When you type in “tax preparer in [enter your city]”, does your firm come up? Is it at the top of search 
results? There are a lot of things that factor into being on the first page of Google. Are you employing SEO tactics? Do you have a lot of competition? Is your site optimized with keywords? Is your competition using SEO tactics? Without getting into the details of SEO, we want to share with you one tactic that will help: submitting your information to online directories.
Every directory you submit to is another chance to get found online – and there are a TON of directories you could submit your business to. Some of these are free and some you have to pay for. Here are some of the best directories to be in.
Google My Business
Have you claimed your business on Google yet? This is one of the most important listings. Claiming your business on Google allows you to customize your Google listing, add pictures, respond to reviews, and control what people see when they search your business on Google. Google even has an app that allows you to make changes from your phone. Once you’ve claimed your business you’ll need to go through their verification process via postcard or phone.
Yelp
Yelp is a crowd-sourced review site that helps consumers make better decisions based on reviews by the community. You should make sure that you have your Yelp profile claimed and customized. Just like Google, you can add photos, respond to reviews, and customize your business listing. You can also run ads and submit events.
Bing
Bing is an alternative search engine to Google and has its own business listing service. To get your business on Bing you’ll need to claim you profile, customize your listing, and then go through their verification process.
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing marketplace trust. They collect and provide free business reviews and serves as an intermediary between consumers and businesses. There is a local BBB chapter in every city.
Angie’s List
Much like Yelp, Angie’s list is an online directory that allows users to read and publish crowd-sourced reviews of local businesses and contractors. As a business, it’s free to claim your profile.
Social Media
Social media channels like Facebook and LinkedIn are just as much a directory as they are a social platform. Make sure you have a presence on the relevant and popular sites so that you are searchable. Facebook, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, Twitter, and Alignable are all important.
Other Directories
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some other directories to spend time adding your business to.
- Merchant Circle
- YP.com
- Whitepages
- Superpages.com
- Yellowbook
- CitySearch
- MapQuest/Yext
- Local.com
- Manta
- BizJournals.com
- ChamberofCommerce.com
For any of these directories, make sure you go beyond adding your name and contact information. Fill out your profile completely, add categories, add images, add your business hours, etc.