Top 20 Best Free Business Listing Citations

Are you looking for the top 20 best free business listing citations and map citations for your business? As a local business owner, you’ve probably realized that standing out online is harder than ever.

Whether you run a restaurant, boutique, or service company, being easily found online is key. One of the most effective ways to enhance your Google Maps rankings is by creating free business listing citations on top directories. Aim to build at least 20 citations for new businesses.

These listings not only help potential customers discover your business but also play a major role in helping local SEO. They also count as backlinks for your Google Business Profile.

The more citations you build then the more Google Maps will value your business as a relevant result. Even better if you can build more citations than your competitors.

Just remember to use consistent (NAP) Data and the same time, make sure to consistently Target Local Keywords when creating citations. The best part? Many of these listings are free to make.

Why Free Business Listing Citations Are Vitally Important for Local SEO

Before getting into the list of best places to create free business listing citations. It’s crucial to understand why these citations matter so much for your local SEO on Google Maps. Here are the top reasons as to why that is:

Increased Organic Traffic:

Citations with consistent and accurate NAP Data improve the chances that potential customers will find your business across various platforms. The more citations you build the more you communicate with search engines that your map listing is important and should be shown higher in local search results.

This will also increase the rankings for your other map listings not just Google Maps. This is what makes citations so important and powerful making it the second most powerful local SEO variable just after profile optimization.

Improved Listing Relevancy:

Search engines like Google love to see consistency and and linking. For example; when your bike repair shop in your local area has the most citations listings linking to your shop when compared to your main competitors.

This is a big variable in local SEO and it tells Google that your shop is the most relevant compared to the competitors. And to prioritize your map listing higher than those of your local competitors.

Greater Reputational Trust:

Being listed on reputable platforms provides social proof and builds credibility. This is especially true when potential leads look up your business to see what kinds of results are showing up.

Without free business listing citations, your local SEO strategy’s effects are drastically diluted. These citations help Google and other search engines verify the legitimacy of your business.

Another added benefit to building citations is improved your chances of ranking higher on Google Maps. Now let’s dive into the best map listing citations that can you can start building for your business today:

1. Google Business Profile (GBP)

Also known as Google My Business (GMB) and Google Business Profile (GBP) is a must for local businesses. It’s the most powerful platform when it comes to free business listing citations because it directly integrates with Google Search and Google Maps.

A fully optimized GBP profile guarantees your business appears in the local search results and map listings. This entire guide is made to help you strengthen your GBP listing primarily as well as your secondary map listings. Here’s how to set it up:

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile Map Listing

1. Sign Up: Visit Google Business and log in with your Google account.

2. Add Your Business Information: Input your business name, address, phone number, and website. Consistency is key to making sure these details match all your other free business listing citations you make.

3. Verify Your Information: Google has multiple verification options, choose one. Once you receive your verification code with the verification method you selected, enter the verification code on your GBP account.

4. Optimize Your Listing: Add photos, services, and business hours. Try and get customers to leave reviews on Google Maps. Try and post regular post updates on your Google Business Profile consistently.

5. Use Keywords: Make a list of target keywords and add them to your about page, review responses and into your update posts.

Click here to apply for your free Google Business Profile Listing

2. Yelp For Business

Yelp For Business remains one of the most important review platforms, especially for service oriented businesses like restaurants, contractors, and beauty salons. It should your second or third map listing citation to create after setting up your Google Business Profile. Here’s how:

How to Set Up Your Yelp For Business Map Listing

1. Create a Yelp Business Account: Visit Yelp for Business and select “Verify my free listing.” Also, If your business is already listed, claim it.

2. Enter Business Details: Fill in your NAP, website, and business category. Be consistent with other business listing citations you’ve made.

3. Verify and Complete: Yelp may require verification through phone, SMS or email. Once verified, complete your listing by adding hours, photos, and services like you did when creating your Google Business.

Click here to create your Yelp For Business Listing

3. Bing Places For Businesses

Bing Places is your second most important map listing after your GBP. This business directory should be one of your top priorities when building free business listing citations.

With a significant user base, especially in the U.S. and among older demographics, Bing is a valuable digital directory you should take advantage of since its also free. Here’s how:

How to Set Up Your Bing Places For Business Map Listing

1. Claim Your Bing Listing: The probability that your business is already listed in Bing is pretty high. Bing Places allows you to either take over an existing page or create a new one for your business.

If your business has several business locations then it is also possible to add many of them at once using the tool of the bulk upload of the information.

2. Complete Your Bing Listing Profile: Try and completely fill out all the information about your business. Just like when you create other free map listing citations, make sure to use the same NAP Data consistently.

3. Verify Your Listing: To protect your Bing listing from theft or unwanted changes, you’ll have to do verify it. This can be done either by receiving a Pin via mail, SMS, or email. Pick a method and complete the verification.

Click here to create a free Bing Places For Business Listing

4. Facebook Business Page

Besides being a social platform, Facebook offers local businesses the opportunity to generate free business listing citations for their businesses.

By having an optimized Facebook Business Page, you can interact with customers, post updates and even leverage your posts on Facebook Ads to direct people to your store.

Facebook is also searched and indexed on Google, which is why you should create a map listing on there. Here’s exactly how to create your Facebook Business Page:

How to Set Up Your Facebook Business Page Listing

1. Create a Page: Go to Facebook’s Business Page section and click “Create a Page.” Then choose a category that for your business listing.

2. Add Business Information: Enter your business name, address, phone number, and business hours. Ensure that all these details are consistent with your other free business listing citations you’ve already made.

3. Add Photos and Videos: Upload a profile picture, cover photo. Once you’ve done the basics try post some content of your product / service.

4. Invite Friends to Like Your Facebook Business Page: Once your done setting up and adding some posts to your profile. Facebook has a feature that allows you to invite your entire friends list to like your page. Use it!

5. Boost Posts: If you want an even further boost for your new page. Then try Facebook’s ad platform to target local customers, you can boost posts and target potential local leads.

Click here to create a free Facebook Business Page Listing

5. Apple Business Connect

With millions of iPhone users relying on Apple Maps, having your business listed on this platform is a smart move. Apple Maps comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, so making sure your business is listed is an easy no brainer.

This is especially important when you take into consideration the millions of monthly users as well as voice searches through Siri. Here’s how to get your free Apple free maps listing citation:

How to Set Up Your Apple Business Connect Listing

1. Sign In to Apple Maps Connect: Use your Apple ID to log into your profile. If you don’t have one already create a new Apple iCloud account.

2. Search for Your Business: Look up your business to see if it’s already listed. If not, proceed to add it by clicking the link below under the image.

3. Input Accurate Business Details: Fill in your information, website, and business category. Be consistent with your other free business listing citations to ensure NAP consistency and accuracy for Local SEO.

4. Verify Your Business: Apple will verify your business via a phone call. During the call you will receive a code, simply input it and you’re done!

5. Take Advantage of Special Features: Apple Business Connect has special features like “Limited time offers” that you can use to increase sales. Apple Maps also has “Insights” which is their analytics dashboard.

Click here to create a free Apple Business Connect Listing

6. TripAdvisor For Business

TripAdvisor is a must for businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector. This is especially for businesses like Hotels, restaurants, and attractions. TripAdvisor is known for being the global monopoly on driving tourist traffic.

It’s the most important free business listing citations you can build if you are in the hospitality or tourism sector. Here’s how to get started:

How to Set Up Your TripAdvisor’s Business Listing

1. Go to TripAdvisor’s Business Listing Page: Open the link under the image below, then click on the “Claim my listing” button. Then search to see if your business is already on Trip Advisor.

2. Add a Missing Place: If your business is not showing you’ll have the option to click on “Add a missing place” where you can register your map listing citation. Then you’ll be prompted to fill out your business info.

3. Verify Your Identity as a Business Representative: After submitting your business info, simply go through TripAdvisor’s verification process.

Click here to create a free Trip Advisor Business Listing

7. Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one of the most trusted resources for consumers. BBB also offers an additional accreditation for a price. This accreditation can help to build consumer trust.

It’s definitely a go to for customers looking for reputable and trustworthy businesses. I would for sure get a free business listing citation from BBB. Here’s how to:

How to Set Up Your Better Business Bureau (BBB) Listing

1. Visit the BBB Website: Start off by heading to the link below (under the image). Once you’re at the BBB.org site, search for your business.

2. Add it Now / Claim It: if your business does pop up after searching then go ahead and claim it. If you can’t see it then hit the “Add it Now” button.

3. Submit a Business to Directory: You’ll then be prompted to fill out your business info and afterwards, hit the “Add My Business” button.

4. The Review Process: After you hit the “Add My Business” you make be requested to verify some info. Afterwards you’ll get an email confirming once your business has completed the review process and is now live.

Click here to create a free Better Business Bureau Listing

8. LinkedIn Company Page

LinkedIn is the worlds biggest platform for B2B companies to highlight their credibility and professionals to showcase their experience. By creating a company page, you can increase your network, post updates, and interact with other businesses.

It’s a great platform for gaining visibility in search results since it has such a high DA (Domain Authority) score. This super high DA rating guarantees search indexing.

That’s why it a valuable free business listing citations that should be prioritized. Let’s look at how exactly to create a Linkedin Company Page:

How to Set Up Your LinkedIn Company Page Listing

1. Sign In to LinkedIn: Use your LinkedIn account that has at least 1 connection and is older than 24 hours to create a company page.

2. Add Your Business Details: Once your account is able to create the company page, Enter your business info and description. Tip: create some posts on your Linkedin page since those posts will rank easily, try and link at the end of each post to your website or Google Maps Page.

3. Upload Logos and Banners: Use since it’s a platform dedicated to professionalism, use professional images and any video’s you may have.

Click here to create a free LinkedIn Company Page Listing

9. Foursquare For Business

Foursquare is a popular platform that focuses on helping people discover local businesses. It integrates with multiple apps and services, extending your reach.

If you’re looking to boost your local visibility, Foursquare it’s really a must have for businesses looking to build free business listing citations. Here’s how you can create a free Foursquare listing:

How to Set Up Your Foursquare Business Listing

1. Visit Foursquare for Business: Log in or create a new business account on Foursquare with the link below under the Foursquare website image.

2. Claim or Add Your Business: You’ll see a “ready t claim your listing” button, click it. Then Input your business name, location, and contact details. Try to be consistent with your other directory listing citations.

3. Verify Your Listing: Foursquare offers verification via phone or email. Just follow their instructions and input the code you receive.

4. Encourage Check-Ins: Foursquare rewards customer engagement with it’s “Check-Ins” feature, try and get customers to use this to boos your organic search rankings internally on Foursquare.com for the best results.

Click here to create a free Foursquare Business Listing

10. Yellow Pages Listing

Yellow Pages remains a trusted source for local business listings. Think of it as the original Google Maps before we had map listing websites. With its digital version, you can easily create free business listing citations that target local consumers.

Yellow Pages continues to be popular among older demographics who still use the directory for services.

How to Set Up Your Yellow Pages Business Listing

1. Claim Your Listing: Visit the link below under the yellowpages.com website banner image and select the “claim your listing” button after checking if your business already exists.

Make sure to verify the CAPTCHA before pressing submit to verify that you are human.

2. (Optional) Register Via Call: Due to the older demographic mainly using Yellow Pages, the owners decided to make an easier option for older folks.

You have the option to claim your business via phone call. To proceed with this method, dial the following number: 1-866-794-0889

3. Filling Out Your Business Info: When prompted, add your logo, cover image and the rest of your business information onto your profile.

4. Kindly Note The Following: Also be aware that Yellow Pages has multiple versions for different regions, after building your free business map listing on their main page.

Try to check and see if there is a Yellow Pages site also for your country. Check to see if your business is showing up there, if not then follow the same steps you did to build your main listing.

Click here to create a free Yellow Pages Business Listing on the main site

11. Angie’s List Business

Angie’s List is a popular platform for home service businesses. If you’re a contractor, plumber, or service provider, Angie’s List is a must-have for free business listing citations. The platform’s detailed review system helps build trust with potential customers.

How to Signup For Free on Angie’s List For Business

1. Sign Up for Angie’s List: Visit the website with the link below, sign up by clicking the “Join for free” button to create your free business listing.

2. Input Your Business Details: As usual, input some of your business details and info. Fill out all applicable fields before pressing submit.

3. (Optional) Consider Paying for Leads: Angie’s List also offers paid advertising for businesses if they meet their quality standards.

4. Angie’s List Advertising Quality Standards: To meet the quality standards to advertise on Angie’s list, You’ll need to meet the following criteria: having a 3 star or above rating and also having all required business licenses. There are more but these are the most important.

Click here to signup for free to Angie’s List Business Listing

12. Manta Directory Listing

Manta is a small business directory designed to help local companies connect with local customers. The Manta directory very well established since it’s more than 20 years old making it an incredibly valuable free map listing citation that you should take advantage of. Here’s how:

How to Set Up Your Free Manta Directory Listing

1. Joining The Manta Directory: Below, you will find an anchor link that says “click here” (under the image). It will take you to the Manta business directory creation page. Just fill out all your info from here (cool side note; as you do so Manta will show you how your listing will look like after its published live whilst filling out your business info details).

2. Click “Add My Company”: After you’re done filling out all the text fields, click the “Add my company” button and the bottom of the page.

3. Make a Manta Account: Once you’ve filled out and it submit, you will then be asked to make an account to finalize your free business listing submission on The Manta Directory.

4. Engage with Other Businesses: Similarly to the “Connections” feature on LinkedIn, Manta also offers tools for connecting with other businesses. Test it out since it may help boost your profile internally on Manta search.

Click here create a free Manta Directory Business Listing

13. Merchant Circle Listing

Merchant Circle is a business directory site with a DR score of 85+ and over 12,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024. They offer both a free business citation listing as well as a paid one. I’d highly recommend grabbing a free citation off this site. Here’s how to get your free listing:

How to Set Up Your Free Merchant Circle Listing

1. Create a Merchant Account: Visit Merchant Circle’s website (found below under the image of the site) and sign up for a free account and make sure to select the “I’m a merchant” tab during the account creation process.

2. Claiming Your Free Listing: Once your merchant account is created, head back over to the home page and click on the “Claim my business” button. Then you’ll be opted to fill out your business information.

3. Fill Out and Optimize: Then do your best to accurately fill out your info as and add any business photos to the listing.

4. (Optional) Upgrade To Premium: Most of Merchant Circle’s traffic is from the US around 91%. They offer a premium listing option for $40 a month. If you’re in the United States, consider trying it out for a month.

Click here create a free Merchant Circle Business Listing

14. Hotfrog Directory Listing

Hotfrog is an international business directory with a DR score of 80+ and around 6,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024. With those stats, you really have nothing to loose from setting up a free business listing citations on Hotfrog.

Google values citation links from sites with at least some traffic so let’s see how we can quickly build our citation link:

How to Set Up Your Free Hotfrog Directory Listing

1. Create an Account: Visit Hotfrog and click the “Log in” button at the top left. Then select “Don’t have an account? Sign up here” button.

2. Adding Your Business: After you created your account, head back over to the Hotfrog home page (link found below) and click on “Add Business”. Then just go through the normal setup process like you’ve done already.

3. Troubleshooting and Support: Incase you do run into any issues setting up your Hotfrog business citation listing, then refer to their support form.

Click here create a free Hotfrog Directory Listing

15. Trustpilot For Businesses

Trustpilot is the worlds most trusted review platform. They are known for having one of the strictest review checks making fake reviews almost non existent on the site.

This is the go to place to check the reputation of any business. Their free business citation listing is very under rated, I see many large companies neglect to spend the few minutes it takes to make one. Let’s get ahead of our competition and proceed with how to do it:

How to Set Up Your Free Trustpilot For Businesses Listing

1. Make a Business Account: First, head over to the home page and on the top right click on the “For businesses” button. Then click on the “create a free account” to make your free business account on Trustpilot.

2. Filling Out Your Information: Once you’ve clicked on the make a free account you will then be instructed to fill out all your business info.

3. Verify Your Trustpilot Listing: To get your business listed, you’ll only need to do email verification. But if you want to also get a check mark verification to display on your profile which I highly recommend.

Then proceed with advanced verification. I personally recommend doing ID verification since it is one of the easiest and fastest available options.

4. Add Your Logo And Description: Upload a high quality logo image of your business and write a detailed description for your free citation business listing.

5. Try to Get At least 5 Reviews: Aim to at least get 5 reviews on your profile since this will be one of the first things that pop up on google whenever anybody searches your business company name.

Click here create a free Trustpilot For Businesses Listing

16. Chamber of Commerce Listing

Chamber of Commerce is a directory that connects businesses with local communities. It’s affiliated with local Chambers of Commerce, making it a trusted platform for free business listing citations.

The DR score is 82+ and around 12,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024. Here’s how to create your Chamber of Commerce business directory listing:

How to Set Up a Chamber of Commerce Citation Listing

1. First Sign Up: Visit website with the link below, then in the top right there is a menu tab. Open it and click on the “sign up” button option.

2. Creating Your COC listing: While creating your account you’ll be asked to also fill out your personal details. Two birds with one stone, intuitive right? Once you fill out everything then make sure to hit the CAPTCHA verification button. Finally, just hit the “Add my business” button.

Click here create a free Chamber of Commerce Listing

17. Superpages Directory Listing

Superpages is a local business directory that takes data from Yellow Pages and republishes it. The DR score of Superpages is 85+ and around 72,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024. This is a really high traffic rate relative to other mid level directory sites.

The best part is this is the easiest out of all the free business listing citations on this article to build. Here’s how easy it is to build a Superpages Directory Listing:

How to Set Up a free Superpages Directory Listing

Just list your business on Yellow Pages following the instructions above (#10 Yellow Pages) in this article. Once you’re free business listing is live on Yellow Pages then it should automatically show up on Superpages!

Click here to learn more about The Superpages Directory Listing

18. Thumbtack Directory Listing

Thumbtack is a directory listing platform for home repair and handyman service based businesses. It’s ideal for businesses like plumbers, electricians, and painters looking to create some free business listing citations.

The DR score of Thumbtack is currently 90+ and around 1,100,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024. Here’s how to make your very own Thumbtack directory listing for completely free:

How to Set Up a free Thumbtack Directory Listing

1. Join As a Pro: Sign up for a Thumbtack account by clicking the top right “Join As a Pro” button on the home page. Find the site link below.

2. Fill Out Your NAP Info: Then, simply add your consistent NAP, services, and website URL making sure it’s accurate and up to date.

3. Troubleshooting The Signup Process: Some people may have problems listing their business on Thumbtack, in that case you’ll need to download the Thumbtack App on IOS or Android and it should work from there. Just fill out the steps above on while using the app.

4. Respond to Leads: Thumbtack sends leads directly to your inbox, so respond quickly to inquiries to convert leads into clients.

Click here create a free Thumbtack Business Directory Listing

19. Locanto Classified Ads

Locanto is a classified ads platform that allows businesses to post free and permeant ads for a variety of products and services for in different industries. This directory has versions for most counties in the world.

It’s Current DR score of is currently 72+ and around 443,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024. It’s a simple and effective platform to get a free business listing citation. Here’s how I would post a classified Ad:

How to Set Up a free Locanto Classified Ads Listing

1. Visit The Home Page: Find a link to the Locanto homepage below. Once on the home page, click the “post free ad” button on the top right.

2. Register With Google or Email: You will then be asked to register a free account in order to post a free classified ad. You can do so either with a normal email or by signing up with a Google account (much faster).

3. Creating Your Ad: First, make sure to select the city where your business is based. If you are a service based business then make sure to to find the right industry category to create your listing.

Then post a service and just like a normal listing describe your service and make sure to use all your targeted local keywords consistently.

If you are a product based service then make multiple posts for all your products in the “For Sale” category with a link back to your website under each product.

Click here create a free Locanto Classified Ads Listing

20. ShowMeLocal Maps Listing

ShowMeLocal is a free map listing directory that is available in multiple regions. Easily one of the best map listing citations options out there. It’s Current DR score of is currently 79+ and around 26,000+ monthly visitors as of September 2024.

It’s also been around since 2006 making it more the 18 years old. Google has a preference to aged domains for SEO. Let’s get into just how easy it is to get this free directory map listing:

How to Set Up a free ShowMeLocal Maps Listing

1. Add Your Business: Firstly, visit the site by clicking the link below under the image. Then, click on the “Add Business” button on the top right.

2. Location Selection: After selecting “Add Business”, you’ll then be asked to select your country from a list provided by the ShowMeLocal site.

3. Enter Your Phone Number: After selecting your country, you will then be asked to input your local business phone number for possible verification.

4. Business Not Showing?: If you’re business doesn’t show up automatically then you can select the “Add a business” button and proceed with filling out all your business information with your target local keywords.

5. Listing Conformation: Before pressing the “Add Business” button, make sure to pass the CAPTCHA verification to verify that you are human.

Click here create a free ShowMeLocal Maps Listing

Need Help Building More Citations?

If you are still in need of any assistance or help with building more map listing citations. Or Maybe looking to grow your organic search results on Google Maps. Then I suggest you book a free consultation with the writer of this guide, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.