Which Online Directories Should a Tradesperson Be Listed On?

There are hundreds of online directories, and most of them will never send you a customer. A handful are still worth ten minutes each, partly for the odd enquiry and partly because consistent listings help Google trust that your business is real.

Why listings matter

Each place your business name, address and phone number appear online is called a citation. When those details match everywhere, it supports what your Google Business Profile says. When they clash, with an old phone number here and a previous address there, it muddies the picture. Citations are not the biggest factor in local ranking, but they are an easy one to get right.

The free essentials

• Google Business Profile. The one that matters most by a distance. Set it up properly.
• Bing Places. Microsoft's equivalent. Fewer people use Bing, but it is free and you can import your details from Google.
• Apple Business Connect. Controls how you appear in Apple Maps, which is the default on every iPhone.
• Facebook. A business page with your correct details.

Do these four first. They cover the maps and searches most people actually use.

General directories

A few long-standing UK directories offer free basic listings, such as Yell, Thomson Local and Scoot. A free listing is worth having. You will often be offered a paid upgrade afterwards. In most cases you can say no.

Trade and review platforms

Sites such as Checkatrade, TrustATrader, MyBuilder and Rated People work differently. They are paid membership or pay-per-lead platforms rather than simple listings. They can bring work, and many trades use them, especially early on. Go in with clear eyes about the cost per job won, and remember that the customers and reviews live on their platform, not yours.

Your trade bodies

If you are registered with a scheme or association, make sure your entry on its "find a member" search is complete and up to date. Gas Safe Register, NICEIC, NAPIT, TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders and the NFRC all have one. Customers do use these to check a trade is genuine, and they are trusted sources.

Local listings

Local business directories, your chamber of commerce, community websites and council-run trader schemes are often overlooked. They are relevant to your area, which is exactly what local search cares about.

Getting the details right

Before you start, write down one exact version of:

• Business name
• Address, or service area if you hide your address
• Phone number
• Website address
• A short description of what you do

Use it word for word on every listing. Keep a simple list of where you are listed and the login for each, so you can update them all if you move or change number.

What to ignore

• Cold calls saying your "Google listing is about to expire". Google Business Profile is free and does not expire.
• Packages promising hundreds of directory submissions. Ten good listings beat five hundred on sites nobody visits.
• Directories that charge just to be listed with no evidence they send enquiries.

How much difference will it make?

On its own, a modest one. Listings are the groundwork, not the main event. What moves you up is a complete Google profile, a website with a page for each service and area, and a steady flow of reviews. If you are not appearing at all, start with why your business is not showing up on Google.