While there’s no magic bullet for boosting website rankings, most Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialists would agree that Domain Authority and strategic backlinking play a major role in the process.
However, it can be a very time-intensive task with a ton of moving parts. And, it’s become increasingly more nuanced as Google pushes for an emphasis on link quality over quantity.
Why Small Businesses Turn to Local Directories
As a result, many small businesses turn to local directories for easy backlinks when they don’t have the resources to hire a professional. It’s a straightforward approach, particularly for Canadian companies looking to improve visibility without a considerable investment.
But it can be hard to know where to start or how to get the most out of directory listings.
So, today, I wanted to focus on Canadian-specific directories to corner just one small piece of a larger, hyperlocal SEO strategy.
The Problem with Popular Directories
While there are plenty of authoritative directories to choose from, many fail to provide real value. Big websites love promising visibility while bombarding businesses with ads, hidden fees, unsolicited calls, and fake users. All while wasting your time and failing to drive meaningful traffic.
This is where a bit of creative thinking may be required.
One potential solution is to niche down and focus on directories built around unique selling points, a particular region or ones that target socially conscious shoppers. This can give you an edge while allowing you to skirt around competing directly with larger competitors.
Why Canadian Businesses Should Proudly Identify As "Local"
Canadians have already been considering local solutions more seriously as the effects of climate change force countries in the global south to adapt to changing conditions. But, thanks to progressively worsening trade relations with the U.S., the push for homegrown products has intensified.
Whether you believe more impositions are likely, based on the Trump administration’s 2018 decision to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum importers or not, Canadians are now putting more thought into where they want their products to come from.
This is why using something as simple but effective as local directories could be a game-changer for reaching Canadian Shoppers.
Want more hyperlocal SEO insights? Explore more tips on improving your local online presence here.
Best Practices for Listing Your Business Online
Before diving into the list, I’ve got some quick tips to help you get the most out of the process.
- Ensure Consistency: Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and website URL (NAP) match across all listings. Search engines prioritize consistent information.
- Write a Strong Business Description: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally to boost your search ranking and highlight your unique selling points.
- Add Photos and Logos: Listings with visuals stand out and look more trustworthy. If you have the option, you should include something, even if it’s a simple Canva graphic or a cellphone picture.
- Engage with Reviews: Respond to both positive and negative customer feedback to build credibility and trust.
Don't Forget Local Resources
In addition to the directories below, don’t forget to lookup your local chamber of commerce or municipal business directories. Many towns and cities in Canada offer free or low-cost listings for local businesses to help connect them with their communities.
These directories may include additional perks like event promotion or networking opportunities, making them a great starting point for small businesses looking to establish a local presence.
The Best Authoritative Canadian Business Directories
Domain Rating: 72
Unlike the other entries on this list, Fabrique 1840 is less of an open-access directory and more of a curated platform. This online marketplace is Quebec-based fashion retailer Simons’ answer to Etsy, Amazon and eBay.
Designed to support Canadian artisans and makers, the site offers selected vendors access to Simons extensive e-commerce, marketing, and logistical expertise and features everything from home décor, modern art, fashion accessories, and stationery to leatherwork.
Launched in 2018, in collaboration with the National Bank of Canada and the Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF), Fabrique 1840 has grown exponentially and now supports a network of over 500+ creators. This has allowed Simons’ to integrate vendor merchandise into its 15 retail stores across Canada.
Despite having a competitive selection process as opposed to simply listing your business in a directory, Fabrique 1840 adds significant value for makers who fit the niche Simons is looking to fill.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Support: Makers gain access to Simons’ e-commerce expertise, including distribution, fulfillment, and digital marketing.
- Broad Exposure: Products are featured online and in Simons’ brick-and-mortar stores nationwide.
- Curated Collection: Only top-tier Canadian makers are selected, ensuring high craftsmanship.
- Cultural Recognition: Helps elevate Canadian design alongside international standards like Scandinavian or Japanese design.
- Third-Party Service: Merchants benefit from Simons’ expertise while retaining customer data ownership.
- Payment Gateways: The platform offers flexible merchant fee models, including full e-commerce management solutions.
Best for: Canadian artisans and makers ready to scale their business through a trusted retail partner.
Domain Rating: 66
By Canadians, for Canadians, Made in CA is an established business directory that’s been making waves since 2018. The site has a very minimalistic approach to directory listings, prioritizing broad categories and more granular manufacturing information so shoppers can find Canadian-owned alternatives for everyday products and services.
Key Features
- Broad Exposure: Made in CA has been featured in several major publications, including CBC, CTV News, The Toronto Star and the Washington Post.
- Strong Domain Authority: Has a Domain Rating of 66.
- Product Listings: List multiple products or services with detailed descriptions.
- Where to Buy: Specify where customers can buy your products, including regional delivery options.
Best for: Canadian-owned businesses offering physical goods, particularly those with e-commerce options or a presence in retail stores.
Domain Rating: 61
This directory was created by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) in collaboration with the provincial government to support reopening efforts following the (2020) Covid-19 lockdown with one specific goal. To help consumers identify Ontario-made products and promote the very best the province has to offer.
Despite its hyperlocal focus, CME members collectively account for an estimated 82 per cent of total manufacturing which makes Ontario Made incredibly relevant for retailers and an excellent resource for businesses looking to refine their supply chain.
Key Features
- Provincially Backed: The project was made possible through the Ontario Together Fund and enjoys significant visibility as a result.
- Strong Domain Authority: Has a Domain Rating of 61.
- Supply-Chain Access: Connects consumers and supply chain partners to Ontario manufacturers, producing everything from cosmetics to food products and vehicles.
- Support Local Identifiers: Participating companies can carry the ‘Ontario Made’ branding, identifying a product made in Ontario.
- Featured Content: #OntarioMade publishes frequent social media posts and newsletters to bring awareness to Ontario Manufacturers and Ontario-made products.
Best for: Ontario-based manufacturers and retailers looking to boost their visibility and strengthen their supply chains.
Domain Rating: 49
For some odd reason, Canadian Planet is riddled with dead links and empty categories that go nowhere as well as a host of 404 errors. But it’s relatively well designed and populated with real reviews of businesses and organizations.
And, unlike many of the other more values-driven directories on this list, Canadian Planet acts more like a broad phonebook index making it a strong contender for Canadian businesses that don’t manufacture products but want to find places to list their services.
Key Features
- Broad Userbase: Canadian Planet covers everything from public pools to special education programs and chain restaurants, making it an easy, one-stop-shop for casual shoppers.
- Indexed: Services and organizations are listed by location and category, making it easy for the average person to find what they want.
- Cheap Local SEO Trick: When doing backlink audits, it’s very common to see Canadian Planet pop up in the results for high-ranking local businesses, likely because it’s so easy to create a listing.
- Simple Listings: Although services can include a picture with their “Ad,” there doesn’t seem to be any real advantage to it, which keeps listings on a pretty even playing field for any given category.
Best for: Canadian businesses looking to build backlinks and organizations that incorporate their service offerings directly into their name.
Domain Rating: 48
SaskMade Marketplace has a similar model to Fabrique 1840, where vendors are carefully selected by application.
Given their provincial focus and beautifully designed eCommerce platform, it’s an excellent opportunity for vendors who fit their “Farm to Fork” mission statement.
And there’s minimal heavy lifting past getting listed and processing incoming orders, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Key Features
- Trusted Partner: SaskMade acts as a grocer sourcing and curating local products to resell to their established customer base.
- Robust eCommerce Platform: Similar to Sunterra, SaskMade operates a physical grocery store while offering online shopping with delivery. Giving customers more reasons to shop.
- Strong Social Media Presence: SaskMade has an established social media audience that promotes products, vendors, and special offers.
- No Listings Necessary: Vendors don’t need to create or manage listings. They sell stock directly to SaskMade, who then promote and sell to their audience.
Best for: Local Saskatchewan farmers, processors and artisans looking for a traditional retail partner with strong ties to the community.
Domain Rating: 26
Unlike some of the other entries on this list, Made in Canada Directory clearly outlines the distinction between “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” claims as outlined by the Competition Bureau of Canada.
This adherence to clear guidelines that require 60% of products be made in Canada, and the company be Canadian-owned and operated for you to list your business make it a standout for consumers dedicated to socially-conscious shopping.
Key Features
- Increased Trust: The tighter guidelines on who can be listed give customers peace of mind when searching for new businesses to buy from.
- Large User Base: Made in Canada Directory currently boasts over 4000+ listings from across Canada, including more rural communities.
- Customization: Businesses can upload a custom image and identify “Made In” and “Made With Local Availability Products”.
- More Ways to Search: Users can search by product categories that range from “Activities” to “Home & Garden” and “Travel”. Or by Province.
- Geolocation Targeting: Users also have the ability to refine their search via a custom map that responds to location data if users have the service turned on.
Best for: Businesses focused on Canadian-made products with a commitment to quality and transparency.
Domain Rating: 20
This buy-local directory from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is an asset for small businesses in the area. For a relatively small population of potential users, a Domain Authority of 20 is remarkably good.
The UI is clean, attractive and easy to navigate. And there has clearly been a lot of effort put in to list businesses with as much information as possible.
Key Features
- Community Funded: Partners for the site include; the Agriculture Alliance of New Brunswick, the National Farmer’s Union and the New Brunswick Food Security Action Network in addition to many more.
- Detailed Listings: Businesses can include business hours, type of production, category tags, multiple contact options and more to give users as much information as possible.
- Featured Content: The Buy Local NB Social Media accounts occasionally post business spotlights to their social media and the Directory front page.
- Free Stickers: Kind of a fun extra. Businesses are eligible for “Buy Local NB” stickers on request.
- Geolocation Targeting: Users also have the ability to refine their search via a custom map that responds to location data if users have the service turned on.
Best for: Farms, products and shops located in New Brunswick who want to boost their local visibility.
Niche Canadian Directory Sites
Domain Rating: 7
Canadian Only offers one free listing per business with very basic features like business name and location with added fees for additional listings, features and “Canada-Wide” businesses.
Despite it’s simplicity and hefty fee structure the site is established, uses a familiar Kijiji type list format and is well-researched making it appealing to tourists looking for something new.
Key Features
- Internal Ad Funding: The site uses a funding strategy popular with local publications like Coffee News and High Country News to provide a quality user experience for site visitors.
- Granular Location Tags: Users have the option to search by region, i.e.. “Central Canada,” “Eastern Canada,” or “Northern Canada,” as well as province and town.
- Tourist Friendly: Users also have the option to search by interest and can browse through detailed maps, provincial facts and random trivia pages for something different.
Best for: Businesses looking for straightforward listings that want to target tourists exploring Canada.
Domain Rating: N/A
This growing online directory is dedicated to connecting socially conscious shoppers with local Canadian-owned businesses. Created by Red Dragon Creative, it offers an easy, user-friendly way for small businesses, fans and employees to list the shops they love for free.
And, it’s small but dedicated Canadian following on Instagram and the r/BuyCanadian subreddit make it a standout, community-driven platform with a lot of potential.
Key Features
- Featured Shops: Potential to be featured on the website or the official Instagram.
- Search by Location: Helps shoppers find businesses in their area.
- Branding: Upload your logo for a slightly more memorable listing.
- Value-Based Search Categories: Choose broad tags like “Services”, “Food & Drink,” or niche tags like “Woman Owned” or “Independent” to highlight your values.
- Hyperlocal Exposure: Taps into a high-intent audience of Canadian shoppers.
Best for: Small businesses targeting socially conscious shoppers seeking free, hyperlocal exposure.
Another new Canada-first site by Ahimsa Media and StorytoGo. Made in Canada, eh! has a lot of personality and an interesting hook as it caters to Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and Panama.
Over time, it has the potential to grow into a unique opportunity to reach online audiences in foreign countries that aren’t usually available to Canadian businesses.
And for now, it’s a very promising entry on this list just based on design, site speed and user experience.
Key Features
- Smart Search Function: Easy to use search box that can lookup listing using “nearby” geolocation, name and smart category tags for a better user experience.
- Friendly Categories: Shoppers can browse categories that range from “For Our Kids” and “Travel” to “For the Office”.
- Branding: Users can upload an image and personalize their profiles for a more memorable listing.
- Niche Hyperlocal Exposure: Caters to three different countries which might be appealing for import/export or online businesses looking to stand out.
Best for: Small businesses looking for a clean, fast and easy to navigate directory. And, companies interested in buying or selling in new countries.
Excluded Directory Sites
Despite medium to good Domain Ratings, Canadian Business Directory was virtually unusable, with a poor user interface and no obvious listings.
Shop Canada was a very promising directory with a very attractive UI. But, at present, it appears to be a private project on Netlify being manually updated by the developer with no option to submit a listing.
Mister What Canada also seemed like a strong contender for a niche business directory but I couldn’t quite identify its legitimacy.
Because of this, these sites were excluded from the results.
Final Thoughts
These directories and local marketplaces offer a mix of exposure, credibility, and targeted traffic to help your business thrive online.
While Domain Rating is a metric used to evaluate some of the larger sites, it’s vital to remember platforms that align with your business goals are more likely to bring you real results.
SaskMade Marketplace may not link back to vendor sites, but exposure to a larger customer base and guaranteed orders will do far more for your bottom line than random yellow page listings or a little bit of extra SEO juice.
For Maximum Impact:
- Prioritize directories with active user bases and strong media coverage.
- Tailor your listings to each platform, emphasizing the unique selling points of your business.
- Monitor your traffic to see which platforms drive the best results and double down on those efforts.
- Consider pitching marketplaces and grocery stores that sell locally sourced products to lighten your advertising load and increase your sales.
By leveraging these free tools, in combination with content-driven strategies like blogging, e-newsletters and social media, the result will be a far more comprehensive hyperlocal strategy.
Something Cobblestone Farm uses incredibly well to sell Berkshire pigs in Saskatchewan.
Even just listing in one or two places today could make a huge difference in direct searches and overall web traffic. So, why not give it a shot?
Boost Your Local Visibility
Unsure where to go from here? Check out our Small Business Follow-for-Follow strategy for more local-first ideas. Or browse our hyperlocal guides for more killer insights.
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