The Ultimate Guide to UK Business Directories
Your guide to getting your business noticed by brand new customers. Your guide to getting your
Top 5 Business Directories in the UK
Want your business listed on an online directory but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place.
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Top 5 Business Directories in the UK
Want your business listed on an online directory but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place.
Thinking about getting your business listed on an online directory but don’t know where to start? Well, don’t worry about that, because you’re in the right place.
Here, you’ll find a breakdown of five of the UK’s leading online directories, how to choose the right one for you, and how to sign up today!
What is a Directory Listing?
Before, the internet was as ingrained into our lives as it is now. If you wanted to get in touch with a business, your best bet was a directory called the Yellow Pages. This was a massive yellow book that listed all of the companies in your local region by category with their contact information. It would sit by your home phone (RIP landlines) and was always there when you were in need.
Need a plumber because your shower has exploded? Check the Yellow Pages.
Time for your MOT? Look up a garage in the Yellow Pages.
Desperately looking for last-minute dinner reservations because you forgot your anniversary? Yellow Pages was there to save the day.
As the digital age dawned, the Yellow Pages and other directories moved online. An online directory is the same concept, except…online. All relevant business and contact information is now found on these centralised platforms, making them easy for potential customers to find.
Types of Directory Listings
Not all business directories serve the same purpose. Some are ideal for targeting local customers, while others focus on industry-specific audiences or help you target the entire country. Choosing the right one depends on your business type and marketing goals.
General Directories
General directories list businesses from all industries, making them perfect if you want broad exposure. They help with SEO rankings, integrate with search engines, and help companies reach a wider audience.
Niche-Specific Directories
These focus on specific niches like hospitality, trades, and healthcare. Niche-specific directories allow more relevant customers to see your listing and increase your credibility by appearing on industry-related sites.
Local Directories
As the name suggests, local directories are listings dedicated to local areas such as towns, cities, or regions. Tradespeople, restaurants, garages—if you depend on a local customer base, then this is the listing for you.
National Directories
National directories list businesses across the UK, making them ideal if you operate nationwide. They often have high domain authority, which improves search rankings and brand credibility.
Top 5 Directory Listings Compared: Our Verdict
Before we get started, we want to clarify something. This isn’t a straight shootout to see who is the best. Rather an overview of each directory and their pros and cons to help you find which is the best for you.
Make sense? Great, let’s get started!
| Directory | Premium Listing Pricing | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Yell.com | £30 to £100+ | Free basic listings, high traffic volume, mobile-friendly, additional marketing services, nationwide & local listings, integration with partner platforms, and comprehensive business profiles. |
| Thomson Local | Not publicly listed, contact for a quote. | Free basic listings, fast turnaround times, direction features, website setup, business citations, review collection, local focus, extra marketing services, and established reputation. |
| FreeIndex | £7.95/month or £79.50/year | Free listing focus, affordable premium listings, quote comparison, customer review system, highest Trustpilot score, high domain authority. |
| Scoot | Not publicly listed. | Free basic listings, wider reach through partnerships, and mobile optimisation. |
| Checkatrade | £30+ VAT/month membership. | Vetted professionals, comprehensive reviews, a wide range of trades, access to a large customer base, marketing support, high domain authority, 'excellent' Trustpilot rating. |
Yell.com
Free basic listings, high traffic volume, mobile-friendly, additional marketing services.
- Pros
- Free basic listings.
- High traffic volume.
- Additional marketing services.
- Comprehensive business profiles.
- Cons
- Premium features require payment.
- Competitive environment.
This is what the Yellow Pages morphed into. Since printing their final ever Yellow Pages in 2019, they now operate solely as Yell.com and have over 80,000 businesses and 3 million listings on their site that get millions of views each month.
Free profiles are available, making it a cost-effective way to advertise your business online on one of the largest directories in the country and, as well as this, Yell.com directory is optimised for mobile devices, catering to users accessing information on the go and you can advertise to the entire country or your local area, making it perfect for all business types.
You can even showcase services, opening hours, and customer reviews, providing a holistic view to potential clients.
Thomson Local
Free basic listings, fast turnaround times, direction features, local focus, extra marketing services.
- Pros
- Fast turnaround times.
- Local focus.
- Free basic listings.
- Cons
- Premium services are paid.
- Lack of pricing transparency.
Since 1980, Thomson Local has been a staple of the British directory scene, helping UK businesses find customers. Like Yell, they were once a print directory that found themselves in 22 million homes. Today, they’re entirely digital and still help millions of customers connect with businesses monthly.
Its free listings allow you to list essential information and increase your visibility on search engines like Google and Bing, while its fast turnaround times mean your listing could be live in as little as five days. As well as this its focus on connecting local businesses with local customers enhances community engagement within your business.
Want to Know More About How Directory Listings Work?
If you want to expand your knowledge further, we’ve written a comprehensive guide on directory listings that covers how they work, how to find one, and how they can take your business’s customer base to the next level.
- Pros
- Affordable premium listings.
- Customer review system.
- Quote comparison.
- Cons
- Limited premium features.
- No extra marketing features.
FreeIndex is a directory that primarily deals with, that’s right, free listings (although they do offer an affordable premium package). They have over 1.5 million registered members, 250,000 registered businesses and 450,000 local business reviews.
One of the key benefits of FreeIndex is its affordability; premium listings are available for as low as just £7.95 per month or £79.50 a year, making it competitive in the industry. Not only that, but customers looking for your business can quickly find and compare you directly with your competitors, helping you to stand out from the crowd. There’s also a customer review system, which allows you to build your online credibility.
Scoot
Free basic listings, wider reach through partnerships, and mobile optimisation.
- Pros
- Free basic listings.
- Wider reach through partnerships.
- Mobile optimisation.
- Cons
- Premium features are paid.
With Scoot, you can list essential details without any charges, which makes it accessible for all kinds of businesses, regardless of your budget. It can also give you a wider reach through brand partnerships, so your listings can appear on more prominent websites, including The Mirror, The Independent, and Web.com.
Plus, it’s accessible and user-friendly on mobile devices, catering to users who search for services on the go.
Checkatrade.com
Vetted professionals, comprehensive reviews, a wide range of trades, access to a large customer base.
- Pros
- Vetted professionals.
- Wide range of trades.
- Cons
- Membership fees.
- Stringent review process.
Check, check, check, checkatrade, checkatrade.com: You know the jingle, and it will be in your head all day now. Since 1998, Checkatrade has been the leading directory for tradespeople across the UK. With millions of homeowners searching for reliable tradespeople through their site, if this is your niche, there’s nowhere better. The platform covers numerous trades, from plumbing and electrical work to landscaping and home improvements, offering a one-stop solution for all tradespeople.
Tradespeople undergo rigorous testing of up to 12 steps. If you pass, prospective customers know you’re trustworthy, enhancing your credibility. Users can also access detailed reviews and ratings from previous customers, further increasing your trustworthiness (if you’ve earned those positive reviews, of course).
How to Choose the Right Online Directory for Your Business
Ok, so you’ve decided you want to advertise in a directory. Great, we’re happy we could help. But before you start typing away and signing up for the one that looks the best on paper, consider these four points.
Domain Authority and Reputation
Domain authority (DA) measures how trustworthy and reputable a website is, directly impacting search engine ranking. The higher the DA of a directory, the more visible and credible it will be to prospective customers. Appearing on these sites will also get you a backlink, which will, in turn, help boost your own website’s DA.
Industry Experience
Industry-specific directories help position your business alongside reputable names in your sector. These platforms have an established level of trust, making connecting with your desired customers easier. Although general directories offer a wider reach, industry-specific ones reinforce your credibility and deliver more targeted traffic, especially for niche businesses.
Your Audience Demographics
If your business serves a local market, regional directories are often more effective than national ones. Listing in location-specific directories helps attract nearby customers and improves your ranking in local search results. Choosing the correct directory ensures your business reaches the people most likely to need your services.
Free vs. Paid Listings
Free directory listings provide visibility and come with the added benefit of not costing you a penny. Paid options offer enhanced features like priority placement, lead generation, and more control over your listing. While free listings are excellent, especially if you’re on a budget, paid options can drive better results by increasing exposure and boosting credibility.
How Can I Get Listed in a Directory?
Hopefully, you’re more clued up on some of the UK’s online directories and which is best for your business. Now, there’s only one question: “How can I get my business listed?”
Well, the process couldn’t be more straightforward. All you have to do is answer the question below to start our quick questionnaire then, based on your responses, you’ll receive a range of personalised directory listing quotes tailored to your specific needs.
This service is completely free, and there’s no obligation to commit. So, if you’re not happy with the options, you can walk away without spending a penny.
So, hit the button below and start comparing now!
FAQs
What is an online business directory?
An online business directory is a platform that lists businesses by category, helping customers find relevant services. Listings typically include contact details, reviews, and links to websites. These directories improve visibility, enhance credibility, and help businesses connect with potential customers in their local area or industry.
Are online directory listings worth it?
Yes, online directories improve search rankings, increase visibility, and provide valuable backlinks. They also help businesses reach potential customers who are actively searching for their services. While free listings offer basic exposure, paid options can generate more leads and provide better placement within search results.
What is the difference between free and paid directory listings?
Free listings provide basic exposure, including contact details and business descriptions. Paid listings offer benefits like priority placement, lead generation tools, customer analytics, and improved search rankings. Businesses looking for more visibility and higher conversions often find paid listings a worthwhile investment.
Will a directory listing help my website rank higher on Google?
Yes, directory listings contribute to SEO by providing high-authority backlinks and increasing online presence. Search engines recognise these links, improving website credibility and rankings. Listings also help businesses appear in local search results, making them more discoverable to potential customers searching for relevant services.
How can I get listed in an online directory?
Getting listed is simple. Tap on one of the links on this page, answer a few questions about your business, and receive a range of tailored directory listing quotes. This service is free, and there’s no obligation to commit.
