Top 100 Free Business Directories With DoFollow and NoFollow Links

Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links can transform your SEO strategy. While many business owners focus exclusively on dofollow backlinks, the truth is that both link types play crucial roles in building a natural, authoritative online presence. Business directories remain one of the most accessible ways to earn quality backlinks, whether they pass link equity or not.

The value of directory submission goes beyond simple link building. These platforms increase your visibility, drive referral traffic, establish credibility with search engines, and help potential customers discover your services. In 2025, Google’s algorithm has become sophisticated enough to recognize natural link patterns. A profile containing only dofollow links looks suspicious, while a balanced mix of both link types signals authenticity.

This comprehensive guide presents 100+ quality business directory listings categorized by their link attributes. You’ll learn which directories provide dofollow backlinks that pass PageRank, which offer nofollow links that still deliver SEO benefits, and how to strategically use both for maximum impact. Whether you’re building local SEO citations or expanding internationally, this list covers general directories, industry-specific platforms, and regional sites to help you create a diverse, effective link profile that improves your organic search rankings.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Understanding DoFollow and NoFollow Links

What Are DoFollow Links

DoFollow links are standard hyperlinks that tell search engines to follow them and pass link equity to the destination page. Think of them as votes of confidence. When a reputable website links to yours with a dofollow link, it transfers some of its authority to your site.

By default, every link on the web is dofollow unless specifically marked otherwise. The HTML code for a dofollow link contains no special attributes. Search engine crawlers follow these links, discover new pages, and factor them into ranking calculations.

The SEO value of dofollow links is substantial. According to research by Moz, backlinks remain one of the top three ranking factors for Google. Quality dofollow backlinks from authoritative directories contribute directly to improved domain authority and higher search engine rankings.

What Are NoFollow Links

NoFollow links include a rel=”nofollow” attribute in their HTML code. This tag instructs search engines not to follow the link or pass any link equity. Google introduced the nofollow attribute in 2005 to combat comment spam and give website owners control over their outbound links.

While nofollow links don’t directly pass PageRank, dismissing them as worthless would be a mistake. These links still drive referral traffic, increase brand visibility, and contribute to a natural link profile. In 2019, Google changed its treatment of nofollow from a directive to a hint, meaning they may choose to follow and count these links in certain situations.

Research from BrightLocal shows that 89.1% of link builders believe nofollow links impact search rankings. High-quality nofollow links from authoritative sites often provide more value than dofollow links from low-quality sources.

The Evolution of Link Attributes in 2025

Google’s algorithm has evolved significantly. Today, search engines evaluate the context, placement, and quality of links rather than simply counting them. A nofollow link from a major news publication with high traffic can pass more authority than a dofollow link from a spam directory.

The search engine now uses three indexing tiers for websites: high, medium, and low quality. Links from high-tier sites may pass value regardless of the nofollow attribute. This means focusing solely on link type while ignoring source quality is a flawed strategy.

Modern link building requires balance. Data shows that first-page Google results typically contain 20-40% nofollow links in their backlink profiles. A natural link profile includes both types from diverse, relevant sources.

Why Both Link Types Matter for SEO

Direct SEO Benefits of DoFollow Links

DoFollow directory links provide immediate SEO advantages. They pass link juice from the directory to your website, signaling to search engines that your business is legitimate and trustworthy. This authority transfer can improve rankings for targeted keywords.

Quality matters more than quantity. A single dofollow link from a high domain authority directory like Yellow Pages or Better Business Bureau carries more weight than dozens of links from unknown directories with low authority scores.

These links help search engines discover and index your website faster. When Google’s crawlers follow dofollow links from established directories, they reach your site more quickly and index your content more thoroughly.

Indirect Benefits of NoFollow Links

NoFollow links deliver value through multiple channels. First, they drive direct traffic from users browsing directories. Someone searching Yelp for restaurants doesn’t care about link attributes—they click links to find what they need.

Second, nofollow links from authoritative platforms build brand awareness. Getting featured on TripAdvisor or Trustpilot exposes your business to millions of potential customers. This visibility often leads to organic mentions and dofollow links from other sources.

Third, nofollow links contribute to NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone number). Search engines verify business information across multiple sources. Consistent citations, regardless of link type, improve your local SEO performance and help you appear in map results.

Creating a Balanced Link Profile

Search engines look for natural linking patterns. If every backlink to your site is dofollow, that signals potential manipulation. A diverse profile mixing both link types from various sources appears more organic.

Balance also means diversifying your sources. Include general directories, industry-specific platforms, local listings, social media profiles, and review sites. This variety demonstrates that your business has genuine authority across multiple channels.

Monitor your backlink profile regularly using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. Aim for roughly 60-80% dofollow and 20-40% nofollow links. This ratio mimics natural linking patterns and keeps your profile looking authentic to search algorithms.

B2B and Trade Directories

DoFollow B2B Platforms

Europages – https://www.europages.com/ – DoFollow | European B2B directory with 3M companies
Kompass – https://www.kompass.com/ – DoFollow | International B2B covering 60+ countries
TradeKey – https://www.tradekey.com/ – DoFollow | Global B2B marketplace
eWorldTrade – https://www.eworldtrade.com/ – DoFollow | International B2B platform
Go4WorldBusiness – https://www.go4worldbusiness.com/ – DoFollow | Trade directory
Business.com – https://www.business.com/ – DoFollow | B2B marketplace and directory
ExportersIndia – https://www.exportersindia.com/ – DoFollow | Export-import directory
TradeIndia – https://www.tradeindia.com/ – DoFollow | Indian B2B portal
EC21 – https://www.ec21.com/ – DoFollow | Global B2B marketplace
BizTradeShows – https://www.biztradeshows.com/ – DoFollow | Trade show and B2B directory

NoFollow B2B Platforms

Alibaba – https://www.alibaba.com/ – NoFollow | World’s largest B2B marketplace
ThomasNet – https://www.thomasnet.com/ – NoFollow | Industrial supplier directory
Global Sources – https://www.globalsources.com/ – NoFollow | Asian manufacturer directory
Made-in-China – https://www.made-in-china.com/ – NoFollow | Chinese manufacturer platform
IndiaMart – https://www.indiamart.com/ – NoFollow | India’s largest B2B marketplace
HKTDC – https://www.hktdc.com/ – NoFollow | Hong Kong Trade Development Council
B2BMap – https://b2bmap.com/ – Mixed | International B2B directory
JustDial – https://www.justdial.com/ – NoFollow | Indian local search and B2B
Sulekha – https://www.sulekha.com/ – NoFollow | Indian business directory
TradeWheel – https://www.tradewheel.com/ – NoFollow | Global B2B portal

Regional and Local Directories

US and North American Directories

Local.com – https://www.local.com/ – NoFollow | US local search directory
Chamberofcommerce.com – https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/ – DoFollow | Chamber directory
Ezlocal – https://ezlocal.com/ – DoFollow | US local business platform
CitySquares – https://www.citysquares.com/ – DoFollow | Local business directory
Canada411 – https://www.canada411.ca/ – NoFollow | Canadian business directory
My Local Services – https://www.mylocalservices.co.uk/ – DoFollow | UK local services

European and International Directories

GoYellow Germany – https://www.goyellow.de/ – NoFollow | German directory
PagesJaunes – https://www.pagesjaunes.fr/ – NoFollow | French business directory
Yellow Pages Australia – https://www.yellowpages.com.au/ – NoFollow | Australian directory
True Local – https://www.truelocal.com.au/ – NoFollow | Australian business search

Niche and Specialized Directories

Technology and Software

Crunchbase – https://www.crunchbase.com/ – NoFollow | Startup and investor database
ProductHunt – https://www.producthunt.com/ – NoFollow | Product discovery platform
Capterra – https://www.capterra.com/ – NoFollow | Software review directory
G2 – https://www.g2.com/ – NoFollow | Business software reviews
GetApp – https://www.getapp.com/ – NoFollow | Software discovery platform

Healthcare and Professional Services

HealthGrades – https://www.healthgrades.com/ – NoFollow | Healthcare provider directory
Vitals – https://www.vitals.com/ – NoFollow | Medical provider reviews
ZocDoc – https://www.zocdoc.com/ – NoFollow | Healthcare appointment booking
Lawyers.com – https://www.lawyers.com/ – Mixed | Legal directory
Martindale – https://www.martindale.com/ – NoFollow | Attorney directory
Thumbtack – https://www.thumbtack.com/ – NoFollow | Local service professionals
HomeAdvisor – https://www.homeadvisor.com/ – NoFollow | Home service directory

Strategic Directory Submission Guidelines

Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity

Not every directory deserves your time. Focus on established platforms with genuine user traffic and good reputations. A listing on one authoritative directory provides more value than dozens on spam-filled sites.

Check the directory’s domain authority before submitting. Use tools like Moz’s Domain Authority checker or Ahrefs’ Domain Rating. Prioritize directories with DA scores above 30, though exceptions exist for highly relevant niche directories.

Look for active user engagement. Check if businesses have recent reviews, if the directory ranks in Google for relevant searches, and whether it appears legitimate. Abandoned directories with outdated listings waste your time.

Maintaining NAP Consistency

NAP consistency is critical for local SEO. Your business name, address, and phone number must match exactly across all directories. Even small variations confuse search engines and hurt your rankings.

Create a master document with your official NAP information before starting submissions. Include your exact business name (including punctuation), complete address (with suite numbers if applicable), formatted phone number, and website URL. Copy this information precisely to each directory.

Don’t abbreviate inconsistently. If you use “Street” on your website, don’t write “St.” on directories. If you include your suite number on Google Business Profile, include it everywhere else too.

Optimizing Your Directory Listings

Complete every available field in your directory profile. Partial profiles perform poorly compared to comprehensive ones. Include business descriptions, operating hours, service areas, accepted payment methods, photos, and any other requested information.

Write unique descriptions for each directory when possible. Duplicate content across platforms provides minimal value. Vary your wording while maintaining your core message and keywords.

Upload high-quality images. Profiles with photos receive significantly more views and engagement. Include your logo, storefront photos, team pictures, and product or service images depending on your business type.

Tracking Your Directory Submissions

Maintain a spreadsheet documenting every directory submission. Record the directory name, submission date, login credentials, profile URL, link type (dofollow/nofollow), and domain authority.

Set reminders to update your listings quarterly. Business information changes—new phone numbers, updated services, additional locations. Keeping listings current maintains their value and prevents customer frustration.

Monitor traffic from directory sources using Google Analytics. Set up UTM parameters for links you control. This tracking reveals which directories generate the most referral traffic, helping you prioritize future efforts.

Common Directory Submission Mistakes

Inconsistent Business Information

The biggest error businesses make is submitting different information to each directory. Variations in your business name, address format, or phone number create citation conflicts that damage your SEO.

These inconsistencies prevent search engines from confidently verifying your business details. When Google sees “Smith & Associates” on one platform and “Smith and Associates” on another, it can’t determine which is correct.

Audit your existing listings regularly. Search for your business across major directories and identify any discrepancies. Claim and correct listings with wrong information to maintain citation accuracy.

Duplicate Listings

Having multiple listings for the same business on one directory dilutes your presence. Duplicate profiles split reviews and engagement across multiple pages, weakening each individual listing.

This problem often occurs when different employees create listings without checking for existing ones, or when business name changes create confusion. Regularly search directories to identify duplicates.

Contact directory support to merge duplicate listings when possible. Most major platforms provide tools to consolidate multiple profiles, transferring reviews and information to a single authoritative listing.

Ignoring Low-Quality Directories

Submitting to spam directories can actually hurt your SEO. Search engines recognize these low-quality sites and may penalize websites associated with them. If a directory is filled with obviously fake businesses or excessive advertising, avoid it.

Some warning signs include: excessive ads overwhelming actual content, listings without any quality control, sites that haven’t been updated in years, and directories ranking for no relevant search terms.

Your time is valuable. Spending hours submitting to hundreds of questionable directories yields worse results than carefully selecting 20-30 quality platforms and creating excellent profiles on each.

Neglecting Directory Maintenance

Creating a directory listing isn’t a one-time task. Businesses that submit and forget miss ongoing opportunities and risk outdated information frustrating potential customers.

Update your listings when any business information changes. New phone number? Update all directories. Expanded service area? Reflect that across platforms. Changed business hours? Make those updates immediately.

Respond to reviews and questions on directories that support interaction. Active engagement signals to both users and search engines that your business is legitimate and cares about customers.

Measuring Directory Listing Success

Key Performance Indicators

Track specific metrics to evaluate your directory submission efforts. Monitor organic traffic increases, particularly from local searches. Use Google Analytics to measure visitors from directory sources.

Watch your keyword rankings for local search terms. As you build directory citations, you should see gradual improvements in positions for “[service] near me” and “[service] in [city]” searches.

Count direct inquiries from directory listings. Many directories provide analytics showing profile views and clicks. Some platforms let you use tracked phone numbers to measure calls generated from each listing.

Tools for Monitoring Success

Use SEO tools to track your backlink profile growth. Platforms like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz show new backlinks as directories approve your submissions. Monitor your total referring domains and the mix of dofollow versus nofollow links.

Set up Google Search Console to watch for indexing of new directory profiles. This tool shows when Google discovers and indexes your listings, confirming they’re contributing to your search presence.

Local SEO tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark specifically track citation consistency across major directories. These platforms identify inconsistent NAP information and show where your business is listed correctly versus incorrectly.

Long-Term Strategy Adjustments

Review your directory performance quarterly. Identify which directories drive the most traffic and conversions. Double down on these platforms by keeping profiles updated and actively engaging with reviews.

Gradually expand to niche directories in your industry. Once you’ve covered major general directories, look for specialized platforms serving your specific market segment.

Consider paid upgrades on high-performing directories. Some platforms offer enhanced listings with better placement, additional photos, or featured status. Invest in upgrades only after free listings prove effective.

The Future of Directory Link Building

Evolving Search Engine Algorithms

Google’s algorithm continues becoming more sophisticated at evaluating link quality over quantity. In 2025, the focus has shifted toward understanding user intent and content relevance rather than simple link counting.

This evolution makes strategic directory selection more important than ever. Random directory submissions no longer work. Search engines evaluate the relevance between the linking directory and your business, the directory’s authority in its niche, and user engagement with your listing.

The distinction between dofollow and nofollow continues blurring. As search engines treat more links as “hints” rather than absolute directives, the source quality matters more than the technical attribute.

Integration With Local Search

Directory listings have become inseparable from local search optimization. Google’s local pack results prominently feature businesses with strong directory presence and consistent citations.

Voice search amplifies this importance. When users ask Siri or Google Assistant for local recommendations, these systems pull heavily from directory information. Comprehensive, accurate listings increase your chances of being recommended in voice results.

Mobile search prioritizes directory-sourced information. Map applications rely on directory data to populate business details. As mobile searches continue dominating, directory accuracy becomes essential for being discovered.

Best Practices Moving Forward

Focus on user experience within your directory profiles. Search engines increasingly value engagement metrics—how many people view your profile, click through to your website, call your business, or request directions.

Encourage customers to leave reviews on directory platforms. Fresh, authentic reviews signal active business presence and influence both search rankings and conversion rates.

Integrate directory management into your regular marketing workflow. Treat listings as living marketing assets requiring ongoing attention rather than one-time submission tasks.

Conclusion

Building a strong online presence through business directories requires understanding both dofollow and nofollow links and using each strategically. The 100+ directories listed here represent quality platforms where your business deserves visibility, whether they pass direct link equity or contribute through referral traffic and authority signals. Remember that modern SEO values link profile diversity and natural patterns over artificial optimization, so aim for the 60-80% dofollow ratio while ensuring all listings maintain perfect NAP consistency and provide complete, accurate information. Start with high-authority general directories, expand into industry-specific and local platforms relevant to your business, and maintain these listings actively through regular updates and review responses. The combination of quality directory submissions, consistent citations, and ongoing profile optimization will strengthen your domain authority, improve your local SEO performance, and drive qualified traffic from customers actively searching for your services across Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other search engines.