If you are thinking about SEO, this is one thing that you ought to do right away. Search engines like Google will place more trust in your website if it is mentioned on reputable directories. It is important that the information you submit for Name, Address and Phone Number is EXACTLY the same in each directory, in order to get the most SEO value out of it. This is particularly important for the website address. DON'T use variations of http://, https://, https://www. - in fact, just copy your website name from the browser tab and paste it, so that it is consistent wherever you list it.
1. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
Free: www.business.google.com You’ve no doubt searched for businesses in your local area and have seen the Google Map pop up with a number of business names next to it – that is the Google Business Profile. It allows you to add photos, news, offers and events. It gives you increased visibility and it’s free. It also allows people to provide a written review of your business and a rating out of 5 stars. Share this with your clients via the quick link that can be found in your profile once created.
2. Golden Pages
Free: https://www.goldenpages.ie/
If you remember the Yellow Pages - this is the online version. You can add your business free of charge, with paid premium listings available as an upgrade.
3. Yelp
Free: https://biz.yelp.ie/
Yelp allows customers to review their favourite businesses.
4. What’s What
Freemium: https://whatswhat.ie
With over 130,000 Irish Businesses listed, this is one of Ireland’s leading business directories.
*Freemium is a term that means there are free options available, although more advanced options are paid.
5. Cylex
Free: https://www.cylex.ie/
Business owners can take advantage of our free basic entries to promote their companies online and gain more customers. Users can check contact details and opening hours of companies. They can also read and write reviews about the products & services of businesses.
6. Foursquare
Paid: www.foursquare.com
The website provides personalised recommendations of places to go to near a user’s current location based on users’ “previous browsing history, purchases, or check-in history”.
7. YourLocal
Free: https://www.yourlocal.ie
Another popular directory, that allows you create a basic listing free.
8. RedBook
Free: https://redbook.ie/
Another popular directory, that allows you create a basic listing free.
9. Houzz
Free: https://www.houzz.ie/
Relevant for tradespeople and professional services related to the building trade, such as architects.
10. CityLocal
Free: http://www.citylocal.ie/
Another popular directory, that allows you create a basic listing free.
11. Construction Ireland
Free: https://www.constructionireland.ie/submitsite.aspx
Specifically for the construction industry.
12. MyTown
Free: https://www.mytown.ie/
More Directories
Another directory, that allows you create a basic listing free.To find additional directories (including industry-specific), try a google search for "business directories + industry name". There are many directories available. A word of caution though - listing your website in "bad" directories can actually harm your website SEO. "Bad" directories include those that are created purely for SEO backlink purposes and they typically look very poor (with little to no design nor user-friendliness). As a rule of thumb, just ask yourself "Would I use this directory myself to search for a local service?" If the answer is yes, then it's probably worth listing your business there.
