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How to List Your Business in Australian Online Directories

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Why Your Directory Listing Is Your Digital Front Door


Imagine you’ve just launched your startup. You’ve built a beautiful website, set up your socials, maybe even started running ads. But when someone Googles your business name, the top result isn’t your website — it’s an empty, half-completed listing on a national directory. No photos. Wrong phone number. Old address.


Potential customers click away. You lose the lead before you even knew they existed.

I’ve seen founders spend thousands on marketing while ignoring this simple, free, high-impact step. When your online directory listings are optimised, you can win trust, boost visibility, and capture more sales without spending a cent on ads.


Let me walk you through exactly how to list — or claim — your startup in Australian online directories the right way, step by step.


directory listing are spotlighting businesses
Third-party platforms spotlight your business.

What Are Online Directory Listings?


Online directories are websites that list businesses with their contact information, location, and services, helping customers find companies and helping businesses gain visibility. Popular examples include broad platforms like Google Business Profile, Facebook, and Yelp, as well as industry-specific ones like TripAdvisor for travel or Avvo for legal services. 


Online directory listings are public business profiles hosted on third-party platforms. They showcase your key business details so customers can find and contact you.


Types of online directories include:


  • General business directories - Facebook, Yelp,

  • Industry-specific directories - Bookings, Hipages

  • Local and community directories - GumTree, Facebook Groups

  • Navigation and real-time apps - Google Maps, Apple Maps,


Here’s what you can include in your listing on such sites:


  • Business name

  • Address (or service area)

  • Phone number

  • Website link

  • Opening hours

  • Business category

  • Images & logo

  • Reviews


Each of these is an opportunity to build trust and boost search visibility.



An opportunity to build trust and boost search visibility.
An opportunity to build trust and boost search visibility.

Why It Matters


They’re Free SEO Fuel

Directories like Yellow Pages, TrueLocal, and Yelp are authority sites. A well-optimised listing can rank above your own website in Google, bringing traffic and credibility.


They Build Trust Fast

Inconsistent or missing details make customers suspicious. A complete listing reassures them you’re legitimate and professional.


They Help You Own Page One

Multiple directory listings mean you dominate more real estate on Google’s first page for your brand name.


They’re Customer Converters

Many directories have “click to call” and “get directions” features — driving instant action without customers ever visiting your website.



What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you dive in, make sure you’ve gathered these:


  • Official business name and ABN


  • Current phone number and email


  • Physical address or service area


  • Website URL


  • High-quality logo and business images (at least 1200px wide)


  • Business description (75–150 words)


  • Categories/keywords relevant to your industry



How to List Your Startup:

Step-by-Step


Step 1: Identify the Directories You Need


Start with national Australian directories:



Mentor Tip:

Check competitors to see where they’re listed. Research using Google search and ChatGPT and checkout where your competitors are turning up.


Step 2: Decide — Create or Claim


  • Create: If your business isn’t listed yet, register a new profile.

  • Claim: If a listing already exists, claim ownership to edit and verify details. 


Warning: Leaving an unclaimed listing risks outdated or incorrect information staying live.


Step 3: Sign Up and Verify


Each directory will require an email address, phone number, or official documents to confirm ownership. Some (like Yellow Pages) may call your listed phone number to verify.


Step 4: Complete Every Field


Don’t leave any blanks. Fill in:


  • Name, address, phone (NAP) — ensure it matches your website exactly.

  • Website and social links.

  • Business hours.

  • Description with keywords naturally included.


Mentor Tip:

Use Canva to size your images correctly — most directories need at least 1200×800px.


Step 5: Add Photos and Logo


Upload your logo plus 3–5 high-quality photos showing your products, location, or team.


Step 6: Request Reviews


Many directories allow customer reviews. Reach out to happy customers to leave honest feedback.


Step 7: Track and Update


Review your listings quarterly. Update holiday hours, phone numbers, or new services.


Directory listings are your 24/7 storefront — they’ll quietly drive traffic, trust, and sales every day.
Directory listings are your 24/7 storefront — they’ll quietly drive traffic, trust, and sales every day.

What It Costs and How Long It Takes


Here’s what to budget for:


  • Most basic listings: Free

  • Premium listings: $10–$50/month (optional)

  • Time: 1–2 hours for initial setup; 15 minutes/quarter for updates


Costs can vary, but these figures will give you a reliable starting point.



Common Mistakes Founders Make


Inconsistent NAP

Using different phone numbers or addresses across listings confuses search engines and customers. Result: Lower search rankings and lost leads.


Incomplete Profiles

Leaving fields blank wastes SEO potential. Result: Customers may choose a competitor who looks more established.


Ignoring Reviews

Not responding to reviews — positive or negative — looks unprofessional. 

Result: Damaged reputation.



What to Do Right Now


✅ Identify the top 10 Local Directories & Setup Your Business Profile — Take an hour or 2 and start creating your profiles on directory listings. Record your business profile in the SPOT doc [download from ProDesk.com] and save time by using the same profile for each listing.


✅ Need help? Want it done for you? Noize can manage your listings across multiple directories, and optimise for maximum visibility. [Contact Noize.com.au]


✅ Get the full StartUp Deck — 200+ strategies to build, grow, and optimise your business foundations, including digital visibility tools [theStartUpDeck.com]



The Bottom Line

A single outdated phone number can cost you dozens of customers.


Directory listings are your 24/7 storefront — get them right, and they’ll quietly drive traffic, trust, and sales every day.



Multiple directory listings mean you dominate more real estate on Google’s first page for your brand name.
Multiple directory listings mean you dominate more real estate on Google’s first page for your brand name.

FAQs


Do I need to be on every directory? 

No. Start with the top national ones and expand as needed.


How often should I update my listings? 

Check quarterly, or immediately if your details change.


Are paid listings worth it? 

For most startups, free listings are enough at first.


Can I use the same description everywhere? 

Yes, but tweak slightly to avoid duplicate content penalties.


Do directories help with local SEO?

Absolutely — especially when your NAP is consistent.

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