Why New Websites Should Join Online Business Directories

You’ve been told you should join directories for your business. Maybe it was a savvy friend, your SEO guy, or a YouTube guru. But why is it actually important? And with a million directories out there — which ones are worth your time, and which are not worth your time?

In this article, we’ll break it all down:

• Why online business directories matter (especially for creatives)
• How they help with SEO, visibility, and leads
• And most importantly: which directories are actually worth signing up for

We’ll even teach you a simple Chrome plugin hack to check if you’re getting that sweet, sweet SEO benefit (aka a dofollow backlink).

Let’s get into it.

What Are Internet Directories?

If you’re picturing an old-school phone book with a digital facelift… you’re not totally wrong.

Internet directories are websites that list businesses, professionals, or creatives in an organized, searchable way — often by category, location, or industry. Think of them like curated online catalogs that help people find you based on what you do and where you do it.

Each listing typically includes:

• Your business name
• A short description or bio
• A link to your website
• Contact info or booking options
• Sometimes a portfolio or service list

Some directories are broad (like Yelp), while others are hyper-specific — like those made just for designers, photographers, or creative agencies.

💡 The win? If you’re listed on a high-quality directory, not only can potential clients find you more easily — but search engines like Google start taking you more seriously, too.

Why Directories Are a Big Deal for Websites

To give you the gist of things up front: Yes, you should be joining directories.

Whether you’ve just launched your portfolio site last week or you’ve been designing logos since the Tumblr era, being listed in the right directories is still one of the smartest plays you can make. It’s low effort, often low cost (or free), and the benefits stack up over time.

The main reasons?

1. They help your SEO — especially if you’re on a newer site and need some authority.
2. They send targeted traffic your way — people browsing these sites are already looking to hire someone like you.
3. They build trust — if someone sees you on a well-known directory, you instantly feel more legit.

Okay, now let’s break those down with a bit more detail — and show you how to spot which directories are actually worth your time.

Directories From An SEO Perspective

If you’re trying to show up on Google for anything — whether it’s “freelance designer in Austin” or “logo design for startups” — then backlinks are your best friend. And guess what? Directories are one of the easiest and most legit ways to get them.

Here’s the deal:

Google sees a backlink as a kind of digital thumbs-up. When a reputable site (like a trusted directory) links to your website, it’s basically saying, “Hey, this person knows their stuff.” That signal helps your site rank higher in search.

But here’s where it gets a little tricky — not all backlinks are created equal.

Some directories give you what’s called a dofollow link — that means search engines follow that link and pass “SEO juice” to your site. Others give nofollow links, which don’t help your SEO directly (though they can still bring traffic and branding benefits).

Want to know if a directory gives dofollow links? Easy:

1. Install the free ‘Nofollow’ Chrome plugin
2. Go to someone’s profile on the directory
3. If their website link has a red dotted box around it — it’s a nofollow
4. If there’s no box — it’s dofollow (aka the good stuff)

Spoiler alert: Search engines aren’t the only ones looking at those signals. Many AI tools and content aggregators use the same best practices Google does — so building high-quality backlinks doesn’t just help with search. It helps your visibility in AI-generated summaries, results previews, and auto-suggest tools too.

In short: if you want to be found, trusted, and taken seriously, a dofollow backlink from a good directory is worth more than its weight in code.

Directories from A Traffic Perspective

Let’s be honest: not all directories are going to send a flood of traffic your way.

Some you will join for the SEO perspective. Others can send a steady stream of potential clients who are actively searching for your services. The difference? It usually comes down to how well they rank on Google and how much effort they put into marketing their platform.

Here’s the reality:

• Directories that get real traffic (and send that traffic to you) usually charge more. Why? Because they’re investing in SEO, ads, social media, and outreach — which means they’re driving visitors for you.
• If a directory ranks well for keywords like “hire a freelance designer” or “top branding experts,” and you’re listed there, you’ve got a chance at real exposure.
• On the flip side, free or low-cost directories with no visibility? Don’t expect miracles.

That said, even a small trickle of high-intent visitors — the ones who are already looking to hire someone like you — can be more valuable than a hundred random clicks from social media.

Pro Tip: Look at where the traffic is coming from

Directories that show up in Google search results (especially for service-related queries) are often the ones sending the most relevant visitors. If you’re listed on a page that’s already ranking, you’re essentially borrowing their SEO clout to get found.

So while not every directory will drive traffic, the ones that do? They can be a game-changer. Especially if you’re just starting out, or if your own website isn’t ranking yet.

Directories from a Branding Perspective

Here’s the thing about branding — it’s not just about your logo, color palette, or whether your Instagram grid is perfectly curated (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be). It’s about perception. And being listed in respected directories helps shape how people perceive your business — often before they even click on your site.

Let’s break it down:

• If a potential client Googles your name or service and sees you listed in multiple respected places, you instantly seem more established — even if you’re just getting started.
• Being on a directory like Creative Designer Directory or I Love Creatives adds a level of third-party validation. It’s like getting a subtle co-sign from a brand or platform people already trust.
• Some directories even have their own audience of loyal browsers — people who actually prefer to find creatives through curated platforms. Being in those spaces makes you part of “the club.”

And hey — you’re not just listed next to anyone. You’re listed alongside other vetted creatives, agencies, and freelancers. That shared space elevates your own brand by association. It’s like being invited to sit at the cool kids’ table (but way less intimidating).

Bonus: Directories act like online portfolios

Some directories allow you to showcase your work, link your socials, and tell your story in a way that’s clean and professionally formatted. It’s one more place your brand can show up in a polished, controlled environment — without needing to design a whole extra website.

The 4 Types of Directories You Should Be Joining

Not all directories serve the same purpose — and that’s a good thing. A smart strategy isn’t about being on the most directories. It’s about being on the right mix that cover different angles of visibility, trust, and SEO value.

Here are the four types every creative should consider:

1. Niche Directories (e.g. design-specific, photography, illustration)

These are your most targeted, highest-converting directories.

• People browsing are already looking for what you do.
• These often allow more portfolio features and creative control.
• Bonus: They usually come with better backlink structures and quality leads.

Example: Creative Designer Directory, I Love Creatives

2. Industry or Professional Directories

Think of these as the digital version of a creative guild or club — places where professionals gather, get featured, or are vetted.

• They build credibility and community.
• Great for getting discovered by agencies or larger clients.
• Many are tied to tools you already use (like Adobe/Behance, or Dribbble).

Example: Behance, Dribbble, The Dots

3. Location-Based Directories

If you work locally or want to rank for location-specific searches (e.g. “graphic designer in Portland”) — this is essential.

• Helps your local SEO through citations and NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency.
• Makes you more discoverable by local clients or businesses.
• Even Yelp or Google Business Profile can help here.

Example: Yelp, Google Business, Clutch (if you’re agency-level)

4. SEO-Focused Directories (aka “Citation Directories”)

These are less about visuals and clients — more about SEO firepower.

• Look for ones your competitors are already listed on
• Matching backlinks helps level the playing field in search rankings
• These don’t always bring traffic, but they help your site gain authority

Examples: Bing Places, Hotfrog, Foursquare, niche SEO citation sites

🎯 Pro Tip:
If you find a competitor’s site ranking higher than yours, use a backlink checker (like Ahrefs, SemRush, or even free ones like Ubersuggest) and see which directories they’re on. Matching some of those links helps Google see you in the same league — and that can give your rankings a nudge.

What to Look for in a Directory (And How Much Should You Be Paying?)

Now you know that directories can help with SEO, traffic, and branding. But not all directories are built the same. Some are genuinely worth every penny. Others? Not so much.

So before you start throwing your credit card at the nearest “Top 50 Designers” badge, here’s what to look for and how to tell if the cost actually makes sense.

Key Things to Check Before You Join

1. Does it offer a dofollow backlink?
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Use the Nofollow Chrome plugin to check someone else’s profile — if the website link has no red dotted outline, it’s a dofollow. That means your listing will actually help your SEO.

2. Does the site rank well in Google?
Search for terms like “hire a graphic designer” or “freelance UX designer.” If the directory shows up on the first few pages, that’s a great sign. If not? It may not send much traffic your way.

3. Is the platform niche-specific?
Directories that focus on your kind of work — design, photography, medical— tend to drive better leads than generic “business directories.”

4. Can you customize your profile?
You want more than just a name and a link. A solid profile includes a bio, portfolio, service list, and maybe even testimonials or a booking button.

5. Is it active and well-maintained?
Check the site’s blog, social feeds, or any community features. A dead platform won’t help you, no matter how cheap it is.

6. If your competitors are on a directory — that’s a sign.

If you see other designers, studios, or freelancers in your space listed somewhere, chances are they’re getting value from it. And if they’re landing clients there… wouldn’t you want a slice of that too?

So… How Much Should You Be Paying?

Well directories are businesses too. They need to make money, and many reinvest that into driving traffic — which helps you. So yes, paying for a directory listing can be 100% worth it.

But how much?

Here’s a ballpark:

Tier	What You Might Pay	What to Expect
Free	$0	Usually no backlink or traffic, but good for NAP consistency (for local SEO)
Entry-Level Paid	$25–$75/year	A dofollow backlink, some exposure — worth it if they’re niche
Mid-Tier	$100–$250/year	Better placement, more profile features, real traffic potential
High-Tier / Premium	$300–$600+/year	Featured listings, real lead gen, SEO impact — make sure they’re delivering value

👉 One-off payments are great if the site has staying power.
But if a yearly fee consistently brings you bookings? That’s not an expense — that’s ROI.

Strategy For Joining Directories

• Test a few and track your traffic (Google Analytics can show referral sources)
• Ask others in your network what’s actually working for them
• Reassess yearly — if you’re not getting any value, don’t renew

At the end of the day, you don’t need to be on every directory. You just need to be on the right ones — the ones that make it easier for people to find, trust, and hire you.

Examples of Best Business Directory Websites

1. Creative Designer Directory (CDD)

Best for: SEO + client-ready exposure

💰 Cost: one-time fee
🔗 Backlink: ✅ Dofollow backlink
📍 Location Support: Yes
📈 Google Presence: Frequently ranks for design-related queries
✨ Interface: Clean, portfolio-forward
🔎 Domain Authority: Strong

Why I like it:
This is one of the rare directories built for Showit experts. It’s niche enough to keep out spam, but visible enough to drive real SEO benefit. Plus, you’re not buried in a sea of listings — the layout helps you stand out. Great value for the cost.

2. I Love Creatives

Best for: Branding + creative networking

💰 Cost: One Time payment
🔗 Backlink: ✅ Dofollow
📍 Location Support: Yes
📈 Google Presence: Moderate, more focused on community traffic
✨ Interface: Fun, artsy, intentionally unpolished
🔎 Domain Authority: Strong

Why I like it:
This one’s more about vibes and visibility than hardcore SEO. It’s a well-known space among indie creatives, entrepreneurs, and startup founders. If you’re building a brand, growing a network, or just want to be seen in cool company — it’s a strong option. Plus, the job board alone might pay for the listing if you snag one gig.

3. Carats & Cake

Best for: Creatives in the wedding, events, or luxury space

💰 Cost: Varies
🔗 Backlink: ✅ Dofollow
📍 Location Support: Yes — big focus on geographic discovery
📈 Google Presence: Ranks on Page 1 for many wedding/event design terms
✨ Interface: Luxe, clean, Pinterest-worthy
🔎 Domain Authority: very Strong

Why I like it:
Carats & Cake is low-key an SEO powerhouse, especially for creatives in the wedding, photography, florals, event design, and high-end branding worlds. It combines style and strategy beautifully. If you’re in this niche, it’s a no-brainer — clients browse here with budget.

Final Thoughts: Why Join Online Business Directories

At the end of the day, directories aren’t just about vanity listings or chasing backlinks. When chosen wisely, they’re strategic tools that can boost your SEO, bring in real clients, and make your brand look more polished and professional — even if you’re still working from your kitchen table.

Here’s the move:
✅ Join a handful of high-quality directories
✅ Prioritize ones that give dofollow backlinks or have proven traffic
✅ Make sure your profile is complete and compelling
✅ Track results — and adjust as needed

And remember, if your competitors are showing up on these platforms, they’re doing it for a reason. Your goal isn’t to be everywhere — it’s to be in the right places that work for you.

So yes, pay for a few. Invest in the visibility. Because when the right people can find you, the right projects tend to follow.