This guide is designed to assist North Carolina companies. It provides a list of key online business directories. These directories are used to locate local companies. Companies listed in these directories will receive additional exposure and credibility. This guide contains directories that are statewide and city specific to major cities with populations exceeding 50,000.
The following is included in this guide:
- National directories with strong local North Carolina rankings
- Statewide directories used by North Carolina residents and visitors
- City/Region directories (populations exceeding 50,000)
Directories for specific businesses that rank on the first page of local searches. 5. Best practices for optimizing your listings and driving sales.
The guide covers only the directories that actually matter to your business. It tells you why you need each directory and how to set them up.
Some of the top directories include:
Google Business Profile - the most important directory in North Carolina. Used for Google Maps and local search results. Ensure that your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across all sites. Apple Business Connect - used by iPhone users for directions and Siri. Claim your profile, add hours and photos. Bing Places for Business - used by Windows PC users and some vehicles and voice assistants. Import from Google to save time. Yelp - great for restaurants, nightlife, salons, car services, and home services. Add photos and respond to reviews. Facebook Business Page - still used for local discovery in North Carolina.
Include your address for a map pin. Nextdoor Business Pages - Popular in neighborhoods like Cary, Apex, Matthews, and Huntersville. Claim your business for local recommendations. Foursquare - Not as popular, but its data is used by other apps. Make sure your business name, address, and phone are correct. Better Business Bureau (BBB) - Trusted by North Carolina consumers. Accreditation is optional, but a full profile helps. Angi (formerly Angie's List) - Important for home services across the state. Add your services, hours, and service areas. HomeAdvisor - Often listed with Angi. Good for HVAC, roofing, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, flooring, and remodeling. Manage leads carefully. Thumbtack - Popular for local professionals in North Carolina metros. Update your services, pricing, and travel radius. Houzz - Good for home design, remodels, landscaping, cabinetry, and interiors from Asheville to Raleigh.
Add project galleries with lots of detail. Tripadvisor - Essential for restaurants, attractions, hotels, tours, coffee, breweries and activities. Make sure your menus, amenities and photos are updated. OpenTable and Resy - Critical for restaurants in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Asheville and Wilmington. DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub - Food delivery listings appear in search and apps. Ensure your menu, hours and delivery areas are accurate. The guide also includes industry directories, statewide directories and directories for major cities with populations of more than 50,000.
