In today’s digital-first landscape, being listed on a business directory is just the start. If you’re a South African SME, it’s not enough to simply exist online – you need to stand out. Whether you’re already listed on platforms like The Business Directory or just getting started, here are five practical ways to boost your visibility and attract more customers through online directories.

1. Complete Every Detail of Your Listing

It sounds obvious, but incomplete listings are incredibly common, and they hurt your visibility. A well-filled profile is more likely to appear in relevant search results and builds trust with visitors.

Listing Detail Checklist:

• Add your business name & contact info in the designated fields supplied.
• Include a detailed business description with keywords relevant to your industry.
• Choose the correct category (or subcategory).
• Upload a high-resolution logo and photos of your business, products, or team.
• Follow the directory’s listing policies (to ensure your listing gets published).

Pro Tip: Listings with correctly formatted and sized images receive significantly more clicks and engagement than those without. Make sure you use a striking hero image (where possible), avoiding written copy on the images (as they won’t display correctly on all devices). Here are some tips on our image dimensions specifically.

2. Optimise Your Listing for Local SEO

Search engines love directories, and they’re often among the first results for location-based searches like “plumber in Durban” or “Cape Town bakery”. You can use this to your advantage.

How to optimise for local search:

• Mention your service area clearly (e.g., “Serving clients in Pretoria and surrounding areas”).
• Use phrases your ideal customers would type into Google.
• Link to your listing from your website and social profiles (this helps search engines connect the dots).
• Follow our listing SEO guide.

If you’re targeting specific towns or regions in South Africa, make sure those locations are included in your listing description.

3. Keep Your Information Up to Date

Stale listings signal neglect. If you’ve changed your phone number, address, or website, update it. If you’re running a seasonal promotion or have won a new award, shout about it.

Engaged profiles get more visibility. By keeping your content fresh, you give search engines (and potential customers) new content to consume. Also share your listing on social media for more engagement.

4. Encourage Reviews and Testimonials

Social proof is a powerful trust-builder, and it plays a role in how your listing performs on directories. Businesses with recent reviews are often ranked higher and clicked more often.

Simple ways to get more reviews:

• Ask happy customers directly (after a job well done).
• Include a review request link in your email signature.
• Offer a small incentive, like a discount on a future service.

Just a few positive reviews can make a major difference.

5. Consider Upgrading to a Featured Listing

Free listings are a great start, but if you’re serious about visibility, an upgraded listing can deliver better exposure, higher placement, and more clicks.

At The Business Directory, paid listings:

• Are featured in category pages.
• Get a free kick-off banner campaign included.
• Include additional fields like website URL (great for SEO), Social Media links and more.
• If Premium, get featured on the home page and allows more media (video, promotions) and customisation to help you stand out.
• Get free shout-outs on our socials.

Think of it as a low-cost, high-impact advertising option that targets exactly the audience you want to reach – South African consumers and businesses looking for services like yours.

Bonus Tip: Get Featured – Don’t Just List

A listing is just the beginning. To truly stand out, engage with the community and showcase your story.

One of the most impactful ways to do this? Get featured in our SME Spotlight series – a dedicated business profile published on our blog and included in our weekly mailer.

Why participate?

• Tell your business story in your own words.
• Gain exposure to a growing audience of South African consumers and entrepreneurs.
• Build trust with potential customers through transparency and authenticity.

It’s easy to get featured – find out more here >>

Your journey could be someone else’s inspiration.

In Summary

Getting listed is only the first step. The businesses that get found, clicked, and called are the ones that treat their listings like live marketing tools.

Here’s your quick recap:

• Fill out every section of your listing
• Optimise for local SEO
• Keep your information fresh
• Encourage reviews
• Upgrade to a featured listing for more exposure

Want More Visibility?

Upgrade your listing or explore advertising options on The Business Directory. It’s affordable, effective, and built specifically for South African SMEs.