Directory submission is one of the oldest and most effective off-page SEO techniques for improving website visibility, building backlinks, and increasing brand credibility. Even in modern SEO, listing your business on trusted directories helps search engines verify your brand and improves local and global discoverability.
Many digital marketers who search for free press release submission sites, press release distribution platforms, and instant approval PR sites also look for free directory submission sites to strengthen their backlink profile and online authority.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ Why directory submission still matters
✔ Top 3 directory submission sites you must use
✔ List of 100 directory submission sites
✔ SEO tips for better ranking
✔ Frequently asked questions
Why Directory Submission Is Important for SEO
Submitting your website to online directories helps search engines validate your business information and website credibility. It also works alongside strategies like press release submission sites, free PR distribution, and press release backlinks to build a strong SEO foundation.
Key Benefits
- High-quality backlinks
- Faster search engine indexing
- Improved domain authority
- Better local SEO rankings
- Increased website traffic
- Brand trust and credibility
That’s why marketers often combine directory submission + free press release distribution for maximum exposure.
Top 3 Directory Submission Sites (Most Trusted)
These platforms are highly authoritative and widely used by businesses worldwide.
1. Yelp
Yelp is one of the most popular business directories globally. It allows businesses to create detailed profiles, collect customer reviews, and improve local search rankings.
Why use it
- High domain authority
- Strong local SEO impact
- Customer review visibility
- Business credibility boost
Best for: Local businesses, service providers, and startups.
2. Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages is a long-standing directory that helps customers find businesses by category and location. Listing your website here strengthens trust signals and search visibility.
Why use it
- Established brand authority
- Strong search engine trust
- Local business discovery
- Quality backlink source
Best for: Companies targeting local and national audiences.
3. Hotfrog
Hotfrog is a global directory that allows businesses to create optimized listings with detailed descriptions and contact information.
Why use it
- International exposure
- SEO-friendly listings
- Category targeting
- Free business profile
Best for: Small businesses and global brands seeking online exposure.
Top 100 Free Directory Submission Sites List
Here is a curated list of popular free directory submission websites.
- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Hotfrog
- BOTW (Best of the Web)
- Spoke
- Jasmine Directory
- Ezilon
- Aviva Directory
- SoMuch
- SitePromotionDirectory
- A1WebDirectory
- Alive Directory
- GainWeb
- WorkDirectory
- HighRankDirectory
- OnlineSociety
- Cipinet
- MasterMoz
- Skaffe
- UKSmallBusinessDirectory
- EntireWeb
- DirectoryWorld
- FindUsHere
- BusinessSeek
- OnTopList
- SubmissionWebDirectory
- Blogarama
- eLocal
- LocalStack
- MerchantCircle
- Manta
- Brownbook
- CitySquares
- Foursquare
- MapQuest Local
- ChamberofCommerce
- eBusinessPages
- Tupalo
- BizCommunity
- CallUpContact
- GlobalCatalog
- Fyple
- Cylex
- Lacartes
- 2FindLocal
- ExpressBusinessDirectory
- LocalDatabase
- MyLocalServices
- Hub.biz
- Opendi
- Where2Go
- Yalwa
- BusinessDirectoryList
- DirJournal
- GoGuides
- BestWeb
- eDirectory
- ProLinkDirectory
- InternetDirectory
- DigiBritain
- Zipleaf
- iBegin
- BusinessListingPlus
- BizVotes
- CommunityWalk
- Trueen
- SubmitExpress
- DirectoryCritic
- Ellysdirectory
- PickTu
- LiveBusinessDirectory
- DirectoryVault
- SubmissionArena
- Sumbera
- AddBusiness
- LocalPages
- Nextdoor Business
- FindOpen
- SalesSpider
- Storeboard
- Local.com
- LocalStore
- Angi Business Listing
- CitySearch
- ShowMeLocal
- InsiderPages
- YellowBook
- BrownBook Global
- Bizexposed
- Tuugo
- USCity
- StartLocal
- GetListed
- BizHwy
- DirectoryOne
- WebDirectory
- LocalBizNetwork
- DirectorySubmissions
- LinkCentre
- FreeListingIndia
SEO Tips for Directory Submission Success
✔ Use consistent business name, address, and phone (NAP)
✔ Choose the correct category
✔ Write keyword-optimized descriptions
✔ Add website link naturally
✔ Avoid duplicate listings
✔ Combine with press release submission sites for better SEO
Pro tip: Many businesses submit directories alongside free press release submission sites, instant approval press release sites, and press release distribution websites to build strong authority signals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is directory submission in SEO?
Directory submission is the process of listing your website on online directories to create backlinks, improve indexing, and increase online visibility.
Is directory submission still effective in 2026?
Yes — when done on high-quality directories. It helps with brand trust, local SEO, and link diversity.
Are directory submission sites free?
Many directories offer free listings, though some provide premium placement options.
How is directory submission different from press release submission?
Directory submission lists your business profile, while press release submission publishes company news or announcements for exposure and backlinks.
Should I use both directory and press release submission?
Yes. Combining free press release distribution, PR submission sites, and directory listings improves SEO performance and online authority.
How many directory submissions should I do?
Focus on quality over quantity. Start with 20–30 high authority directories and expand gradually.
Final Thoughts
Using trusted directory submission sites is a proven way to improve your website’s SEO, visibility, and credibility. When combined with strategies like free press release submission sites, press release marketing, and PR backlinks, directory listings become even more powerful.
Start with the top directories, submit consistently, and maintain accurate business information for the best results.