As a Canadian business owner, getting your company listed in the best Canadian business directories can significantly impact your online visibility and local search rankings.
To help make your life easier, I’m experimenting with directories to see which ones truly offer value to us Canadians.
Currently, I have 19 directories on my list (click that link to skip to the list), but I’ll be adding more as I continue to test and explore new options.
Keep in mind, creating profiles and setting up your business listings on these directories isn’t a quick task.
Depending on the directory and the amount of information required, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per listing. That means for 15 directories, you might expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours total.
However, the potential benefits in terms of local SEO and online visibility make this investment of time well worth it.
How Do Online Directories Impact Your Business?
Business directories play a crucial role in establishing and enhancing your online presence, especially for local businesses. When potential customers search for services or products you offer, being listed in a reputable directory can make the difference between being found or overlooked. These directories can help you:
- Improve Local SEO: Search engines like Google consider business directory listings as credible references to your business. The more directories you’re listed in, the better your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
- Increase Visibility: Directories often appear at the top of search engine results, making them a prime spot for potential customers to find your business.
- Build Credibility: Being listed in well-known directories can lend credibility to your business, as customers tend to trust businesses that appear in reputable listings.
But is it worth the time, effort, and (sometimes) money?
In short, yes.
While many directories are free, others charge a monthly fee or a one-time payment, particularly for a dofollow link to your website. The value of these paid listings largely depends on the directory’s domain authority (DA) and the quality of the backlink it provides.
What’s the Difference Between a Dofollow vs. Nofollow Link?
When it comes to business directories, it’s important to understand the difference between dofollow and nofollow links:
- Dofollow Links: These links pass on SEO value from the directory to your website, helping improve your search engine rankings. Directories that offer dofollow links are often more valuable for SEO purposes.
- Nofollow Links: These links do not pass on SEO value but can still be beneficial for driving traffic to your website and increasing visibility.
Here’s an example:
- This is a DoFollow link to my personal blog, JefvandeGraaf.com 🫡
- And this is a NoFollow link to the worst website on the internet, OnlyFans.com 🤮
Can you see the difference?
Probably not.
But if we take a closer look at the source code, you’ll notice there’s a clear difference:
When you view the source code of a webpage, you can see how links are tagged.
The rel="nofollow" attribute tells search engines not to pass any SEO value from that link to the target website. Essentially, it’s a way for the directory to say, “We’re not endorsing this site or passing on any SEO benefits.
In contrast, when you remove the rel="nofollow" attribute, this tells search engines that the directory endorses the linked site and is passing on SEO value to it.
This distinction is important because it directly affects your site’s ability to rank in search engines.
Best Canadian Business Directories
Below, you’ll find a table listing the best canadian business directories I’ve tested, with important metrics like Domain Authority (DA) and Spam Score provided by Moz.
Here’s what these metrics mean:
- Domain Authority (DA): A score (on a 100-point scale) developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). The higher the DA, the more authoritative the directory is considered.
- Spam Score (%): Represents the percentage of sites with similar features that have been penalized or banned by Google. A higher spam score doesn’t necessarily mean the site is spammy; it’s more of a guide to identify sites that might require further investigation.
Please note that I’ve bolded the directories that offer dofollow links, as these are particularly valuable for boosting your website’s SEO.
Also, every business should be on the directories I’ve labeled with: (if you haven’t added your business to them already, go do it now).
| # | Directory Name | Add Business Link | Link Type | Free? | DA | Spam? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acompio | Submit Business | DoFollow | Yes | 23 | 2% |
| 2 | Apple Maps | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 99 | 3% |
| 3 | Ask Map | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 52 | 46% |
| 4 | Best Business Local | Submit Business | DoFollow | No ($10/mo) | 23 | — |
| 5 | Bing Places | Submit Business | DoFollow | Yes | 52 | 20% |
| 6 | BizCommunity | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 80 | 2% |
| 7 | Company List | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 32 | 28% |
| 8 | Creative Mornings | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 74 | 1% |
| 9 | Every Merchant | Submit Business | ??? | Yes | 20 | 1% |
| 10 | Foursquare | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 92 | 1% |
| 11 | Google Business Profile | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 93 | 7% |
| 12 | Hot Frog | Submit Business | DoFollow | Yes | 43 | 37% |
| 13 | Info is Info Canada | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 19 | — |
| 14 | Listings Canada | Submit Business | DoFollow | No ($10) | 37 | 4% |
| 15 | Local Sites Canada | Submit Business | ??? | Yes | 19 | 31% |
| 16 | Mister What | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 32 | 5% |
| 17 | Opendi Canada | Submit Business | ??? | Yes | 18 | – |
| 18 | Sales Spider | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 51 | 45% |
| 19 | Zip Leaf Canada | Submit Business | NoFollow | Yes | 27 | 19% |
Best Practices for Creating Your Business Listings
Once you’ve selected the directories you want to be listed in, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure your listings are optimized for success. Here’s what you’ll need to know and prepare before you start creating your listings:
1. NAP Consistency
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. It’s crucial to ensure that your NAP information is consistent across all directories. Even slight variations can confuse search engines and dilute your local SEO efforts. Double-check that your business name, address, and phone number are identical on every listing.
2. Business Description
Craft a clear, concise, and compelling business description. This is your chance to tell potential customers who you are and what you offer. Aim for a description that is both informative and engaging, highlighting your unique selling points. Be sure to incorporate relevant keywords naturally to improve search visibility.
3. List of Services
Some directories allow you to list the services your business offers. Take advantage of this feature by providing a detailed list of your services. Use specific terms that potential customers might search for, and if space allows, include brief descriptions of each service. This not only helps with SEO but also gives potential customers a better understanding of what you offer.
4. Category Selection
Choosing the right categories for your business is critical. Most directories will ask you to select categories that best describe your business. Make sure to pick categories that are as relevant and specific as possible. Avoid selecting too many categories, as this can dilute the focus of your listing. Instead, focus on a few categories that accurately represent your core offerings.
5. Photos and Logos
High-quality visuals can make your listing stand out. If the directory allows, upload your business logo and photos of your products, services, or storefront. This helps build credibility and gives potential customers a better sense of what to expect. Ensure that your images are professional and represent your brand well.
6. Additional Information
Some directories may offer additional fields such as operating hours, payment methods, and links to social media profiles. Fill out as many of these fields as possible to provide a complete picture of your business. The more information you provide, the more likely customers are to trust and engage with your listing.
7. Monitoring and Updating
After setting up your listings, it’s important to monitor them regularly. Check for any inaccuracies, respond to customer reviews, and update information as needed. Keeping your listings up-to-date ensures that potential customers always have the most accurate and current information about your business.
Add Your Business Listings (DFY)
If you find that setting up your business listings on these directories is too time-consuming, I can handle it for you. For a fixed rate, I’ll take care of creating and optimizing your profiles, ensuring your business is listed in the most impactful directories.
Contact me to learn more about how I can help enhance your online presence.
