In January 2010 I wrote a list of the best free online New Zealand directories. It’s time to update this list.
Some of the business directories I originally listed have disappeared, been abandoned, started charging, or became too complicated to work with.
List of The Best FREE Online NZ Directories (In Priority Order):
- Dmoz.org (New Zealand)
- Worldwide directory actually, but has 2-thumbs-up from Google, so put a link to your website here first (and it can take ages before it is approved so you might as well start the process now)
- Finda.co.nz
- In my opinion the very best online directory in New Zealand. An official Google partner. Automatic submission to Google Maps, UBD.co.nz & Wises.co.nz. Easy to use. Good looking profile pages
- NZS.com (“New Zealand Search”)
- Really good quality. Great looking graphics. Good profile pages.
- HotFrog.co.nz
- Impressive presence in Google.co.nz for a variety of searches.
- Zenbu.co.nz
- Very cool map-based business directory.
- Google Local Business Centre
- After your free Finda listing has placed a marker on Google Maps for you, “claim” your business using Google LBC and add more details about your business
- Yalwa.co.nz
- Global directory, with dedicated subdomains to New Zealand cities. Free text in the description field, you can add hyperlinks (this is rare)
- NZWebZ.co.nz
- Ok
- ZipLeaf.co.nz
- “In growing stages, clean/sharp graphics, up to date functions. Promising” – [Thanks to James for his review]
- BusinessMe.co.nz
- Fast response to email support. “I like their layouts; professional, functional, clean and simple” – [Thanks to Kala for her review]
Criteria For The Best NZ Directories:
To get on the official list above, the directory must meet most of these criteria:
- Does Google like it?
- Does the directory often appear in Google.co.nz Search Engine Results for a variety of NZ searches?
- How good are the directories own Search Engine Rankings?
- What SEO techniques does the directory use?
- Is the process of adding my website to the directory easy, intuitive and quick?
- Will it provide a clean hyperlink to my website?
- “No-follow” hyperlinks are of little use to us
- Redirection “tracker” hyperlinks are not as good
- Is the website approval time short?
- Are the other websites in the directory high quality? (Eg, have the webmasters let spammy websites through?)
- Can I specify my own anchor text for my hyperlink?
Helpful?
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s always nice having someone vet the best places to start building… good work!
You are quite welcome Daniel
Thanks for sharing Sheldon good to know. Some of these do not seem well used in New Zealand. Can it effect your ranking badly if you submit to too many directories?
Not at all. The more the better. The only downside is how much time they take to fill in.
Extremely helpful list Sheldon. I would also recommend using localist as well. It is easy to get a listing approved from them. There are so many that are simply a waste of time and never get around to approving your submission.
The great thing about local directory listings is they help to improve your Google Places ranking in the search results. A must for any local businesses who want to be found online.
Thanks Nathan. Localist are still Auckland-only at this stage?
Hi there, please consider http://www.BusinessNZ.com to be added to New Zealand’s best directories.
I’ll take a look
Gopher.co.nz is an awesome website. Use it all the time to network! RECOMMEND!!!!
ok, thanks Francis!
Hi Sheldon. Thank you for your article. Finda and Hotfrog have been good to deal with in terms of response time and easy to use. I have found tuugo.co.nz also quite good. Google LBC have yet to update our details even after calling to confirm but I think there’s a two week turnabout or so? gopher.co.nz have yet to reply although my enquiry was made at the same time to Finda. I’ve found 2cu.co.nz and cylex.co.nz, which appear new. Cylex still have grammatical errors I’m hoping to make time to swing by and carefully read through your site. Thank you for list, Sheldon.
Thanks for that update Kala!
Sheldon, I’ve just dealt with Businessme aka businessme.co.nz and I’ve found them excellent. I thought they were in your list but I must have found them via google. They created a sub-category at my request. Their reply to my email was within the hour, I emailed 11.30pm, they replied 12.10am. I like their layouts; professional, functional, clean and simple.
Thansk Kala! I’ll add them to the list right… now!
Done!
Hi Sheldon,
I found your site when searching for opinions on Gopher. They seem like an overpriced web directory with very agressive sales and misleading marketing tactics – e.g. they told a client of mine that they would not show up in Google search if they didn’t pay them for a listing. I’d be interested in your opinion of them, if you’re familiar with them. I also came across this which doesn’t bode well for them: http://www.petitiononline.co.nz/petition/gopher-co-nz-took-my-money-ran/1572
I’m wondering if the comment above from ‘Francis’ was added by Gopher staff?
Cheers,
Aidan
Hi Aidan
I haven’t met a directory that I’d willingly pay for, and Gopher is no exception. I like some of the things they do, and don’t like others, so a mixed review from me.
Hi Sheldon
Aidan, I’ve yet to come back to Sheldon’s list here and add my recommendations of NZ Business Directory Listings I don’t think I would recommend them compared with the other directories I’ve been dealing with. Their site is still running slow for me and although I registered, something just didn’t work unlike the other directories, they’ve been good so far.
Also, Sheldon I’ve had so much trouble with Yellow Pages (online and offline directories) and the business I represent pays them. I’ve also been dealing with a rep from the localist regarding a paid online package with them. Do you have a review about paid online business directories at all? Thank you, Sheldon. P.S. Initially I had thought to seek out your services but I still have a few things I need to work through so I will be back. Thank you, Sheldon.
I don’t have a paid online directory report because my rule is to not pay so I’d have to break that rule to write that report
Hey Sheldon,
There is a new online business directory for New Zealand (& other parts of the world) called Trading Local ( http://www.tradinglocal.com/ ). It’s divided into countries, but most of the listings that have been added at the moment are in the New Zealand section.
It looks really clean. Nice simple & polished layout, easy to follow. It’s worth having a look, I think it would make a nice addition to your list.
Thanks Thomas, I’ll take a look
No problem. I’m happy to contribute because you have gone to the effort of making that list above, which I found quite helpful.
Hello!
I see that your list of the best NZ business directories consists mostly of free directories. If you’re interested in submitting paid links why not check out http://in24.co.nz/ This is one of largest active NZ business web directories today.
Thanks Mike, I’ll take a look
Cheers Sheldon,
I will use this list as a basic business setup for my customers. Appreciate the time you’ve taken to create it.
Another place I always build a free link for my clients that have a visual product/service is a pinterest business page. Once validated you get a pretty decent ‘do follow’ link and a foot in the door for new business seo
http://business.pinterest.com/
Cheers!
David | Gurumedia NZ
Thanks David, I’ll check that one out!