Suppose you run a supply business and are looking for companies that can purchase goods from you. However, you can’t figure out how to find them within your location. That is where a business directory helps.
Consider a business directory like a phonebook but for businesses. They contain information about every registered company within a region.
So, a UK business directory holds the contacts for the businesses in the United Kingdom. It is a handy tool that you can find as a book, a website or an app.
Learning to use a business directory is crucial for businesses to find suppliers, partners, clients, or customers.
This article will cover the various aspects surrounding UK business directories and recommend many of them.
Table of Contents
Brief Introduction to Business Directories
A business directory contains lists of businesses and their contact information, like name, location, phone number, email, etc. The businesses are usually categorized in their types or industries.
Moreover, they are usually sorted alphabetically, especially if it is a real-life book. You can also find them divided into different chapters of the book (or pages on a website), where each includes a specific location.
Online business directories are usually more convenient since you can use search options to find any specific company you want.
Meanwhile, you can also use various filters, like location, time-of-creation, type, etc.
Why You Should Use a UK Business Directory- the Benefits
Instead of trying to search on Google or asking people around, using a business directory will get you to your desired companies or corporations way quickly. Here are some of their benefits-
- Easy to Use: It is just like using a phonebook. Whether you are accessing one online or offline, you will find it very easy, even for the first time.
- Updated: Since UK business directories are updated routinely, you can expect to find only accurate results. If the company changes its phone number, it must inform the authorities, who later update the directory.
- Vast Inclusion: You won’t find any type of business or location excluded in the UK business directories. There are all kinds and sizes of business there.
- Suggestions: Suppose you were looking for a specific company in the directory. You can type in the category to learn about all the other similar companies nearby. It makes it highly convenient.
Different Types of UK Business Directories
Currently, there are two types of business directories available. They are a physical directory and an online directory.
Physical UK Business Directory
Physical directories used to be the traditional way of finding businesses in the previous decades. It is convenient if you’re only looking for businesses within specific locations.
You can purchase physical UK business directories in various bookshops, libraries, etc. The entries in them are usually arranged like a glossary.
There is one issue with the physical directories, though. They aren’t updated in real-time when any business changes its contact, rebrands, shuts down or opens.
They only appear on the new copy or version of the directory. So, it is better not to purchase a physical directory but to visit a library to read them.
Online UK Business Directory
Online business directories are the most popular now since everything shifted online. Moreover, they have various advantages over a physical copy. For example-
- An online business directory is easier to access from your home rather than having to go anywhere. There is no need to purchase any book. You still may need to subscribe to the website.
- They are updated in real-time without much delay so that you can get the latest information quickly, which is often crucial for many businesses.
- It lets you use search bars and filters, which makes finding any businesses within a specific type or location easier. You can also check their ratings.
- They may offer various other useful features. For example- notifying you of any changes to the business you have previously worked with or bookmarking a list of companies to check them out later.
An online UK directory can come in two ways. They are-
- A website
- A software or app
Some of them may have both a site and an app version, where both get updated together simultaneously.
How to Use a UK Business Directory?
It is easy to use a UK business directory.
For the Consumers
- First, enter the directory site or app.
- Use the search bar to search for any specific business. You don’t necessarily have to enter the name. You can also search using its address, contact, or other details.
- If it is not a specific business you are looking for but a general type, use the filters. For example, suppose you want a solar panel business for your rooftop. You can select that in the filter by finding that category after a short scrolling.
- If you are using a physical business directory, you will need to skim through the table of contents that includes the categories throughout several pages (usually in alphabetical order).
- Once you find your desired business in an online directory, you can click on it and access its description, ratings, and reviews. For physical ones, you can find it by reaching the right page.
- Compare several businesses by making a list. Then contact the one you finally decide to choose.
For the Business Owners
If you are a business owner who wants to list their business in the directory, that is also possible with some simple steps.
- Enter the business directory.
- Check for a button that usually says ‘list/add your business’ or ‘join as a business’.
- Fill out their form with the appropriate information.
- If the site asks for a payment or subscription fee, complete that process.
- Afterward, complete your business profile by adding all the necessary info, including videos, product descriptions, etc.
- If it is a physical directory, you will need to converse with the authorities. Collect their contact and talk to them regarding the procedures.
Online UK Business Directory- Tips
You can shorten your process of finding a business using a UK business directory by following some tips. For instance-
- Use filters. Choose specific locations, types, prices, and ratings. It will pinpoint your desired businesses. Some directories may also have a filter for the company size.
- Be careful about typos. You can use the search bar to search for any specific business. However, avoid typing mistakes, or the company may not appear on the list.
- Reviews are your best friends in this case. Even small businesses may have excellent reviews due to their service quality. Don’t go for a business unthinkably without knowing the opinions of its previous customers.
- Make a list. Don’t stick to a single business. It is better to list several companies within specific types and locations and check each. It will help you find the best among them.
Some online directories will even have a listing feature that you can check back at any time.
Choosing the Right UK Business Directory
You can’t really find all the businesses in a directory, as some may not have registered them yet. For that reason, it is better to check several ones. Also, some offer certain features that others don’t. You can use the following tips when choosing a business directory-
Physical or Online
First, choose whether you want a physical directory or an online one. We’ve already talked about the pros of the latter. Meanwhile, a physical directory has the following advantages-
They usually register small businesses in specific localities, too. So, if you only want to look for services within that area, get a local directory and search.
Online directories may miss many of those local small businesses.
A physical directory can be accessed when the power is out or when you don’t have a running device.
User Friendliness
Not all UK business directories will be as easy to navigate as you wish. So, check many and stick to the ones that are easy to use.
Accuracy
Some business directories update more frequently than others. The way to find out about this is to check the reviews. Going for them will help you get more accurate results.
Cost
Business directories can be free or paid. Usually, the ones with more features and high traffic or DA come at a cost. Moreover, they may require a monthly or yearly subscription.
Do note that the payment is almost always for the owners to list their business and not for the consumers looking for them. It is better to stick to free UK business directories if you are a small-sized company.
If you are a big business owner who needs to collaborate with other businesses or wants clients regularly, going for a paid version will be better for you.
Filters and Features
If some business directories offer more features and filter options, those are usually the better ones to target. Again, it depends on your usage.
Larger business owners looking for other businesses to collaborate may need to pinpoint their search more regularly, requiring more filters.
Meanwhile, if you are using the directory for personal reasons, like home repair, furniture shopping, or catering, you may need a directory with a listing or notification feature.
UK Directory List
We have covered the various aspects of UK directory lists. Next, let’s recommend some top-tier UK business directories to you.
Google My Business
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/business/
Domain Authority: 94
Yell
Cost: Freemium.
Website: https://www.yell.com/
Domain Authority: 72
Yelp UK
Cost: Free.
Website: https://www.yelp.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 71
Bing Places
Cost: Free.
Website: https://www.bingplaces.com/
Domain Authority: 94
TheBestofUK
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.thebestof.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 55
192.com
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.192.com/
Domain Authority: 66
Scoot
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.scoot.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 53
Hotfrog
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.hotfrog.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 48
All in London
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.allinlondon.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 59
Facebook Business
Cost: Free with some paid packages
Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Domain Authority: 96
Europages
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.europages.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 50
LinkedIn Company
Cost: Free
Website: https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/cx/21/11/linkedin-pages
Domain Authority: 99
Central Index
Cost: Free
Website: https://admin.centralindex.com/add/
Domain Authority: 58
UK Small Business Directory
Cost: Free but has some paid features
Website: https://www.uksmallbusinessdirectory.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 38
Apple Business Connect
Cost: Free
Website: https://businessconnect.apple.com/
Domain Authority: 99
FreeIndex
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.freeindex.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 55
Nextdoor
Cost: Free
Website: https://nextdoor.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 52
Cylex UK
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.cylex-uk.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 57
Foursquare
Cost: Free
Website: https://business.foursquare.com/
Domain Authority: 93
Pissed Consumer
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.pissedconsumer.com/
Domain Authority: 71
Opendi
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.opendi.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 27
Kompass
Cost: Free
Website: https://gb.kompass.com/
Domain Authority: 68
Thomson Local
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.thomsonlocal.com/
Domain Authority: 49
Cybo
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.cybo.com/
Domain Authority: 55
Opening Times
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.opening-times.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 36
Houzz
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.houzz.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 60
Brownbook
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.brownbook.net/
Domain Authority: 61
Bizify
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.bizify.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 28
MisterWhat
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.misterwhat.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 40
AiLOQ
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.ailoq.com/
Domain Authority: 69
City Visitor
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.cityvisitor.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 38
Business Magnet
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.businessmagnet.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 37
Kapitol-Infobel
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.infobel.com/en/uk/
Domain Authority: 59
Storeboard
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.storeboard.com/
Domain Authority: 63
LocalLife
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.locallife.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 66
My Local Services
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.mylocalservices.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 38
Lacartes
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.lacartes.com/
Domain Authority: 59
Smart Business Directory
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.smartbusinessdirectory.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 71
TouchLocal
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.touchlocal.com/
Domain Authority: 47
ShowMeLocal
Cost: Free
Website: https://uk.showmelocal.com/
Domain Authority: 52
iBegin
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.ibegin.com/
Domain Authority: 50
WhoDoYou
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.whodoyou.com/
Domain Authority: 46
Bizwiki
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.bizwiki.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 34
FindTheNeedle
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.findtheneedle.co.uk/clients/
Domain Authority: 44
Approved Businesses
Cost: Free with standard and premium versions available
Website: https://www.approvedbusiness.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 54
The Evening Standards
Cost: Free
Website: https://local.standard.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 93
The Mirror
Cost: Free
Website: https://directory.mirror.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 94
iGlobal
Cost: $25 per year.
Website: https://www.iglobal.co/
Domain Authority: 48
UKListing.org
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.uklistings.org/
Domain Authority: 25
Dentons
Cost: Free with £99 for the enhanced version and £249 for the premium version
Website: https://dentons.net/
Domain Authority: 31
WalesOnline
Cost: Free
Website: https://directory.walesonline.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 90
Just Landed
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.justlanded.com/
Domain Authority: 77
DesignerListings.org
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.designerlistings.org/
Domain Authority: 20
Bark
Cost: Free with paid options
Website: https://www.bark.com/
Domain Authority: 70
Fyple
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.fyple.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 33
here.com
Cost: Free with paid options
Website: https://www.here.com/
Domain Authority: 86
N49
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.n49.com/
Domain Authority: 48
TomTom
Cost: Free with paid subscription option (for all users)
Website: https://www.tomtom.com/
Domain Authority: 79
Tupalo
Cost: Free with a premium option (verification fee)
Website: https://tupalo.com/
Domain Authority: 57
2FindLocal
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.2findlocal.com/en
Domain Authority: 46
Tipped.co.uk
Cost: Free with a paid listing option for quick listing
Website: https://www.tipped.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 36
Near.co.uk
Cost: Free with a paid listing option for quick listing
Website: http://near.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 33
TripAdvisor
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 88
Local Pages
Cost: Free with the Enhanced option (£20) and the Premium option (£40) monthly subscriptions.
Website: https://www.localpages.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 20
Just Eat
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.just-eat.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 76
HomeAdvisor
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.homeadvisor.com/
Domain Authority: 80
Paint Talk
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.painttalk.com/
Domain Authority: 38
B2B Directory
Cost: The free listing requires sending a backlink and takes up to 6 months. The Standard Plus+ option requires £19.99 yearly with seven days for listing, and the Featured Listing requires £34.99 yearly.
Website: https://www.b2b-directory-uk.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 20
Task Rabbit
Cost: Free with hourly rate for the taskers
Website: https://www.taskrabbit.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 49
Dentists in UK
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.dentistsinuk.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 26
Removal Reviews
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.removalreviews.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 36
Smooth Hound
Cost: Yearly subscription-based (£50 saved for the first year)
Website: https://www.smoothhound.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 49
OpenTable
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.opentable.com/
Domain Authority: 84
The Tradefinder
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.thetradefinder.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 25
Find a therapy.org
Cost: Limited time free listing. Payment is necessary for a permanent listing.
Website: https://www.findatherapy.org/
Domain Authority: 29
InUKLocal
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.inuklocal.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 26
ThreeBestRated
Cost: Free
Website: https://threebestrated.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 79
Health Staff Discounts
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.healthstaffdiscounts.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 77
Eat In Eat Out
Cost: Free with paid options
Website: https://www.eat-in-eat-out.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 10
netmums
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.netmums.com/local
Domain Authority: 78
Plymouth Herald
Cost: Free
Website: https://directory.plymouthherald.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 74
GetSurrey
Cost: Free
Website: https://directory.getsurrey.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 73
Home and Garden Listing
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.homeandgardenlistings.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 64
Recommended Company
Cost: £14.95 GBP (One-time payment)
Website: https://www.recommendedcompany.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 54
Manchester Evening News
Cost: Free
Website: https://directory.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 83
British Forces Discount
Cost: Free
Website: https://britishforcesdiscounts.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 73
Crunchbase
Cost: Free with paid options
Website: https://www.crunchbase.com/
Domain Authority: 90
dn.org
Cost: Free
Website: https://dn.org/
Domain Authority: 73
Clutch
Cost: Free
Website: https://clutch.co/
Domain Authority: 88
AbiLogic
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.abilogic.com/
Domain Authority: 65
Indie Retail
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.indieretail.uk/
Domain Authority: 34
121 Near Me
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.121nearme.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 55
AboutMyArea
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 68
Yellow Place
Cost: Free
Website: https://yellow.place/en/nearby
Domain Authority: 71
intently.co
Cost: Paid
Website: https://intently.co/
Domain Authority: 56
Locanto services
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.locanto.co.uk/g/Services/S/
Domain Authority: 53
ListedIn
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.listedin.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 33
Bunity
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.bunity.com/
Domain Authority: 47
ZipZapt
Cost: Free
Website: https://zipzapt.com/
Domain Authority: 48
First Directory
Cost: Free
Website: https://1stdirectory.co.uk/
Domain Authority: 44
County Council Directory
Cost: Free
Website: Find your specific county council directory on https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
County Council Directory
Cost: Free
Website: Find your specific county council directory on https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Almost all counties will have a council business directory where people can go and list their businesses or find one. Most registered companies are often available here. However, you may not always find reviews there, making it slightly difficult to know which ones are the best.
However, they are definitely worth a check, especially because those are the actual official directories.
