We have written extensively about local SEO in the past. Not so much has changed over the years, but there have been a few notable shifts here and there.
For instance, local listings and citations now play a critical role in determining where your business ranks locally.
That’s especially true for service-based businesses with a physical location. If you want to score high in the local SERPs, you need to get your business listed on all the top local directories and citation sites in Singapore.
What are Local Directories and Citation Sites?
Local directories are online platforms that provide information about businesses in a particular geographic area. Customers use them to find businesses that offer the products or services they’re looking for.
A citation is simply an online reference to your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Citations can occur on local directories, but they can also be found on other websites, such as online yellow pages, industry-specific directories, and social media platforms.
How Do Local Directories and Citations Help with Local SEO?
Google uses NAP information to verify the identity, accuracy, and consistency of your business listing across the web. The more consistent your NAP information is, the higher you’ll rank in the local SERPs.
Local directories and citation sites help with local SEO by providing Google with another source of accurate NAP information. The more high-quality local directories and citations you have, the higher your chances of ranking in the local SERPs.
Why Should You List Your Business on Local Directories?
In addition to helping with local SEO, listing your business on local directories has several other benefits. For instance, it may help you:
- Boost brand awareness and reach new customers
- Generate leads and boost sales
- Improve customer service
- Increase website traffic
- Boost your Google My Business (GMB) ranking
- Get found in the map pack
- And much more!
List Of Local Directories in Singapore
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of Singapore’s top local directories and citation sites.
General Directories (Global)
1. Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. Claiming and verifying your GMB listing is the first step to ranking higher in the local SERPs.
Go to google.com/business and follow the instructions to claim or create your listing. Once your listing is live, make a point to regularly update your NAP information and add new photos, products, and services.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
So, Why List Your Business on Google Business Profile?
Google is the largest search engine globally, so it’s no surprise that GBP is one of the best platforms for promoting your business online. Here are just some of the benefits of listing your business on GBP:
- Increased visibility in the local SERPs
- The ability to showcase your products and services
- The ability to post updates, special offers, and events
- The ability to interact with customers via reviews and messages
Not to mention, it’s free to post on Google Business Profile.
2. Yahoo! Local Listings
Yahoo! Local Listings is Yahoo’s equivalent of GBP. It’s a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Yahoo.
It’s the online directory portion of Yahoo devoted to business listings. You can use it to find businesses in your area, read and write reviews, get directions, and more.
To get started, go to local.yahoo.com and search for your business. If you don’t see your listing, you can create one. Be sure to claim or create your listing with accurate NAP information.
Yahoo and Bing had a partnership for a time, which meant that your Yahoo! Local Listings would also appear on Bing. However, that partnership has since ended, so you’ll need to create a separate listing on Bing Places for Business if you also want to show up there.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free but with paid package options
Link: https://local.yahoo.com
3. Bing Places for Business
Bing Places for Business is a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Bing. It’s similar to Google My Business and Yahoo! Local Listings.
You can begin by going to bingplaces.com and searching for your business. If you can’t find your listing, go ahead and create one. Be sure to claim or create your listing with accurate NAP information.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
Why Businesses Should List on Bing Places
As of February 2022, Bing enjoys nearly 1.08 billion unique visits globally per month. That number is around 76.1 million unique visits per month in the US.
While Bing doesn’t have the same market share as Google, it’s still a powerful force in the world of search, and businesses definitely should list on this platform.
5. Instagram Business Profile
Did you know that you can turn your personal Instagram profile into a business profile? It’s easy to do, and it gives you access to valuable insights about your followers, such as their age, gender, location, and interests.
To convert your personal Instagram profile to a business profile:
- Go to your profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner
- Tap Settings
- Scroll down and tap Switch to Business Profile
- Enter your business information, then tap Done
Once you’ve converted to a business profile, regularly update your NAP information and add new photos, products, and services.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
6. Twitter
If you haven’t noticed, Twitter is one of the hottest social media platforms around. It’s a great place to connect with customers, build relationships, and promote your business.
If you don’t already have a Twitter account for your business, it’s time to create one. Include links to your website and other social media profiles and your NAP information.
And don’t forget to tweet about your products, services, and events regularly.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
7. LinkedIn Company Page
LinkedIn is a social network for professionals. It’s a great place to connect with other businesses and promote your business to a highly targeted audience.
Registered members can create a company page for their businesses and network with the people they know professionally.
It’s also an excellent strategy to grow your professional network and find new business opportunities.
To create a LinkedIn Company Page:
- Go to linkedin.com and log in with your LinkedIn account
- Click the Work icon at the top of the page and select Create a Company Page
- Enter your company information and click Continue
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your company page
Include your NAP information on your LinkedIn Company Page and links to your website and other social media profiles.
Directory Niche: Professional, General
Cost: Free
8. Yelp
Yelp is a user-generated review site where people can write reviews about local businesses. Yelp also trains small business owners on how to respond to reviews, host social events, and use the platform to drive sales.
If you haven’t already claimed your business listing on Yelp, now is the time to do it. Include your NAP information and links to your website and social media profiles.
And don’t forget to encourage your customers to leave reviews.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
9. FourSquare
FourSquare is a location-based social network that allows users to check in on businesses and write reviews. It’s a great way to connect with customers and promote your business to a highly targeted audience.
To claim your business listing on FourSquare:
- Go to placed.com and click on “Sign In” and then “Sign Up”
- Enter your business information and click Continue
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your listing
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
10. Yellow Pages
The Yellow Pages is a directory of local businesses. It’s been around for decades and is still one of the most popular directories in Singapore.
To list your business in the Yellow Pages:
- Go to yellowpages.com, scroll down, and click on “Claim Your Listing”
- Enter your business information and click Submit
YP, a subsidiary of DexYP, owns yellow pages. Launched in May 2012, YP is a company dedicated to helping small businesses grow.
Directory Niche: Local
Domain authority: 60
Cost: Free/$250 per month/ $1250 per month
LINK: http://www.yellowpages.com.sg/
11. Manta
Manta is a small business directory with more than 60 million monthly visitors. The directory includes both free and paid listings.
To list your business on Manta:
- Go to manta.com and click the “Claim My Listing” button
- Enter your business information and click Continue
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your listing
Manta’s paid listings start at $29 per month.
Directory Niche: Small Businesses
Cost: Free/$29 per month (Paid Listing)
12. Angie’s List
Angie’s list is a paid subscription marketplace, review site, and business directory that contains consumer reviews of local service providers.
Users can grade companies in multiple categories, including quality of work, punctuality, professionalism, responsiveness, price, and customer service.
The site’s categories range from house, pets, and health to automotive and travel.
Before signing up on the site, we suggest you research Angie’s List to see if it would be a good fit for your business.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
13. SuperPages
SuperPages is a directory of local businesses with more than 564.4 million monthly visitors.
The directory can be traced way back to the days of printed phone books. Today, it’s an online directory that offers free and paid options.
SuperPages is both a high authority site and an online business directory.
The business portal has an option to add new business listings or edit existing ones.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
14. Hotfrog
Hotfrog is a global business directory for local listings. Categorized by regional or topical significance, HotFrog hosts more than 2 million business listings in over 40 countries.
The company strives to be the primary choice for small businesses regarding online visibility and marketing.
Hotfrog’s basic listing is free but with paid options offering additional features, such as photos, videos, and coupons.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
15. Citysearch
Citysearch is a local business directory and review site. The company was founded in 1995 and was one of the first web-based directories.
The indicated categories include entertainment, retail, travel, and professional services.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
16. Local.com
Local.com is a local business search engine and directory. The company was founded in 2015 with the mission of helping people find the businesses and services they need.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
17. Streetdirectory
Streetdirectory is a local directory for Singapore businesses. The company was founded in 2000 and has since become one of the most popular directories in the country.
The directory features Singapore’s map on the homepage, making it easy for users to find businesses in their area.
They even have popups that guide potential customers to their preferred businesses.
You can even specify the exact district in which your business is located.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
18. ZipLeaf Singapore
Zipleaf is one of the biggest directories in Singapore, devoted to helping consumers find local businesses.
The company offers a wide range of services, including business listings, coupons, and user reviews.
And not just in Singapore, the directory is also available in 15 other countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
19. Simapages
Simapages boasts a minimalistic yet practical design that helps users find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
You might be tempted to think it doesn’t offer much beyond that.
However, the directory contains many businesses, from arts and entertainment to food and drink.
It’s also one of the most straightforward directories to use. All you have to do is sign up and submit your business listing. They also offer advertising services and exemplary customer support.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
20. The Times Business Directory (TBD)
The TBD is a comprehensive compilation of key companies in Singapore, including top SMEs, Public listed companies, MNCs, etc.
The directory includes detailed profiles of over 5,000 companies, with information on products and services, contact details, website links, and more.
This is an ideal platform for businesses to connect with their target audience.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free (for a limited time)
21. Opendi Singapore
Opendi Singapore is a Singapore-based directory that helps you find local businesses, products, and services.
The site attracts more than 3 million unique visitors per month and reviews over 156,000 companies.
The company also offers a wide range of services, such as listings, maps, coupons, and user reviews.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
22. Kompass Singapore
Kompass Singapore is one of the leading business directories in the country.
To make it easier for users to find local businesses, Kompass sorts businesses by categories.
They also offer a search tool that lets users find businesses by keyword, location, or product/service.
Kompass also offers various other services, such as company profiles, lead generation, and marketing tools.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
23. Tuugo Singapore
Tuugo is a global directory with listings in over 35 categories.
They have a section for recently added companies on their homepage, which can get you more exposure.
Additionally, companies can create a profile page on Tuugo for free. This profile page includes photos, videos, products & services, a map, contact information, etc.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
Domain Authority (DA): 47
LINK: https://www.tuugo.sg/
24. EnrollBusiness
EnrollBusiness is an online directory that connects businesses with consumers.
The platform offers Singapore businesses a chance to create permanent business profiles for free.
It also allows businesses to post their latest news, events, and promotions.
EnrollBusiness is a great way to connect with consumers and promote your business.
Directory Niche: Local Businesses in Singapore
Cost: Free
Domain authority: 44
LINK: http://sg.enrollbusiness.com/
25. Skaffe
Skaffe has a strict vetting process for all businesses that want to be listed in their directory.
That helps ensure that only quality and legitimate businesses are included.
First, you’ll have to locate the best category for your business. Then, you can submit your listing for review.
If your listing is approved, it will be live on the site within 48 hours. Note that it can take up to 30 days (business hours) to approve new listings.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free (for a limited time)
26. Singapore Advice
Singapore Advice is more than an online listing directory. It also doubles as a phone directory. Moreover, listed pages get a free page on the website.
The platform doesn’t charge you for listing your business. Plus, you’re allowed to add your business keywords and categories to increase your visibility on the site.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
27. Yalwa
Yalwa is a business directory dedicated to helping online users find detailed information about local businesses in Singapore.
Users are also allowed to review businesses.
There’s also an option for advertising your business on the platform.
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Free
Domain Authority: 47
LINK: http://www.yalwa.sg/
28. Singapore Business Directory
Singapore Business Directory operates as an online directory portal. It’s a comprehensive database of Singapore companies.
Besides listing your business, you can promote your products and services and attract a heavy traffic flow.
Domain Authority: 30
Cost: Free
Directory Niche: General
LINK: http://www.singapore-business-directory.com/
29. The GreenBook
The GreenBook is one of the leading business directories in the country.
It’s a directory of consumer and commercial industries devoted to providing reliable business information from manufacturers and suppliers.
Domain Authority (DA): 47
Cost: Free
Directory Niche: General
LINK: http://www.thegreenbook.com/
30. 2FindLocal
2FindLocal is a top local directory in Singapore devoted to helping businesses promote their businesses to local consumers.
It has one of the most developed search algorithms that users can use to see what’s trending online.
Cost: Free
Domain Authority: 45
LINK: https://www.2findlocal.com/en
Directory Niche: General
31. YOYS Singapore
YOYS is available in over 52 countries, including Singapore.
This online directory operates a little differently from other directory sites.
First, if you have a GBP account, you can directly import your business details to YOYS. You also get instantly verified if you’re already verified on Google My Business.
Your business fields will come prefilled, with an option to edit any part of it if necessary.
If you’re not on Google Business Profile, don’t worry. You can manually set up your business profile and edit everything.
Click here to add your Business to YOYs manually.
Cost: Free
Domain Authority: 34
LINK: http://yoys.sg/
32. Angloinfo
Angloinfo is the world’s leading online media company, operating in 90 different regions worldwide.
The site serves over 3 million unique visitors per month.
It targets English-speaking users from all walks of life.
COST: Free
Domain Authority: 64
LINK: https://www.angloinfo.com/singapore
33. Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
Singapore Business Federation (SBF) was established in 2002 in succession to the Singapore Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It’s the apex of the business chamber in Singapore, with 27,000 members.
The SBP is also known for carrying out regular events, such as dialogue and talk sessions for its members.
Cost: S$321 per annum
LINK: https://www.sbf.org.sg/
Domain Authority: 41
Directory Niche: General
34. Singapore Expats
Singapore Expats specializes in providing information, pictures, reviews, videos, floor plans, location maps, and listings of Singapore apartments and condominiums. The company was established in 2002 and has since become one of the leading expatriates and Singapore property portals.
Their website provides a one-stop search for apartments, condos, and rental houses in Singapore.
They also run an expat forum, where would-be expats meet and exchange ideas and tips.
Cost: $300
Domain Authority: 51
LINK: https://www.singaporeexpats.com/
Directory: Property, Rental Property
35. eGuide Singapore
eGuide Singapore has been around since 1998 (incorporated on 20th November 1998). The company operates as a real estate news site, covering commercial, residential, and property market news.
Their website attracts over 1 million unique visitors from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore (of course).
The site is highly indexed on Google and Yahoo, making it one of the country’s most visible real estate directories.
Cost: Free
Domain Authority: 28
Website LINK: https://www.eguide.com.sg/
36. Times Directory
Times Directory is one of Asia’s largest printing and publishing conglomerates. With offices spanning Thailand and Singapore, the company’s vision is to be one of the leading business information providers in Asia and the surrounding regions.
The company leverages emerging technologies and industry insights to help business optimize their business information and establish strong brand visibility while expanding their market reach.
LINK: https://www.timesdirectories.com/
Directory Niche: General
Cost: Unsure
Domain Authority: 34
37. Singapore Business
Singapore business has the bare-bones, with no frills. The directory seems relatively low-quality (we haven’t tried it). So, we ask you to be cautious when you do.
LINK: https://www.sgpbusiness.com/
This list barely scratches the surface of online directories in Singapore. There are more sites out there, including industry-specific ones. A simple Google search should present hundreds of them.
List of Citation Sites for Local Business in Singapore (for Local SEO)
Assuming you just launched your website, how do you get good local citations specifically for the Singapore market?
We’ve got a few more suggestions that we’ll highlight in the next section of this article.
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Your Website
It would be best to start by listing your business on your own website—another reason to design a site if you don’t have one already.
While at it, make sure the site has a consistent Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) across every one of its web pages.
You can begin by writing the NAP on word and copy-paste it anywhere you’re required to (from your website pages to all across the web).
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Search Engines
After listing your business on your website, the next place you want to look at is search engines, especially Google.
Note that you can’t appear on Google Maps without signing up for Google Business Profile (GBP).
Follow the link to go to GBP and sign up for an account. Follow all the instructions provided to get your business verified or for your business to appear as a listing.
Do the same for Local Yahoo and Bing Places.
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Social Sites
The next place you want to head on and sign up for listing is social networking sites.
The chances are you’ve already created an account with some of the leading social networks.
So, why not go to these sites and add your NAP?
Remember, the trick is to ensure the NAP information you provided is consistent everywhere you post it.
So, instead of just writing it afresh, we suggest you copy-paste the NAP info you wrote earlier.
Here are some of the social media sites we suggest you prioritize for your listing:
Next, think about review sites. Singapore has plenty of such websites.
Note that these are review sites with social aspects to them.
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- Yelp
- TripAdvisor (paid)
- The Smart Local reviews
- Foursquare
- Apple Maps
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Third-Party Review Sites
The above review sites are a bit generic. So, what if you’re looking for a niche-specific review site?
Well, Singapore has lots of review sites that cater to specific industries.
You can find these sites by searching for “keyword/niche review + Singapore.
Examples:
Restaurant/food Reviews
Spa Reviews
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- SG Spa
Beauty-related Reviews
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- Beauty Undercover
Medical Practitioners
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- Doctorxdenstist
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Local Business Directories
While local business directories may not be as popular as they were, they still offer incredible value in exposing your business to a local audience.
We’ve already covered a great deal of these websites in the list above, but if we were to single out a few, here’re are the recommendations we’d make:
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- Smart Expat
- YOYS
- Singapore Advice
- Enrol Business
- Tuugo SG
- Yellow Pages
- Zipleaf
- grow business
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Niche Directories
If you’re looking for niche-specific directories, the following recommendations are worth checking out:
Yoga Directories
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- Yoga Directory
Spa Directories
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- Totally Spa
Wedding Directories
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Town Council Websites
All the town councils in Singapore have their own website for each area. But unknown to many business people, each website has a list of handyman services that residents can use to find simple services and repairs.
If you’re a business person targeting a local clientele, it helps to get listed on “useful links” pages.
So, get creative by targeting the following websites:
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- Ang Mo Kio
- Pasir ris – Punggol
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Area-specific Websites
Not all directories run on a national scale. Some are only dedicated to serving a specific town.
We’ve identified three such sites:
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- Punggol.sg
- Sengkang.sg
- Queenstown
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Mall Specific Directories
Some directories get even more location-specific by not targeting regions and towns but malls.
If your business is located in a mall, it helps to ensure it’s listed in the mall’s directory.
Check if your mall’s website allows tenants to display their website URL and contact information.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Search online to see if your mall has a website. If it does, see if they allow tenants to list their NAP.
We’ve identified three mall specific websites in Singapore that allow tenants to list their businesses or NAP:
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- Hougang
- Frasers Centrepoint
- Junction8
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Local Classified
Don’t overlook the free classifieds in Singapore.
They’re among the few good places to promote your NAP information and get more eyeballs to your business or website.
They’re also pretty good at driving highly targeted traffic.
Here are a few we identified:
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- Gumtree
- Locanto
- Craigslist
- STclassified
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Local Forums
Local forums also make an excellent strategy to promote your business locally, cheaply, and highly targeted.
All you have to do is identify a few of these forums and start interacting with their members. Make sure your contribution is felt.
Next, start a thread promoting your business and products/services. While at it, include your NAP information.
The idea is to contribute and add value to the forums, not spam them.
Here are a few local forum sites in Singapore:
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- SGForums
- VR-Zone Forum
- Hardwarezone Forum
- Single Motherhood Forum
You can even hit search engines directly and search for these forums.
Just enter your niche or primary keyword followed by the word forum.
Niche keywords + forum
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Local Event Guides and Directories
You can host or create events in your local region and use this opportunity to list your NAP.
This can be anything, from grand openings and training to meetups and sales promotions. Options abound.
Get creative with the following event directories and guides:
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- Eventbrite
- EventFinda
- What’s Happening
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Job Portals
If you got money to spare and are looking to hire someone, you can use this opportunity to get some good citations and links for your business.
Just visit any of these sites and post your job. Be sure to include your website and NAP) information:
The group buying craze might have settled in Singapore, but it’s still an excellent opportunity to get your brand or business exposure.
Moreover, you can feature your website URL and NAP information to boost your local SEO.
Examples:
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Local Expat Networking Websites
Local Expats Nethworking websites operate a lot like business directories, only that they’re targeted at expats.
Here are a few examples of local Expat networking sites in Singapore to list your business:
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- Smart Expat
- Singapore Expat
- Angloinfo
