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Source Listing Guides

Step-by-step instructions for getting your business listed on directories that AI platforms actually recommend.

Google Business Profile

The #1 source AI platforms cite for local businesses

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30 minutes FreeDifficulty: EasyAI Citations: Very High

Steps

  1. 1Go to business.google.com
  2. 2Sign in with your Google account
  3. 3Search for your business name
  4. 4If found, click "Claim this business"
  5. 5If not found, click "Add your business"
  6. 6Fill in all business details (name, address, phone, hours)
  7. 7Choose your business category carefully
  8. 8Add photos of your business
  9. 9Verify via postcard, phone, or email
  10. 10Once verified, respond to reviews and post updates

Pro Tips

  • Complete every field - AI prefers complete profiles
  • Add at least 10 high-quality photos
  • Respond to ALL reviews (good and bad)
  • Post weekly updates to stay active

Yelp for Business

Major directory frequently cited by AI for local services

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20 minutes FreeDifficulty: EasyAI Citations: Very High

Steps

  1. 1Go to biz.yelp.com
  2. 2Click "Claim your Business" or "Add your Business"
  3. 3Search for your business
  4. 4Verify you are the owner (phone or email)
  5. 5Complete your business profile
  6. 6Add photos and business hours
  7. 7Enable messaging for customers

Pro Tips

  • Respond to reviews within 24 hours
  • Add detailed service descriptions
  • Keep hours up to date
  • Consider Yelp Ads for more visibility

Facebook Business Page

Social presence that AI platforms recognize

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25 minutes FreeDifficulty: EasyAI Citations: High

Steps

  1. 1Log into Facebook
  2. 2Click "Create" then "Page"
  3. 3Choose "Business or Brand"
  4. 4Enter your business name and category
  5. 5Add profile and cover photos
  6. 6Fill in About section completely
  7. 7Add contact info, hours, and location
  8. 8Enable reviews and recommendations

Pro Tips

  • Link to your website
  • Post at least weekly
  • Encourage happy customers to leave reviews
  • Use Facebook Messenger for customer service

Yellow Pages

Traditional directory still cited by AI platforms

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15 minutes FreeDifficulty: EasyAI Citations: Medium

Steps

  1. 1Go to yellowpages.com
  2. 2Click "Add Your Business" at the bottom
  3. 3Search for your business first
  4. 4If not found, click "Add a Listing"
  5. 5Fill in business details
  6. 6Verify via phone or email

Pro Tips

  • Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) matches other listings
  • Add keywords to your description
  • Include your website URL

Better Business Bureau

Trust signal that AI often mentions for credibility

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1 week (verification) PaidDifficulty: MediumAI Citations: Medium-High

Steps

  1. 1Go to bbb.org/get-accredited
  2. 2Check if you meet accreditation standards
  3. 3Submit application online
  4. 4Pay accreditation fee (varies by business size)
  5. 5Complete background check process
  6. 6Wait for approval (5-10 business days)
  7. 7Once approved, add BBB badge to your website

Pro Tips

  • BBB rating matters - resolve complaints quickly
  • Display your BBB badge prominently
  • Accreditation costs $400-$1000+ per year
  • Free profiles exist but accreditation carries more weight

Angi (formerly Angie's List)

Major home services directory cited by AI

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45 minutes + verification PaidDifficulty: MediumAI Citations: High (Home Services)

Steps

  1. 1Go to angi.com/join
  2. 2Create a business account
  3. 3Complete business profile
  4. 4Verify your business license
  5. 5Choose subscription plan (required for visibility)
  6. 6Add photos and service descriptions
  7. 7Complete verification process

Pro Tips

  • Subscription required ($200-$500/month)
  • Focus on home services industries
  • Maintain high ratings to stay visible
  • Respond quickly to leads and reviews

Avvo

Legal directory frequently cited by AI for attorneys

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30 minutes FreeDifficulty: MediumAI Citations: High (Legal Industry)

Steps

  1. 1Go to avvo.com
  2. 2Click "Claim your profile"
  3. 3Search for your name or firm
  4. 4Verify your identity
  5. 5Complete attorney profile
  6. 6Add practice areas and education
  7. 7Request client reviews

Pro Tips

  • Free for attorneys
  • Avvo rating is important
  • Complete profile with all practice areas
  • Respond to client questions to build authority

Healthgrades

Medical directory cited by AI for healthcare providers

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20 minutes FreeDifficulty: EasyAI Citations: High (Healthcare)

Steps

  1. 1Go to healthgrades.com
  2. 2Click "Claim Your Profile"
  3. 3Search for your name or practice
  4. 4Verify your medical license
  5. 5Complete provider profile
  6. 6Add specialties and certifications
  7. 7Encourage patient reviews

Pro Tips

  • Free for healthcare providers
  • Keep profile information current
  • Patient reviews significantly impact visibility
  • Link to your practice website

Zillow

Real estate directory frequently cited by AI for agents and brokers

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30 minutes FreeDifficulty: EasyAI Citations: High (Real Estate)

Steps

  1. 1Go to zillow.com/agent-finder
  2. 2Click "Claim Your Profile" or create new
  3. 3Verify your real estate license
  4. 4Complete agent profile with photo
  5. 5Add service areas and specialties
  6. 6Connect to your current listings
  7. 7Request client reviews

Pro Tips

  • Zillow Premier Agent is paid but free profile available
  • Link your active listings
  • Reviews significantly impact visibility
  • Keep response time fast for leads

Thumbtack

Service marketplace cited by AI for local service providers

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45 minutes PaidDifficulty: MediumAI Citations: High (Home Services)

Steps

  1. 1Go to thumbtack.com/pro
  2. 2Create a professional account
  3. 3Select your service categories
  4. 4Set your service area
  5. 5Add photos of your work
  6. 6Set your availability
  7. 7Respond to customer requests

Pro Tips

  • Pay-per-lead model - budget carefully
  • Fast response time improves ranking
  • Photos of completed work are essential
  • Build reviews to lower lead costs

YouTube Business Channel

61% of users trust YouTube recommendations - critical for AI visibility

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1-2 hours FreeDifficulty: MediumAI Citations: Very High

Steps

  1. 1Sign in to YouTube with your Google account
  2. 2Click profile icon → Create a channel
  3. 3Choose "Use a business or other name"
  4. 4Enter your business name
  5. 5Complete channel branding (banner, logo, description)
  6. 6Add business links and contact info
  7. 7Create an intro video explaining your services
  8. 8Upload helpful how-to or FAQ videos
  9. 9Optimize video titles and descriptions with keywords

Pro Tips

  • 61% of users trust YouTube recommendations (Google 2026)
  • AI agents use YouTube for business validation
  • Video descriptions should include NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
  • Regular uploads improve visibility
  • Respond to comments to boost engagement

Not Sure Which Sources You're Missing?

Use our Source Gap Analysis tool to see which AI-recommended sources you should prioritize for your specific city and industry.

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