8 directories · Checked 5 November 2026
The local business directories worth your time
Every small business should claim a handful of free listings: they decide whether you show up on Google Maps, Apple Maps and Bing, and AI assistants read them too. Here are the ones that matter, what each costs, and the lists for your trade.
Our free check finds the profiles you have and whether they match your website.
Google Business ProfileFound, matches your site
Apple Business (Apple Maps)Found, no link to your site!
Bing Places for BusinessFound, matches your siteYelpNot found–
Facebook PageFound, old phone number!
At a glance
| Directory | How it's paid for |
|---|---|
| Free | |
| Apple Business (Apple Maps) | Free, with paid Maps ads |
| Bing Places for Business | Free |
| Free page, paid ads | |
| Facebook Page | Free, with paid promotion |
 Better Business Bureau | Free profile, paid accreditation |
 Nextdoor | Free, with paid ads |
 Yellow Pages | Free, with paid upgrades |
Each one, and why it matters
1
Google Business Profile
The one that matters most: it decides whether you appear on Google Maps and in the map results on Google Search.
Google's own listing, which puts a business on Google Search and Google Maps.
Free: Google says creating a Business Profile and listing your business on Google is free. Their page, checked 5 November 2026
2
Apple Business (Apple Maps)
It puts you on Apple Maps, which iPhone users open by default for directions and searches nearby.
Apple's tool for your place card on Apple Maps and across Apple's apps. It replaced Apple Business Connect in April 2026.
Free, with paid Maps adsGo to Apple BusinessFree: Apple says Apple Business is available as a free service from 14 April 2026. Their page, checked 5 November 2026
3
Bing Places for Business
It puts you in Bing's results and on Bing Maps, and you can import your Google listing to set it up.
Microsoft's listing for Bing search and Bing Maps. It can import a Google Business Profile.
4
Yelp
Customers read reviews there before they call, in almost every trade.
A review site where customers find, review and message local businesses.
Free page, paid adsGo to YelpBusiness Page free; Yelp Ads from $150 a month; Upgrade Package $180 a month. Their page, checked 5 November 2026
5
Facebook Page
People check a business's Page for hours, photos and how to message it.
A business Page where customers see your details and can message you.
Free, with paid promotionGo to Facebook Page6
Better Business Bureau
Some customers look you up there before trusting you with a bigger job or purchase.
A nonprofit that publishes a free profile with a rating and complaint history for any business. Accreditation, the seal, is a separate paid program.
Free profile, paid accreditationGo to Better Business Bureau7
Nextdoor
Neighbors ask each other for recommendations there, and recommend businesses they've used.
A free Business Page on the neighborhood network, where neighbors recommend local businesses.
Free, with paid adsGo to Nextdoor8
Yellow Pages
A free basic listing in a directory people still search.
The online directory, now run by Thryv, with a free basic listing.
Free, with paid upgradesGo to Yellow Pages
What each directory is and costs comes from its own pages, checked 5 November 2026. Prices change: check the directory's page before you sign up. We aren't paid by any of them.
What to fill in on every profile
- The same name, address and phone as your websiteGoogle, Apple and AI assistants compare them; when they disagree, customers can end up with an old number.0
- A link to your websiteIt sends people to the page that says the most about you, and it ties the profile to you.1
- What you offer, in your own wordsThe services you offer, so you show up when someone filters or searches for them.2
- Hours and photosCurrent hours, including holidays, and real photos of your place or your work.3
Your questions, answered.
Google Business Profile, Apple Business, Bing Places, a Facebook Page, a Nextdoor Business Page, a Yelp page, a BBB profile and a basic Yellow Pages listing are all free to claim. The paid parts are extras like ads, leads or accreditation.
Fewer than most listing services suggest: the free big ones above, plus the few your own customers use for your trade. A handful of complete, matching listings does more than dozens of thin ones.
Google, Apple and AI assistants compare your name, address and phone across your website and listings. When they disagree, they're less sure which is right, and customers can end up with an old number.
They can. AI assistants build answers from websites, listings and reviews, so complete profiles that link to your website give them more to go on.
Directories for other businesses
Want to see how you show up everywhere at once? Try our free tools.