The benefits of using online directories
Many of the top 20 Australian local directories attract millions of unique visitors monthly. They are visited by people who have a genuine need for specific products and services. And they are ready to buy, too. So, if your business gets noticed on such directories, then you have a strong chance of generating new traffic and leads.
Also, most online directories let users post customer reviews. They are publicly available to see on each business listing. This means, a business with a lot of positive reviews will have a stronger chance of ranking higher, compared to other businesses. Most directories also have systems in place to prevent the posting of fraudulent reviews, which gives businesses and customers the assurance that each review they see is written by a real people.
Lastly, online directories are a great way to convince customers to act. You can list public details like company name, address, phone number, email, and website. This gives customers all the information they need to take the next step. They can call you, visit your website, head to your nearest location, or send an email.
Best of all? Listing your business on a top 20 Australian directory won’t cost you a cent, either.
The top 20 Australian Local Directories
Of course, with so many online directories out there, choosing the right one can be tricky. That’s where this handy guide comes in.
We’ll help you avoid the online directories that could potentially harm your search ranking. And we’ll lead you towards directories with a strong history of helping customers and businesses connect. These directories are also free to join.
Without further ado, here are the top 20 Australian local directories you should sign up for.
1. Yellow Pages
Did you know Yellow Pages has been online since 1994? It’s true. And since then, it has successfully transitioned from being a print-based directory to the online space. Over 5 million searches are performed on the site each month, while the site itself has a fresh new look and listings for businesses across a wide range of industries.
2. Yelp
The Australian version of Yelp is a great online directory for all types of businesses. It has a strong emphasis on helping businesses stand out based on the quality of their customer reviews. Also, Yelp actively discourages businesses from encouraging their customers to leave Yelp reviews, which gives visitors the assurance that their critiques are genuine and authentic.
3. Word of Mouth
Word of Mouth is a user-generated online directory where people share their experiences – good and bad – with businesses. Unlike some directories, businesses cannot simply ‘buy’ their way to the top spot with paid ads; they must earn it by gaining trust. And with over 693,915 customer reviews for businesses in Australia so far, its influence and popularity will only grow.
4. Pink Pages
Pink Pages is a local online directory with over 1.6 million listings across Australia. In November 2020 the company was acquired by Locafy, a local search technology provider that – you will soon see – has acquired a few businesses on this list, with Pink Pages being one of them. With its user-friendly interface, intuitive category search function, and heaps more, Pink Pages has earned its place as one of the top online directories in Australia.
5. Superpages
Simple, straight to the point. Superpages does exactly what it says on their home page, with the motto: Our purpose is to help people find great local businesses like dentists, hair stylists, and mechanics. Visitors can search based on their location and the type of business they need. Plus, businesses can add their own listing in a few quick clicks, for multiple locations too.
6. Startlocal
Startlocal is an interactive local search engine that delivers accurate local business results every time. The website has over 1.2 million listings, and that number does not include out of date or duplicate listings either. It also features predictive text to help returning users find what they need more quickly and easily. Startlocal has also been around since 2006, so through the eyes of Google it is a very trustworthy and reputable website.
7. Australian Planet
Australian Planet lets businesses upload their listings at no cost. The website itself is very clear and simple, easy to navigate, and covers a range of industries from education and groceries to building hardware and more. Whatever product or service you offer, there’s bound to be an audience waiting to find you on Australian Planet.
8. AussieWeb Local Search
Formed in 1996 by digital marketer Monte Huebsch, AussieWeb Local Search has over 1 million current business listings. The website prides itself on boasting high quality and accurate data, thanks to the directory being regularly updated and cleared of irrelevant/out of date links. AussieWeb also lets businesses pay for a promoted listing, which is a great way for new businesses to stand out from older, more established ones.
9. True Local
Established in 2006, True Local has been helping Australians discover and experience all things local for over 15 years. Both businesses and customers can upload their own photos to share their experience with others. Customers can leave reviews and ratings to help others make more informed choices. And users can save their favourite businesses, too. True Local also sources information not just from customers and businesses, but also third-party content suppliers to ensure the info is current and up to date.
10. Infobel Australia
With a global presence spanning 62 countries, Infobel is one of the most popular online directories in the world. The database holds over 270 million businesses and 300 million telephone subscribers. Plus, its Australian division boasts a range of categories, from automobile and entertainment to health and medicine. So, whatever type of business you run, Infobel has a highly active and engaged audience, waiting to discover you.
11. Hotfrog
Hotfrog is a local online business directory launched in 2005. The company helps businesses create demand for their products and services by giving business owners the freedom to customise their own tags and keywords. This increases the odds of potential customers finding these businesses when they use the right terms and phrases. Hotfrog also features an intuitive, built-in reporting tool, giving businesses a clear picture of their online activity.
12. Cylex Australia
Cylex’s aim is to connect businesses to the unique needs of their customers. Being online for over a decade, Cylex operates in over 30 online business directories, visited by over 1 million unique visitors daily, and reaching over 5 continents around the world. Sign up is free of charge, with the option to upgrade to a Premium Entry Plan for extra marketing tools and features.
13. Showmelocal
Showmelocal is a privately owned company based in New York City. The creators of the website have owned their own local businesses before, so they understand the challenges that new businesses face and how to come up with new and innovative ways to spread the word about their business. Aside from making it easier for local businesses and customers to connect, Showmelocal also helps businesses stand out by offering exclusive deals and offers.
14. Aussie Hours
Aussie Hours helps customers find opening times for businesses close to them. From fast food and emergency care to hotels, Aussie Hours makes it easy to find conveniently located businesses in their area. Listing is free for businesses, and lets you modify your details – for example, changing opening dates and times – quickly and easily.
15. Tuugo
Free for individuals and businesses, Tuugo has a strong presence in the European and Australian market, with thousands of businesses – of all shapes, sizes, and types – promoting themselves on Tuugo.
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16. Searchfrog
With over 12,000 business owners and marketing agencies using Search Frog, this online directory has established itself as a popular and successful website. It features integrated Google review ratings, affordable advertising options (for paid users), free social media shout outs for each new approved business, and an extensive blog that attracts customers early in the buying cycle.
17. Come on Aussie
Established in 2002, Come on Aussie provides a ‘Window to “Down Under” by linking customers to reputable and trustworthy business listings. Users have the freedom to upload more than just their business details, but even opinion pieces and press releases. This gives businesses a great incentive to post engaging, informative, and relevant content to help attract customers early in the buying process.
18. Fyple
With a clean, simple interface, huge range of categories, and free sign-up for businesses, Fyple has everything that a business needs to promote itself online. The latest reviews are published on the home page, so customers can gain quick insight into what’s happening in their local area. Plus, their coverage spans all of Australia.
19. AU Enroll Business
Enroll Business is an online directory that connects customers and businesses together. It helps businesses make their website more easily searchable on popular search engines. It’s free and easy to create your own profile. And you can even create your own online store within the Enroll Business ecosystem.
20. Mister What
Founded in 2009, Mister What is available in over 13 countries, and is used by more than 7 million unique visitors each month. For businesses, setting up your profile takes just 5 minutes. And the website does not allow businesses to ‘buy’ their way to the top; instead, opting to promote only businesses that have positive reviews and a history of great service. Plus, all customer reviews are checked by an internal team before publishing. This gives business owners and customers the assurance that each review is genuine.
