To get word of your company out, you’ll need the help of local or national business directories. Registering with with with a listing site can be a relatively easy way for gaining traction and drawing in new leads.
Online business directories can be a powerful resource for helping your business gain exposure in a cheap and effective manner. The good news is that there are several free business directory options in South Africa.
So first we’ll go over some of the benefits of registering with multiple directories and then outline an alphabetical listing of some of the top options for you to consider!
Top benefits of listing your business
Business directories are often so extensive that they need to segmented by categories, locations and/ or service. Their easy accessibility makes them widely used.
It’d be a huge missed opportunity to overlook the following benefits and fail to make time for adding your business listings.
1. SEO boost
Online business directories tend to have a relatively high domain authority. This makes them likely to appear higher in search results on Google and other search engines. As a result, having your company listed on various business directories increases the likelihood your business will rank more frequently.Best SEO Tools Guide
Search engines bring a lot of web traffic to websites. Find out how you can boost your search engine visibility to enhance your web presence.READ MORE
2. Beneficial backlinks
SEO experts overwhelmingly advise that you focus on the quality of backlinks. These greatly contribute to the impact on a website’s popularity for search engine results. By creating more brand awareness, your business will come across as more trusted and reputable as per Google’s filtering process.
3. Increased online presence
By having your business listed on the various business directory platforms, you are increasing your online presence. Even if somebody isn’t looking for what your company offers now, they may note your listing and remember for the future.
4. Greater brand visibility
Keeping your profile details up to date on business directories will increase your brand visibility. Wherever possible add your logo as well as any other information that can help build up your brand awareness.
Always search for ways to let your potential clients know what you can do and how you can help them.
Now that you’re likely sold, let’s dive into our top picks for the best South African business directories, organized from A to Z.
Top South African Business Directories
ActiveWeb
ActiveWeb is an up-and-coming online business directory that takes functionality very seriously. For this reason, it has potential to generate visitors and increase the ranking of your business listing high on search engines.
AtoZ
AtoZ is a South African business directory that underwent a site makeover back in 2016. They removed all listings considered to be spammy and have since focused on maintaining high standards while also sharing the local news and photographs.
Ananzi
Ananzi was named after a powerful demigod of West African mythology. Following suit, it was one of the first South African search engines to surface and provides access to ads as well as SA Site Directory listings.
BestDirectory
Best Directory is a 100% free online business directory offering listings in South Africa. Their free service allows anyone to advertise an unlimited number of businesses at absolutely no charge.
View InterWeb SA on bestdirectory
Brabys
Brabys is the most comprehensive online business directories in the region. It has partnered with Ananzi to increase the usage and range of their directories. And as a result Braby’s has made leaps and bounds in a short space of time.
Citylist
Citylist is another promising new business directory that provides free listings. They offer a completely free unlimited plan as well as a few premium plans that include some beneficial add ons you may want to consider.
Cylex
Cylex was founded in 1998 and now operates business directories in 35+ countries. Business owners can take advantage of free basic entries to promote their companies online. Users also have the ability to check details and opening hours of companies, as well as read and write reviews about the products & services of businesses.
East Rand Business Directory
We feel that ERBD deserves a mention even though it must be notes that this directory is only for business owners in the East Rand/Johannesburg area. The East Rand Business Directory offers free and premium business listings and an easy do-it-yourself advertisement creator.
Entrepo
Entrepo is an online business magazine that publishes articles and reviews on all types of businesses and industries in South Africa. Adding your business listing on their directory is completely free.
Findit
Findit is an online business directory to help find nearby IT service providers. So if you’re based in South Africa and providing IT related services, get yourself listed ASAP. Popular search categories range from computer networking to repairs and maintenance. Customers are bound to be searching for your niche.
FreeFind
Freefind is another great online business directory which allows free listings of your South African Businesses. Having a business listing on FreeFind means that South Africans can view and share their experiences with the wider community.
Hotfrog
Hotfrog is an international business directory which operates in 38 countries around the globe. It receives around 1.5 million page views per month. By adding your profile keeping it up-to-date, you’re able to promote yourself to a huge online audience. SIgn up is easy and after verification, you’ll be able toadd images, a logo, opening hours and more.
Kompass
Kompass has more than 11.5 million contacts of verified businesses in 60+ countries all over the world. By registering your company, you have the chance to increase your online visibility and attract B2B clients locally, nationally and internationally.
List My Biz
List My Bizis one of the newer more professional and reliable South African business directories. Plus it’s not only a Business Directory, but you can also list your products and specials. In terms of pricing, there’s a 12 month free option and premium options that cost as much as for R480.00 for 3 months.
Nichemarket
Nichemarket’s primary function is that of a social marketplace and business information hub. It’s a place where entrepreneurs can promote their business and services, and consumers can explore local listings.
Rate it All
Rate it All offers a Free Service to all so you can simply Give & Get Feedback instantly. List any business free of charge. Register a free user account to start rating and listing things. Search their business directory to find contact details easily.
SA Business Club
Potential customers use SA Business Club’s business guide to find new local providers every day. A link on can also help bolster search engine rankings. Not to mention listing your business will cost absolutely nothing.
saYellow
saYellow is one of South Africa’s oldest online business directories, available since 1997. The company lists more than half a million businesses across the country. It allows you to search by convenient classifications for companies matching virtually every type of business need.
The South African Business Directory
The business directory is a free national business directory targeting South Africa and services over 40 different categories. It’s run by an exoerienced search engine professional who gets the need for smaller companies to advertise online with smaller marketing budgets available.
URLy Free South African Website Directory
Urly.co.za is a free website directory for South Africans. It allows websites to get a free backlink from Urly to boost rankings when created. They currently boast 15369 listing and are growing quickly. They include the platform on which websites are built, allowing users to get more insight on different websites.
Yalwa
Yalwa is a worldwide business directory in which companies can list their business and advertise locally. It offers some premium features, e.g. listing your business on top to help increase your success rate and ensure your business is not overlooked.
Yellosa
YelloSa Business Directory has over 800 000 company listings, with new company registrations and customer reviews on a regular basis. Their clean design and user-friendly interface set it apart from many other SA online business directories.
Yellow Pages
lastly, good ole Yellow Pages continues to pack a punch and deliver local commercial searches in South Africa that combine with effective advertising and marketing services.
Article by InvoiceBerry