10 Best Directory Submission Sites for SEO in 2026

Directory submission is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your business's online visibility and SEO. By listing your business on trusted directories, you enhance your chances of appearing in local search results, boost domain authority, and help search engines verify your business’s legitimacy. Here's a quick rundown of the 10 best directory submission sites for SEO in 2026:

1. Directory Hunt: Offers dofollow backlinks and automation (via ListingBott) for submissions to over 100 directories. Great for tech startups and SaaS businesses.
2. Google Business Profile: Essential for local SEO with a DA of 100. Helps businesses appear on Google Maps and in the Local Pack, though links are nofollow.
3. Bing Places for Business: Provides dofollow links and is ideal for businesses targeting Microsoft users or affluent audiences.
4. Yelp: Perfect for service-based businesses. Integrates with Apple Maps and provides mixed link types.
5. YellowPages.com: Strong for local service discovery. Primarily offers nofollow links but is highly visible in local search results.
6. Foursquare: Excellent for retail and dining businesses. Integrates with platforms like Apple Maps and Uber.
7. Hotfrog: Offers dofollow links and is useful for businesses targeting international audiences.
8. Manta: Provides dofollow links and focuses on connecting small and medium-sized businesses with local customers.
9. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Ideal for building trust and credibility. Offers dofollow links and assigns businesses a rating for added transparency.
10. EZlocal: Distributes business details to over 300 directories and supports hyper-local SEO efforts.

Quick Comparison

Directory Site	Domain Authority (DA)	Link Type	Best For	Submission Cost
Directory Hunt	N/A	Dofollow	SaaS, startups	Free/Paid ($499)
Google Business Profile	100	Nofollow	Local visibility, Maps	Free
Bing Places	96	Dofollow	Microsoft ecosystem, voice search	Free
Yelp	92	Mixed	Service-based businesses	Free
YellowPages.com	68–72	Nofollow	Local service discovery	Free
Foursquare	86–92	Nofollow	Retail, dining	Free
Hotfrog	75	Dofollow	Global reach, niche industries	Free
Manta	80	Dofollow	Small and medium businesses	Free
Better Business Bureau	91–93	Dofollow	Building trust, credibility	Free/Accreditation ($50+)
EZlocal	80	Nofollow	Local service providers	Free

Submitting your business to these directories can improve rankings within 30–90 days. Focus on accuracy (Name, Address, Phone) across all platforms and stagger submissions to maintain a steady link-building pace. Regular updates and review responses can further strengthen your SEO efforts.

2500+ Business Listing Sites To Skyrocket Your Local SEO & Get More Leads

1. Directory Hunt

Directory Hunt serves as a modern resource for startups, micro SaaS, and digital tools aiming to gain early traction. It combines the traditional perks of directory listings with features optimized for today's SEO landscape.

Domain Authority (DA)

While still growing, Directory Hunt focuses on building trust with search engines by emphasizing quality backlinks through verified submissions and carefully curated listings.

Link Type (dofollow/nofollow)

This platform provides dofollow backlinks, making it a solid choice for startups looking to strengthen their backlink profile and improve search engine rankings.

Best Use Case for Startups

Directory Hunt is particularly useful for tech startups, SaaS businesses, and creators of digital tools. It offers category filtering (like AI, marketing, and productivity) to help users discover relevant tools. Featured projects also get badges, boosting their visibility within the directory.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Startups can choose between free listings with dofollow backlinks or a paid option called ListingBott, priced at $499. ListingBott streamlines submissions to over 100 directories and provides detailed reports. The submission process is simple - just provide your business details, a description, and choose the right category to ensure quality standards are upheld.

Up next, let’s dive into another platform that can boost your local SEO efforts.

2. Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a cornerstone of local SEO. With Google commanding over 92% of the search market and nearly half of all searches (46%) having local intent, this platform is essential for startups looking to connect with nearby customers.

Domain Authority (DA)

Google Business Profile boasts a perfect Domain Authority (DA) score of 100, making it the most authoritative directory available. While the platform uses no-follow links, the exposure it provides far outweighs that limitation. Listings here feed directly into Google's AI Overviews, giving businesses a significant visibility advantage.

Danielle Birriel, Founder of D&D SEO Services, emphasizes: "Without a well-optimized Google Business Profile, you're essentially invisible to high-intent local searches".

Link Type

Although links from Google Business Profile are no-follow, the platform's power lies in its ability to get your business featured in the "Local Pack" (the top three local search results) and on Google Maps. These placements drive high-conversion traffic and are critical for businesses targeting local audiences.

Best Use Case for Startups

This platform is ideal for startups with physical locations or specific service areas. However, online-only businesses that don’t interact with customers face-to-face are not eligible. Google Business Profile shines in capturing "near me" searches, which often lead to higher conversion rates. By optimizing your profile, you ensure your business appears in these high-intent local searches, boosting both visibility and credibility.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Setting up a Google Business Profile is free. Verification is straightforward but requires a bit of patience - Google sends a postcard to your business address, and the process typically takes 1–2 weeks. To maximize visibility, provide complete and accurate information, including your business name, address, phone number, category, and attributes like parking or Wi-Fi availability. Regular updates, such as weekly photo uploads and prompt responses to customer reviews (ideally within 24 hours), can further enhance your profile's effectiveness. While the basic listing is free, businesses can amplify their reach by investing in location-based Google Ads.

Next, we’ll dive into another platform that can strengthen your online presence.

3. Bing Places for Business

Bing Places for Business provides some unique perks that can give your SEO a boost. With over 140 million daily active users and a 9.19% global search market share, Bing is a valuable platform, especially for B2B startups or businesses targeting wealthier audiences who are part of Microsoft's ecosystem. This makes it a smart option for businesses looking to tap into a less crowded but high-value audience.

Domain Authority (DA)

With a Domain Authority of 96, Bing Places ranks as one of the most authoritative directories available. What sets it apart is its ability to offer do-follow links on select listing elements, which means these links can directly pass valuable link equity to your website.

"Bing Places powers voice search results across Microsoft's ecosystem, including Windows devices and Xbox consoles. Plus, it's one of the few major directories that still provides valuable do-follow links."
– Danielle Birriel, Founder, D&D SEO Services

Link Type

Bing Places doesn't just stop at boosting visibility. It provides do-follow links on certain parts of your listing, a feature that's becoming increasingly rare. Additionally, having a verified Bing Places listing can act as a trust signal, validating your business for AI-powered search overviews.

Best Use Case for Startups

Bing Places shines brightest for B2B startups and businesses targeting affluent customers. Fun fact: many Bing users fall into the top 25% of U.S. household incomes. Because Bing is less competitive than Google, local businesses have a better chance of standing out in search results. If your audience uses Windows devices, Xbox consoles, or other Microsoft products, having a presence on Bing Places is practically a must.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Setting up your Bing Places listing is completely free. If you already have a verified Google Business Profile, Bing makes it easy to import your information for instant setup. Starting from scratch? No problem - verification is quick and can be done via phone, text, or mail, typically taking 2 to 7 days. Once verified, your listing usually appears in Bing search results within 1 to 2 weeks.

And here's a bonus: Microsoft is offering $500 in ad credits to new business owners who spend $250 on Microsoft Advertising. This makes Bing Places not only a cost-effective SEO tool but also a great way to reach a high-income audience.

4. Yelp

Yelp plays a key role in boosting local SEO, attracting 178 million monthly visitors. Plus, it feeds reviews directly into Apple Maps, giving your business exposure across multiple platforms.

Domain Authority (DA)

With a Domain Authority of 92, Yelp provides excellent visibility in local search results, even for newer websites. Its listings include a mix of link types, including some do-follow links.

Link Type

Yelp listings offer a combination of link attributes, including do-follow links.

Best Use Case for Startups

Yelp is a fantastic option for local service-based startups, such as restaurants, hotels, retail shops, or professional services like plumbing or electrical work. If your business thrives on local customers who rely on reviews and social proof, Yelp is a must. Its integration with Apple Maps makes it even more appealing for iOS users.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Creating a basic Yelp listing is free, allowing you to add essential details like contact information, business hours, photos, videos, and even respond to customer reviews. The approval process is quick, usually taking 1 to 2 days. For startups looking for extra visibility, Yelp also offers paid advertising options and features like reservation or appointment booking buttons.

Just a heads-up: Yelp has strict rules against directly asking for reviews. Instead, use strategies like placing "Find us on Yelp" signs at your business or adding Yelp icons to your email signature to encourage organic feedback.

Ready to explore the next platform? Let’s keep building your online presence.

5. YellowPages.com

YellowPages.com continues to be a valuable resource for local SEO. With a Domain Authority (DA) ranging between 68 and 72 and around 4.2 million monthly visitors, it plays a significant role in boosting local visibility. Max Freedman, Senior Analyst at Business.com, highlights its importance:

"Yellow Pages maintains relevance in the digital era, particularly for certain demographics and search patterns. The platform continues to drive traffic and provides valuable backlinks to business websites".

Domain Authority (DA)

The platform’s DA of 68 to 72 offers businesses a strong opportunity to rank in local search results. Studies show that 31% of top-10 organic results for local searches are business directories. This makes a YellowPages.com listing an effective way to land on the first page of search results. Its main SEO benefit lies in local citation building, which helps search engines confirm your business's legitimacy.

Link Type

YellowPages.com primarily provides no-follow links, which still contribute to local authority. By optimizing your listing, you can see a 23% improvement in local search visibility.

Best Use Case for Startups

For startups, especially those with physical locations or service-based operations, YellowPages.com is a must. Whether you own a retail store, a restaurant, or a plumbing service, a presence here helps you connect with local customers. With 97% of consumers searching online for nearby businesses, being listed ensures that potential customers can easily find you.

Submission Process (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Setting up a free business listing on YellowPages.com is simple, though it does require phone verification during the signup process. You’ll need to:

• Enter your NAP details (name, address, phone number).
• Select up to five categories for your business.
• Add business hours and accepted payment methods.
• Complete verification via a phone call.

Once verified, your listing typically goes live within four hours or less.

If you encounter difficulties finding the free signup page, you can bypass paid ad prompts using this link: https://adsolutions.yp.com/listings/basic. For businesses seeking additional visibility, YellowPages also offers paid advertising options, allowing you to rank above competitors in search results.

Next, let’s explore another directory to further strengthen your local SEO strategy.

6. Foursquare

Foursquare, boasting a Domain Authority (DA) of 92, partners with platforms like Apple Maps, Uber, Snapchat, and AI tools such as OpenAI to share your business details across an extensive network. Like other high-ranking directories, Foursquare can enhance your online presence and strengthen your local reputation.

Domain Authority (DA)

Foursquare's DA typically falls between 86 and 92, drawing in an impressive 50 million visitors every month. Optimized listings on the platform have been shown to generate 42% more customer inquiries and increase brand discovery by 35%.

Link Type

Foursquare offers nofollow links. While these links don't directly pass SEO equity, they play a key role in confirming your business details through consistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) information. This consistency can improve "near me" searches and boost your rankings in local map packs.

Best Use Case for Startups

Foursquare is an excellent choice for consumer-facing startups, especially those in retail, dining, entertainment, or tourism. For businesses located in popular travel destinations, the "City Guide" feature provides a unique opportunity to connect with visitors planning their trips. Additionally, Foursquare delivers insights into customer behavior, such as visit volume and typical visit times, helping businesses better understand and serve their audience.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Setting up a listing on Foursquare is simple and free. Many local businesses are already listed, so you can claim an existing profile or create a new one through the platform's central dashboard. The approval process usually takes 1 to 3 days. To maximize trust signals, ensure your NAP details match across all directories. Enhance your listing with a logo and high-quality photos to attract more engagement. If you're looking for additional visibility or advanced analytics, Foursquare also offers paid options. This straightforward process makes Foursquare a practical addition to any local SEO strategy.

sbb-itb-5806a15

7. Hotfrog

Launched in 2005, Hotfrog has grown to serve businesses in numerous countries. With 5.5 million monthly visitors and a Domain Authority (DA) of 75, it’s a solid choice for startups looking to establish their online presence. One of its standout features is offering do-follow links, which can give your site a significant SEO boost. Let’s dive into what makes Hotfrog an effective tool for your startup’s SEO strategy.

Domain Authority (DA)

Hotfrog’s impressive DA of 75 ranks it among the stronger business directories for SEO purposes. Its do-follow links transfer valuable link equity to your website, which can improve your own domain authority and search engine rankings. For startups aiming to build credibility, this is a big advantage. Additionally, Hotfrog maintains a low spam score of 5% or less, ensuring your business listing appears alongside trustworthy companies.

Link Type

One of Hotfrog’s unique features is its do-follow links. Many directories only offer nofollow links, which don’t pass SEO value to your site.

"What makes Hotfrog stand out is its variety of business categories and its do-follow links – a rare find in today's directory landscape." – Danielle Birriel, Founder of D&D SEO Services

These links can help improve your search rankings and level the playing field when competing against more established businesses.

Best Use Case for Startups

Hotfrog is particularly useful for service-based startups, freelancers, and niche businesses. If your goal is to reach international markets, Hotfrog’s presence in over 38 countries expands your visibility beyond the U.S. The platform allows you to create detailed business descriptions with location-specific keywords, making it easier to rank for niche search terms that larger directories might overlook. Plus, Hotfrog lets you include promotional content and special offers, which can help attract early customers and drive conversions.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Getting listed on Hotfrog is straightforward and free. Here’s how it works:

• Create an account and verify it via email.
• Search for your business - if it’s already listed, you can claim it. If not, select “Add a Business” and complete the form with details like your name, address, phone number, website, categories, and a description packed with relevant keywords.

Approval usually takes 1 to 5 days. For startups seeking extra visibility, premium options are available. It’s a good idea to check your listing every few months to ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information remains accurate, as community members can suggest edits.

Coming up, we’ll explore another platform to help you strengthen your local SEO strategy.

8. Manta

For over two decades, Manta has been a go-to platform for connecting small businesses with local customers. With a Domain Authority (DA) of 80 and more than 20 million monthly visitors, it’s a solid choice for startups wanting to establish their digital footprint. Manta’s low spam score of just 1% ensures your business is listed alongside trustworthy companies. Focused primarily on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Manta offers tools specifically designed to help startups excel in local search results.

Domain Authority (DA)

Manta’s high domain authority sends strong trust signals to search engines, helping to verify your business’s legitimacy in local markets. According to Manta, 86% of their clients achieve top 10 rankings on Google within six months. For startups working to build their reputation, this kind of high-authority citation can significantly improve visibility in search engine results.

Link Type

Manta provides do-follow links, which pass valuable SEO equity directly to your website. These links not only enhance your search rankings but also contribute to building your domain authority. This makes Manta a great option for startups aiming to improve their online presence quickly.

Best Use Case for Startups

Manta is particularly well-suited for U.S.-based small-to-medium businesses and service-area startups. The platform allows you to create a detailed profile, including your business description, targeted keywords, and high-quality images. If you run a service-area business without a physical location, you can even hide your address while still verifying your listing. Additionally, Manta offers a full suite of digital marketing services - such as PPC consulting and website packages - to further boost your online presence.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Setting up a listing on Manta is free and simple. You can claim an existing listing or create a new one through the Business Dashboard. The process requires basic details like your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number), website URL, and a business description. Make sure your NAP details match your Google Business Profile exactly to avoid confusing search engines. Listings are usually approved within 1 to 3 days, and Manta updates internal search results within 24 hours after changes. For those seeking extra visibility, premium packages are available, which sync your details across 60 to 70 other directories. Once verified, your listing will display a "claimed" tag, further solidifying your business’s credibility.

The next platform on our list offers even more ways to enhance your startup's local search presence.

9. Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been a trusted name in business credibility for years, and it still plays an important role in SEO strategies for 2026. With a Domain Authority (DA) ranging between 91 and 93 and approximately 7.2 million monthly organic visits, the BBB provides startups with a solid way to build trust - not just with customers, but also with search engines.

Domain Authority (DA)

The BBB's DA of 91–93 makes it one of the most authoritative business directories out there. A listing here not only strengthens your business's credibility but also helps boost your local search rankings.

"When your business details are consistent across multiple high-authority directories, you're providing Google's AI with corroborating evidence of your business's legitimacy and relevance".

Link Type

The BBB offers high-quality backlinks that are highly regarded for their trustworthiness and authority. While its primary SEO benefit lies in validating your business's physical presence through consistent NAP data (Name, Address, Phone), it also provides dofollow backlinks. On top of that, the BBB assigns businesses a letter grade (A+ through F) based on complaint patterns and transparency, so maintaining a strong rating can further enhance your reputation.

Best Use Case for Startups

A BBB listing is particularly useful for startups in industries where trust is paramount, such as professional services, home repair, financial services, healthcare, or home improvement. Not only does it boost your credibility, but it also provides high-quality backlinks. To make the most of this opportunity, ensure your profile is fully completed - include details like your company history and a comprehensive list of services.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Getting your business listed on the BBB is a straightforward process. Head to bbb.org/get-listed and search for your business by name and location (City, State, or Zip). If your business isn't listed, click "Add it now" and fill out the necessary details, selecting up to three relevant categories. A BBB representative will typically verify your information by phone before publishing the listing.

Basic listings are free and still provide valuable SEO benefits. However, opting for full accreditation - which allows you to use the BBB logo in your marketing and unlocks additional perks - requires a one-time application fee of around $50, plus annual dues ranging from $510 to $1,225, depending on your number of employees.

Up next, take a look at EZlocal to further boost your local SEO efforts.

10. EZlocal

EZlocal has been a reliable platform for over 18 years, featuring more than 15 million business listings. With around 8,600 monthly organic visits and a strong Domain Rating (DR) of 80, it stands out as a trusted source for local citations.

Domain Authority (DA)

Boasting a DR of 80, EZlocal provides startups with a dependable platform to establish their digital presence. Its Listing Sync feature ensures your business information is distributed to over 300 directories, keeping your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) data consistent. This consistency is key for search engines to confirm your business's authenticity.

Link Type

While EZlocal doesn’t clarify whether its links are dofollow or nofollow, its high DR makes it a valuable resource for citations. As a Google Partner, EZlocal ensures your business information is optimized for mobile and voice search - an increasingly important factor as AI and voice assistants rely on directory data to validate businesses in 2026.

Best Use Case for Startups

EZlocal is particularly useful for local service providers like plumbers, landscapers, real estate agents, and contractors looking to establish a professional online presence quickly. Its Visibility Score tool and AI-driven features enhance your online footprint. For businesses that operate on-site, the "Check-ins" feature can help earn SEO credit for completed jobs, adding an extra layer of credibility.

Submission Ease (Free/Paid, Approval Time)

Getting started with EZlocal is simple and free. Just click on "Get Your Free Business Listing" on the homepage and fill in your business details. For broader visibility, the paid Listing Sync service distributes your information to over 300 directories, saving you the hassle of manual submissions. While the exact approval time isn’t specified, the process is designed to be quick and efficient. This ease of use makes EZlocal a practical tool for startups aiming to secure consistent and accurate online citations.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick snapshot of 10 directory submission sites, highlighting their strengths to help you choose the right ones for your startup’s SEO goals.

Directory Site	Domain Authority (DA)	Link Type	Best Use Case for Startups	Submission Ease
Directory Hunt	N/A	Mixed	Automated bulk submissions via ListingBott	Very Easy (Automated)
Google Business Profile	100	No-follow	Local visibility & Maps presence	Moderate (Verification)
Bing Places	96	Do-follow	Microsoft ecosystem & voice search	Moderate (Syncs with FB)
Yelp	92	Mixed	Consumer trust & review management	Moderate (Verification)
YellowPages.com	87	Do-follow	Local service discovery	Easy
Foursquare	89	No-follow	Retail & dining foot traffic	Easy ($20 fee)
Hotfrog	75	Do-follow	Global reach & international SEO	Easy
Manta	80	Do-follow	SMB networking & visibility	Easy
Better Business Bureau	89	No-follow	Establishing brand authority	Moderate (Verification)
EZlocal	63	No-follow	Hyper-local SEO for small businesses	Easy

This table not only simplifies key metrics but also outlines strategic benefits. For instance, Directory Hunt’s ListingBott tool can automate submissions to over 100 directories for $499, saving both time and effort.

When it comes to SEO, do-follow links (from platforms like Bing Places, YellowPages.com, Hotfrog, and Manta) directly enhance your rankings. Meanwhile, no-follow links (from sites like Google Business Profile and BBB) build credibility - an important factor, considering that 31% of top-10 organic local search results feature business directories.

For the best results, directory placements often yield noticeable SEO improvements within 30 to 90 days. To keep it natural, aim to submit your business to 3–5 directories per week. This gradual approach helps maintain a steady link-building velocity.

Conclusion

Directory submission continues to be a budget-friendly SEO tactic, especially for startups and entrepreneurs working with tight resources. Listing your business in high-quality directories sends trust signals to search engines, helping them better understand your business's relevance and authority in your local market. These platforms are crucial for boosting visibility and attracting users who are actively searching for your services.

To make the most of this strategy, concentrate on 5–10 reputable directories that align with your goals. Google Business Profile and Bing Places are must-haves for improving local visibility. Meanwhile, platforms like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau can help establish consumer trust. For startups aiming to save time, tools like Directory Hunt's ListingBott offer automation, submitting your business to over 100 directories for $499. This ensures consistency while freeing up valuable time for other priorities.

When done right, directory submissions can lead to measurable SEO gains within 30–90 days. Many businesses see a 5–7 point improvement in Domain Authority and faster indexing during this time. Additionally, well-optimized directory listings can cut digital advertising costs by as much as 40%.

To maintain momentum, keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data consistent across all platforms and stagger submissions over several weeks. Conduct quarterly audits to ensure your information stays accurate, respond to reviews promptly, and update your profiles with fresh images. These steps not only boost your credibility but also lay the groundwork for sustained SEO success. Whether you're aiming to attract local customers through Google Maps or reach voice search users via Bing Places, directories remain a cornerstone of an effective, long-term SEO strategy.

FAQs

How can directory submissions help improve local SEO rankings?

Directory submissions are a powerful tool for boosting local SEO by improving your business's online presence and trustworthiness. When your business is listed consistently across well-regarded directories with accurate information - like your name, address, and phone number (NAP) - search engines are more likely to view your business as reliable and rank it higher in local search results.

These listings also increase your chances of showing up in local search features, such as map packs, making it easier for nearby customers to find you. On top of that, many directories offer backlinks to your website, which can strengthen your domain authority and improve your overall SEO. By using high-quality directories, you can expand your local reach, bring in more visitors, and generate inquiries from potential customers in your area.

What’s the difference between dofollow and nofollow links in directory submissions?

Dofollow links are a powerful tool for boosting your site's presence on search engine results pages. They pass SEO value from the directory to your website, signaling search engines to follow the link and credit your site with authority. This can play a key role in improving your rankings.

On the flip side, nofollow links don't transfer SEO authority. However, they still serve an important purpose. These links can drive referral traffic to your site and help expand your online visibility. A balanced mix of both dofollow and nofollow links is essential for a strong and effective SEO strategy.

Why is it important to keep your business's Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistent for SEO?

Maintaining consistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) details across all directories and online platforms plays a key role in boosting your SEO. When your business information is uniform everywhere, search engines can easily verify it, strengthening your online trust and reliability.

On the flip side, inconsistent NAP data can mislead search engines, which might hurt your local search rankings. By ensuring your NAP information is the same across the board, you increase your visibility in local search results, making it simpler for potential customers to discover and reach out to your business.