Online business directories have become a must-have for businesses to expand their online presence and get more customers. Thanks to the surge of online directories, finding information about a business has never been simpler.
If you’re a business owner in South Africa seeking to enhance your online presence or improve your local SEO, this article has got you covered. We have compiled a list of the top free online business directories in SA that you should list your company on to increase your online visibility and attract more customers.
Let’s get the ball rolling.
Table of contents
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What is an online business directory?
An online directory is a digital platform that lists and categorises businesses and their relevant information, such as contact details, address, and services offered.
These directories serve as a centralised hub of information for users to easily search and find businesses that meet their needs. These business listing websites provide a cost-effective means of advertising for businesses, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that may have limited marketing budgets. As such, online directories have become an indispensable tool for businesses to promote their products and services in the digital age.
Local vs international directory: what’s the difference?
Local and international business directories are similar in function in that they both allow businesses to create online profiles and list their services.
However, the main difference is in their scope of coverage. Local business directories focus specifically on businesses within a particular geographic location, while international directories cover a broader range of businesses across multiple countries and regions.
For local businesses looking to improve their local search engine optimisation (SEO), local business directories are a more effective option than international directories. This is because search engines prioritise local results for searches with local intent.
When a user searches for a particular type of business or service in a specific location, search engines will often display a map of the local area with businesses listed in order of proximity. By having a presence on local business directories, businesses increase their chances of being found in these local search results. Additionally, local business directories often allow businesses to add location-specific information, such as their address and contact details, which further boosts their local SEO efforts.
How does an online business directory work?
An online business directory works by providing a platform for businesses to list their information in a structured format. Businesses create a profile on the directory by submitting their basic information, such as their name, address, phone number, website, and business category.
The directory then organises and categorises this information to make it easily searchable for users.
Users can then easily search the directory using keywords, business categories, location, and other filters to find the businesses they need. Some directories also provide additional features, such as reviews and ratings, to help users make informed decisions when choosing a business.
Businesses can also enhance their listings by adding more information, such as photos, videos, and descriptions of their products and services.
What are the benefits of online business directories?
If you’re a business deciding whether you should list your company on a local business directory, here are some compelling reasons to do so.
Increased brand visibility
By listing your business on multiple directories, you can increase your brand’s visibility and awareness. Online directories attract thousands of visitors each month, and your business may be found by users who are looking for a similar business, but stumble upon yours and remember it for later.
Improved SEO
Online directories can provide a valuable backlink to your website, which can improve your search engine optimisation (SEO) results. If an online directory offers a DoFollow link accompanied by a decent Domain Authority score, this will give your website some good link equity and help to improve your local SEO.
Increased web traffic
Listing your business on online directories can help increase traffic to your website. If users come across your business listing on a directory, they may follow the link to your website, which can be counted as referral traffic.
Cost-effective marketing
Many online directories offer free listings or affordable premium listings, making it a cost-effective marketing strategy for businesses.
Credibility and trust
Listing your business on reputable directories can improve your credibility and trustworthiness. Users are more likely to trust businesses that have a presence on trusted directories.
Targeted audience
Online directories allow you to target a specific audience based on location, business category, and other filters, which can increase the chances of reaching potential customers who are interested in your products or services.
Top free online business directories in SA
With hundreds of business directories available in South Africa, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the top free business directories for 2024. These business directory’s will be ranked by ease of use and their domain authority score which ranges from 0 – 100 as a representation of the site’s quality & trustworthiness.
1. Google Business Profile
This directory is an essential tool for businesses that want to improve their online visibility. It is free to list your business on Google with free Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), and it offers features like Google Maps integration, customer reviews, and the ability to post updates and offers.
Having an official Google Business Profile set up not only allows your business greater online visibility, it also allows customers to ask questions about the business, and in turn allows your business to respond to these customer questions facilitating easy helpful communication between your business and potential clients.
This business directory is so prominent on this list because your Google Business Profile will often be the first touch point customers interact with when searching for your business.
- Business variety type: All business types
- Domain authority: 98
- Local & International
2. Bing Places
Bing Places never used to be available in South Africa, until recently. As Bing gains market share with its newly revamped Search Engine, it has become apparent that listing here is imperative. To list, you can simply import your business from your Google Business Profile.
What makes Bing Places stand out is its easy setup process if you already have a Google Business profile page set up, Bing Places makes it easy to import this information onto a new Bing Places profile for your business.
- Business variety type: All business types
- Domain authority: 82
- Local & International
3. HotFrog
Although HotFrog is an international business directory, they have a South African version which offers a simple way of listing your business along with personalised keywords for your business. Although they will encourage you to sign up for a priority (paid) listing, you can get a free listing.
- Business variety type: Wide variety
- Domain authority: 55
- Local
4. Yellosa
Yellosa is a popular South African business directory that offers a simple listing process. It allows you to list your business for free, along with target keywords, up to 3 products, and a logo of your choice for your business page.
- Business variety type: All business types
- Domain authority: 50
- Local
5. Cylex
Cylex is a great local listing platform for businesses; it features free listing capabilities with in-depth search ability for customers to easily locate businesses and services that they’re looking for.
- Business variety type: Wide variety
- Domain authority: 50
- Local
6. Brabys
Brabys is a well-known South African business directory that has a huge user base. Although backlinks feature a NoFollow attribute, listings are free and straightforward.
- Business variety type: Specialist business directory
- Domain authority: 49
- Local
7. Best Directory
Best directory is a free online business directory which allows local businesses to easily create a listing for your business. Coupled with the ability to add keywords and a logo for your business profile, this business listing site is a viable user-friendly option for business looking to expand their online visibility
- Business variety type: All business types
- Domain authority: 38
- Local
8. SA Yellow
SA Yellow offers a free and easy way of creating and updating your listing. The interface is clean and offers a seamless user experience. Users are also able to post reviews and get directions to a business straight from a business profile on SA Yellow.
- Business variety type: Accommodation, Auto repair, Health, Legal
- Domain authority: 38
- Local
9. Entrepo
Entrepo is worth a mention due to the fact that they are not just a free online business directory, but they also publish articles around business, tech, news, food, and everything in between. To submit a new listing is an easy and efficient process; and isn’t that a hallmark of a great online directory?
- Business variety type: Wide variety
- Domain authority: 34
- Local
10. ActiveWeb
ActiveWeb boasts a modern, fresh design that is a pleasure to use. There are also free and premium listing options, with the ability to quickly add your business with no fuss.
- Business variety type: All business types
- Domain authority: 30
- Local
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions around online business directories.
What is a business directory?
A business directory is an online platform that lists businesses and their contact information. These directories help users find businesses based on specific categories or search criteria. They are often categorised by location, industry, or size of the business.
Why should I list my business on a directory?
Listing your business on a directory can improve your online visibility, increase web traffic, and boost your SEO results. It’s a great way to reach a wider audience of potential customers and showcase your products or services.
Are there any free business directories in South Africa?
Yes, there are many free business directories available in South Africa. Some of the top free directories include HotFrog, Entrepo, Yellosa, and Brabys.
What information should I include when listing my business on a directory?
You should include your business name, contact information (phone number, email, website), location, hours of operation, and a brief description of your products or services. Some directories may also allow you to include photos, videos, or special offers.
Can listing my business on a directory help my SEO?
Yes, listing your business on a directory can help improve your SEO results, especially if the directory offers a DoFollow link. Backlink building is an important aspect of SEO, and directories can provide valuable backlinks to your website.
Are local or international directories better for local SEO?
Local directories are generally better for local SEO purposes. They are more targeted to your specific location and can help improve your visibility in local search results. International directories may still provide valuable backlinks, but they may not have as much relevance for local SEO.
