Top 10 website directories for New Zealand businesses

It can be hard to know where to start with link building for SEO. We have rounded up the top 10 website directories that all New Zealand businesses should be listed on!

It is important for businesses to be found online, not only through your own website, but also on major website directories, social media platforms and Google. Customers need to be able to find your contact details, location and a link to your website wherever they may be looking for you.

Ensuring your business can be found within common online directories is a search engine optimisation strategy called link building. Links back to your website increase the chance of your customers finding your business around the web, increase trust and help improve your Google ranking.

We have put together a list of the top 10 website directories that all New Zealand businesses should create a free listing on.

1.  Google My Business

This is probably the most important listing you need! Google My Business gives your business visibility on Google Maps and Google search in your local geographic area. Your listing includes contact details, directions, photos and shows online reviews.

2. Yellow

With a free Yellow Profile, you can give potential customers everything they need to know about your business. Yellow lists over 70,000 New Zealand businesses and is a trusted source when it comes to business details. A bonus of Yellow Profiles is that they can also rank highly in Google searches.

3. Neighbourly

Neighbourly is a local search directory that helps connect local people with local businesses all across New Zealand. Customers can search for your business by name or by industry.

4. Hotfrog

Hotfrog is another popular online directory all about connecting local businesses with their local communities. Hotfrog is an internationally recognised directory, existing in over 40 countries. This makes it more authoritative in search engines, as it is a globally trusted brand.

5. Yelp

Yelp is another international directory with a New Zealand specific site. Founded in 2004, Yelp now has an average of approximately 138 million monthly unique visitors per quarter and has collected over 61 million reviews to date, it is extremely popular with hospitality businesses.

6. Finda

Finda is a New Zealand local business directory with thousands of kiwi business listings. A free listing lets businesses display contact details, photos, description, website and social media links.

7. Eventfinda

Eventfinda is the go to guide to all events in New Zealand. If your business holds any type of events, classes, courses or training it is worthwhile setting up a free Eventfinda business profile and listing for each event you run.

8. Chamber Of Commerce

Listing with your local Chamber of Commerce can help you be found online and network with existing businesses. You are also added to a nationwide database of businesses.

9. Industry Specific Directories

It is important to look for online directories specific to your industry. Start with your local tourism destination website like rotoruanz.com and find out if your business can be listed. Other major tourism sites like TripAdvisor, newzealand.com and menus.co.nz are great for tourism and hospitality businesses.

10. Social Media Platforms

Don’t underestimate the power of your social media platforms when link building! A popular Facebook Page, Instagram or LinkedIn profile can rank highly in a Google search and provide valuable links back to your website. Start with the most popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. However, remember to only use those that are right for your business and that you can manage and update on a regular basis.

Honorable Mentions

There are plenty of other free business directories out there! A few of these not quite making the top 10 include Brownbook, Cylex and Fyple. The key is to look for websites that are authoritative in search engines, and also provide the option to add New Zealand specific listings.

Dubzz Hot Tips For Link Building

• Search for your business before you add it to any directory. With some websites it is possible that customers or previous employers could have already added your business. If so, there will be a way to claim and manage the listing so you are not creating a duplicate.

• Do not copy and paste. Google penalises for duplicate content, so make sure that you always write a unique description when adding your business to all website directories. While it might take longer to write something new every time it is essential, as you will be doing more harm than good if you don’t.

• Use free website listings. Most website directories offer paid and free listing options. While there are some circumstances where it is worth paying to add your website and your business, we would recommend that you go for the free listing whenever possible!

• Get more links from your business contacts. Get in contact with your suppliers and business contacts and ask if they would add a link to your website from theirs. Usually this is easily done in exchange for a link back to their website from yours.

• Keep online listings up to date. Ensure the details published on all online listings are up to date. Remember to go keep a log of all usernames and passwords. Go through and update listings with any new business information like a change of address, new logo, updated email addresses or phone number.

• Keep an eye on reviews. Most online listings now provide the opportunity for customers to leave reviews. Set up a Google Alert for your business name as well as checking your email regularly for notifications that a customer has left you a review. Whenever possible login and respond to your customer reviews.