Getting listed on UK directories

When someone searches for a tradesperson near them, Google looks at more than your website. It checks that the same business name, phone number and address appear on trusted directories. Matching details in a few places tell Google you're a real local business worth showing. Some customers search those directories directly, too.

What the Directory Submission Assistant is (and isn't)

It's a helper. Your details are pre-filled so you can copy them in seconds, and every directory has a Submit → button that opens its sign-up page. We don't create or submit any listing for you — each one is yours, in your name, set up by you. That also means only you can edit it later.

How to use it

1. Go to Tools → Directory Submission Assistant in your dashboard.
2. Your details are already pre-filled — name, phone, email, website, category, location, and a description.
3. Click Copy All Details (or copy individual fields).
4. Click Submit → next to a directory — it opens that directory's sign-up page in a new tab.
5. Create the account, paste your details, save. Use exactly the same name, phone and address every time.
6. Tick the directory off in your SEO checklist.

Each one takes about 5 minutes; the whole list is roughly 1–2 hours. It's a one-off job — you only come back if your phone number or address changes.

Start with the Essentials (about 30 minutes)

1. Google Business Profile — appears in Google Maps and local search. The single most important listing. Google may post a verification code to your address, which can take up to a week, so start this one first.
2. Bing Places — can import from Google Business Profile in one click.
3. Apple Business Connect — shows your business on Apple Maps and Siri search.

Then the rest, whenever you have a quiet evening

Yell, FreeIndex, Yelp UK and Thomson Local have the most weight; the others (Cylex, Scoot, 192.com, Hotfrog, Brownbook, Nextdoor and so on) count less individually but add up. Watch for confirmation emails — some listings don't go live until you click the link.

Why it works

Google cross-references your business details across the web. When your name, address and phone number match on the directories it trusts, it's more confident you're a real, established local business. Nobody can promise you a ranking, but consistent listings are one of the few things in local search that are free and fully in your hands.