When listing your business, many directories or websites will allow you to choose various categories your business may fall under. When categorizing your business, your listing will benefit the most from choosing specific categories that describe what you offer. No repeats is also an important rule! If you already mentioned your service in a category, don’t choose another category with the same service.

6. Description

Tell your customers what you do and what sets you apart from the competition! Think of your description as an elevator pitch for your business online.

7. Tagline

Keep things short and snappy! If your brand is known well for a certain slogan, display that online so it is easily recognizable to customers.

8. Social Profiles

Don’t forget to list your social profiles on your local business listings. Social profiles display validity and information to potential consumers in a fun and engaging way.

9. Images

Different listings have different features, but when using listings that allow you to post images and videos, take advantage of it! Pictures and videos of products or services will help potential customers get a peek into your operations.

10. Certifications

Show off your skills! You can list your qualifications so everyone can see additional verification of your business quality in addition to the local business ratings or local business reviews your business has.

11. Payment Forms Accepted

Listing various payment methods you accept can be influential to potential customers browsing different businesses.

If you own a local business in the USA, start getting recognized online with business listings and directories! Utilizing listings correctly and consistently will help improve your SEO, increase your foot traffic, and boost online sales. What are you waiting for? Start now and get your business listed in the Great American Buy Local Directory for free exposure and recognition.

6 Ways to Promote Your Local Business Online in 2021

When it comes to running a local business, we know a business owner’s number one goal is to acquire new customers and retain loyal ones. Having an online presence is often a great way to promote your business locally. Start making your presence known! Learn how to promote local business online in a few simple ways.

Create a Website

The first step to advertise your business locally is getting a website set up to establish your presence! No matter what type of business you have, a website has become an essential aspect of a business to serve customers information and spread awareness. A website will give you the opportunity to tell the story of your business and communicate your brand story. Don’t forget to list your contact info too, so customers can reach you easily!

Work on SEO

Doing a few optimizations to your website can ensure it will get seen by potential customers searching for your business or services. There are tons of SEO tactics to implement that will help make your business stand out. With geo-targeted keywords ranking at the top of search results is a realistic goal for local businesses.

Create and Verify a Google My Business Listing

Once your website is all set up and optimized, you may be wondering, how do I promote my business online for free? A tool you don’t want to miss out on is Google My Business. Google my Business allows you to create a listing with information about your business like services, hours, price range, contact info, and more.

Beyond the initial setup of your profile, verifying the listing is essential to gain access to all of the benefits of using the platform. Optimizing your GMB listing will help your business show up more on Google in places like the “map pack” and suggested businesses. Plus, with a verified profile, customers can leave local business ratings and ask questions then you can engage with them directly through the platform.

Make a Blog

Putting out consistent and valuable content relating to your business online will help you relate to your audience and get your business found. Making a blog on your website will give you opportunities to go over topics that your customers care about. Blogs can also be repurposed to share on social media and are highly shareable! Utilizing SEO tactics blogs will not only engage your audience, but can help your website rank higher as well.

Get Social

Social media’s benefit is in its name; it’s a great way to be social! For local businesses asking how can I promote my business for free? Social media is a great option. Different platforms provide a key way to connect with customers! Whether you are answering questions, displaying new products, or addressing customer concerns, social media can act as the lifeline between customers and you.

Utilize Online Directories

Another great way to spread the word about your business is to sign up for online directories. Online directories are the modern-day yellow pages, but much simpler to use, easy to update, and less expensive. You can register local businesses on various directories to get recognized. Optimize your listings by making sure you fill out as much information as possible and that your information is consistent across all of your listings.

Don’t wait to start promoting your local business in the USA! Promoting your business online is simple, easy, and the opportunities are endless! You can sign up for the Great American Buy Local Directory today to get free exposure on our website and social channels. The process is easy, just visit our website, get your business listed and click register my business!