As search engine optimisation (SEO) consultants, we are always looking to find the best links and citations we can for our clients. Directories are one place where it can be helpful to be listed. There are some good directories and some bad ones. “Bad”directories are ones where anyone can add a link; there is no editorial process; and there is poor categorisation of businesses.

Best Local Directories 2016

Taking into account what I’ve said about the good, bad and the ugly of directories, here are the top ones that we suggest. Particularly if you are a small local business. In all cases adding the right keywords, images and correct contact details is very important.

• Yelp

Yelp can drive a lot of traffic to your website and as a local business so you should be claiming your listing on it.  Furthermore, any reviews will show up on the search results for Bing.

• Foursquare

Foursquare is also featuring in the search results pages for Bing. It is a high authority website and getting your business on there is important as Google will crawl and index the listings. It also appears on the search results pages if you get any “tips”.

• Yell

Yell is really easy to sign up for and once your business is listed you can add it to many categories where it will feature.  There’s link back to your website too which means that it can drive real traffic.

• Freeindex

Freeindex is a high authority directory with the ability to drive referrals right to your door. It can be a little involved to set up but it is important to get the right keywords and images in your listing to ensure you get the most from it.

• Cylex

Cylex is a high end directory which also can drive real referrals to your business. It allows you to add in loads of information about your business including social profiles. They also ensure the information stays up to date so they prompt you every 6 months to log on and check.

Article originally published http://www.albaseoservices.co.uk/blog/-top-5-local-directories-for-seo-2016