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Business listings exist across multiple platform types, each serving different purposes and audiences. Understanding these categories helps prioritize which listings to claim and maintain. The major categories include general directories, industry-specific platforms, social profiles, and data aggregators. Each plays a distinct role in the local search ecosystem.

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General Directories

General directories list businesses across all industries and serve broad consumer audiences. These platforms typically include review functionality and appear prominently in search results.

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Major General Directories

PlatformKey FeaturesPriority Level
Google Business ProfileSearch, Maps, reviews, posts, Q&ACritical
YelpReviews, photos, messagingHigh
Bing PlacesBing search, Cortana voiceHigh
Apple Business ConnectApple Maps, Siri voiceHigh
Better Business BureauAccreditation, complaint resolutionMedium
Yellow Pages / YP.comLegacy directory, still indexedMedium
MapQuestNavigation, local searchLow
Google Business Profile warrants its own dedicated section due to its outsized influence on local search visibility. It serves as the primary data source for Google Search, Google Maps, and many AI tools.

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Claiming General Directory Listings

Most general directories allow businesses to claim and manage their listings for free. The process typically involves:
  1. Searching for the business on the platform
  2. Clicking “Claim this business” or similar
  3. Verifying ownership via phone, postcard, or email
  4. Completing profile information
Claim listings on Google, Bing, Apple, and Yelp first. These platforms have the highest visibility and influence other data sources. See Auditing Your Listings for a complete audit process.

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Industry-Specific Directories

Industry directories focus on specific professional categories. For real estate service providers, these platforms attract consumers actively researching that service type.

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Real Estate Industry Directories

  • Zillow Agent Finder
  • Realtor.com
  • Homes.com
  • Redfin
  • Local MLS public sites
  • Zillow Mortgages
  • Bankrate
  • LendingTree
  • NerdWallet
  • NMLS Consumer Access (verification, not marketing)
  • ALTA member directory
  • State land title association directories
  • Closing.com
  • State bar association directories
  • Avvo
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • FindLaw
  • Justia
  • ASHI inspector search
  • InterNACHI directory
  • State licensing board lookup
  • NARPM member directory
  • All Property Management
  • Buildium directory

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Benefits of Industry Directories

Industry-specific platforms offer advantages over general directories:
  • Higher intent audience: Consumers searching these sites are actively seeking that service
  • Relevant context: Listings appear alongside industry-appropriate information
  • Credibility signals: Association directories imply professional membership or licensing
  • Less competition: Fewer total listings than general directories
Verify that industry directory listings match your NAP information exactly. Inconsistencies between general and industry directories create the same problems as any other mismatch.

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Social Platforms

Social media platforms function as business directories in addition to their primary social features. Consumers discover and research businesses through these channels.

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Platforms with Business Listings

PlatformListing FeaturesBest For
FacebookBusiness pages, reviews, messagingBroad consumer reach
LinkedInCompany pages, employee connectionsB2B services, professional credibility
InstagramBusiness profiles, location tagsVisual services (staging, design)
NextdoorLocal business pages, recommendationsNeighborhood-focused services

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Social Profile Considerations

Social platforms require more active management than directory listings:
  • Posts and updates expected (inactive profiles appear abandoned)
  • Direct messaging requires monitoring
  • Reviews and recommendations need responses
  • Profile information must stay current
Social profiles contribute to the overall online presence that search engines evaluate for prominence. Even if a platform is not a primary lead source, maintaining accurate information supports local SEO.

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Data Aggregators

collect business information and distribute it to networks of directories, apps, and data partners. Submitting to aggregators can update dozens of listings simultaneously.

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Major Data Aggregators

AggregatorDistribution Network
Data Axle (formerly Infogroup)Major directories, GPS systems, apps
Neustar LocalezeSearch engines, directories, voice assistants
FoursquareLocation-based apps, navigation systems
Factual (now Foursquare)Apps, platforms requiring location data

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How Aggregators Work

Business submits data to aggregator
              ↓
    Aggregator verifies and stores
              ↓
    Data distributed to partners
              ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Directories │ Apps │ GPS │ Voice │ Maps │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

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Aggregator Submission Options

Some aggregators accept direct submissions from businesses at no cost. Processing time varies from weeks to months.
  • Data Axle: Submit via their business listing portal
  • Neustar Localeze: Limited free options
  • Foursquare: Claim via Foursquare for Business
Submitting accurate data to major aggregators can correct inconsistencies across dozens of downstream directories over time, though the process takes weeks to months.

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Listing Priority Framework

Not all listings require equal attention. Prioritize based on visibility impact and effort required.

Tier 1: Critical

Claim and optimize immediately
  • Google Business Profile
  • Bing Places
  • Apple Business Connect
  • Primary industry directory

Tier 2: High Value

Claim and complete within 30 days
  • Yelp
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Data aggregators

Tier 3: Supporting

Claim as time allows
  • Secondary industry directories
  • Yellow Pages / YP.com
  • BBB (if relevant)
  • Nextdoor

Tier 4: Monitor

Check periodically for accuracy
  • Auto-generated listings
  • Lesser-known directories
  • Niche platforms

Next: Auditing Your Listings

How to find existing listings, identify inconsistencies, and claim unclaimed profiles