Local Business Directory Submission Checklist

Local business
directory submission.

Add your business to Google Maps, Yelp, Bing Places and other directories so customers can find your location and contact details.

Also called local citation building, this work can support local discovery and bring referral visits. Some listings include backlinks. Rankings and link value aren’t guaranteed.

Start your checklist ↓

One record. Every listing.

NAP means Name, Address, Phone. Use the same real-world business details across platforms. If you serve customers at their location, follow each platform’s service-area and address privacy rules.

01 / Prepare one business recordKeep your name, address and phone number (NAP) consistent. Add your website, hours, category, description and photos.02 / Choose directories that fitStart with map platforms, then add directories used in your country and industry. Check eligibility and fees first.03 / Find or claim an existing listingSearch for your business before creating a profile. Claim the existing record to avoid duplicates.04 / Create your account and submitUse Add Business or List Your Business. Enter your details from the same business record on every platform.05 / Complete verificationFollow the platform’s email, phone, video or other verification steps. A submitted form is not a published listing.06 / Save the live URL and review itRecord the profile link and approval status. Check the map pin, contact details and opening hours after publication.

Your directory checklist.

Open each platform, check its current requirements and tick it off once your listing is live. Availability, fees and verification vary by country and platform.

Google Business ProfileGoogle Search and MapsVisit site ↗

Bing PlacesBing business listingsVisit site ↗

Apple BusinessApple Maps · formerly Business ConnectVisit site ↗

YelpBusiness profiles and reviewsVisit site ↗

FoursquareFind, claim or add a listingVisit site ↗

HotfrogSelect your country directoryVisit site ↗

BrownbookBusiness directory profilesVisit site ↗

CylexChoose your regional directoryVisit site ↗

MantaCheck geographic and business fitVisit site ↗

Forms can be automated. Approval can’t.

Do it yourself

Create accounts and submit one directory at a time. You control the details and keep the login records.

Use a submission service

Services such as BrightLocal can handle citation work. Check directory coverage, costs and ownership of your profiles.

Build your own automation

Tools such as Playwright can fill forms. CAPTCHA, verification and manual reviews still need attention. Follow each site’s rules.

Keep a simple record: platform, submission date, status and live URL. Update your listings when your phone number, address or hours change.