Business directory submissions: build a list around actual customers

How would you choose business directories for a local company without starting from an enormous generic list? I would begin with the business's location, industry and the ways customers look for that service.

A submission sheet could include the directory's audience, relevant category, required facts, ownership of the listing, correction process and any charges. Prepare approved business details before submitting them.

Members can suggest a directory with a short explanation of who it serves. Owners and submission providers should identify their connection. The aim of this discussion is a maintainable discovery plan, including accurate information, rather than a race to produce the largest number of citations.

Assign someone to keep the information current. A list of submissions without access details can become a maintenance problem after a business changes its hours or phone.

For each listing, record who can edit it and what evidence is needed for a correction.

If a provider submits listings, the deliverable should include the public URLs, current status and a handover plan. “Submitted to fifty directories” leaves important questions open.

Separate accepted, pending and rejected entries so the report describes what actually exists.

I would add maintenance ownership and publication status to the list. That makes the project useful beyond its initial delivery.

For recommendations here, a single well-explained example is more informative than a pasted list with no category or audience details.