We also talked about this on the podcast!
When people search for businesses like yours, do they find you first? Or a competitor? If you’re not showing up at the top of at last one local business directory, like Google Maps, Yelp, or the BBB, you could be missing out on customers.
In fact, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day. That’s a powerful reason to make sure your listing stands out.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to climb the ranks of any local business directory, so your business gets seen first.
Table of Contents
Claim Your Listings Everywhere
The first step is simple but crucial: make sure your business is actually listed on the platforms you care about. It’s not just about Google Business Profile (GBP), though that’s the big one.
Other important directories include…
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
- Industry-specific directories (think HomeAdvisor for contractors, or Healthgrades for medical practices)
Claiming your listing means verifying that you own the business so you can control the details.
From there, make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are exactly the same across every site. Even small differences like “St.” vs. “Street” can hurt your rankings.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a deeper dive on setting up your GBP.
Choose the Right Categories
Directories sort businesses by categories. So, picking the right ones helps you show up in the right searches.
For example, a plumbing company should select “Plumber” as the primary category, but they can also add “Water Heater Installation” or “Drain Cleaning Service” as secondary categories. This helps capture specific customer searches.
Don’t overthink it. Choose categories that clearly describe what you do. Adding unrelated ones just to cast a wide net can actually hurt your rankings.
Fill in Every Field
Here’s the truth: directories favor complete listings. The more details you share, the more likely you are to show up at the top.
Make sure to fill out:
- Your hours of operation (including holiday hours)
- Your website link
- A detailed services list
- FAQs (if available)
- Booking links (if applicable)
Why does this matter? According to Google, complete listings get 70% more engagement. So, the more info you provide, the more likely customers are to click, call, or visit.
Collect Reviews That Help You Stand Out
Reviews are one of the biggest factors in directory rankings (and customer trust).
Here’s the good news: You don’t need hundreds of reviews. A few high-quality, recent reviews can make a big difference. How to ask for reviews:
- Send a friendly follow-up email after a service is complete.
- Add a QR code to your invoices or business cards.
- Ask in person after a successful job.
And don’t forget to respond to every review, whether it’s glowing or critical. According to BrightLocal, 53% of customers expect a response to their review. Responding shows you care and can even boost your rankings.
Add Photos and Videos
A picture is worth more clicks. Here’s what to include:
- Exterior shots so customers can recognize your building.
- Interior photos to showcase your space.
- Pictures of your team at work.
- Any products or services you offer.
If you want to go the extra mile, upload a short video introducing your business or showing behind-the-scenes clips.
Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.
Keep Your Info Up to Date
Seriously. It’s easy to forget about your listing once it’s live, but keeping it current is key.
Update your:
- Business hours (especially during holidays)
- Services offered
- Special announcements (like seasonal promotions)
Outdated info doesn’t just frustrate customers, it can actually lower your ranking.
Build Local Citations and Earn Backlinks
Local directories aren’t the only places where your business info should live. Citations (mentions of your NAP across reputable websites) boost your local SEO.
Great places to get citations:
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Industry directories
- Local newspapers or blogs
Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are similarly valuable. Partner with nearby businesses or sponsor local events to build those connections.
Backlinks report for Honor Services, using SemRush
Post Regular Updates
Staying active on directories like Google or Facebook helps you stay relevant. Regular posts tell these platforms that your business is alive and kicking.
What to post:
- Seasonal tips (like HVAC maintenance before summer)
- Promotions or special offers
- Event announcements
Consistency is key! Even posting once a month helps.
Keep Vigilant and Keep Going
You’ve done the work, now it’s time to make sure it’s paying off. But you can’t improve what you don’t measure. Use tools like:
- Google Business Profile Insights (for views, clicks, and direction requests)
- Google Analytics (for website traffic from directories)
Watch how customers find and interact with your listing, then adjust your strategy.
Want to get even more detailed? Add tracking links (“UTM codes” that go at the end of your website links) to help you see which directory is driving the most traffic.
If that sounds like too much tech jargon, though, no worries. Teams like WolfPack’s can handle the tracking and reporting for you.
Final Thoughts: Owning That Local Business Directory
Climbing to the top of local business directories takes time and consistency, but the payoff is worth it. More visibility means more clicks, more calls, and more customers.
If you’re ready to take your local presence to the next level but aren’t sure where to start, WolfPack Advising is here to help. Our team handles everything from GBP optimization to tracking performance (and whatever falls in between).
Let’s chat. Your seat at the top awaits.
