Directories &
Local Listings
Help people find local organizations, services, and community groups, and keep those listings up to date.
Why it Matters
Information about local groups, services and organizations is often scattered across lists, partner sites and informal contacts, and it goes out of date quickly. One searchable directory, with a simple way for groups to add or update their own listing, helps residents and newcomers find what is available and helps staff keep it current.
Can a newcomer find local groups, businesses and services?
When it's working well
Local organizations, businesses and services are listed in one searchable directory with clear categories. Each listing shows contact details, location and a website. Groups and businesses can add or update their own listing, and staff review changes before they are published.
Where to start
Combine separate lists of groups, businesses and services into one directory page with simple categories. Add a "Submit or update a listing" form so organizations can keep their own details current. Review every listing once a year.
If you don't have this yet
A searchable directory with categories, a map and a submission form can usually be added to your current website. If a chamber of commerce or regional partner already keeps a directory, ask about sharing listings so they are not entered twice.
Ideas that help
Searchable Local Directory
TOOL
Help people quickly find local organizations, services, businesses, and community resources.
A searchable directory can bring local listings together in one consistent place, making it easier for residents and visitors to discover what is available. Clear categories, sub-categories, and location information help people narrow a large collection of listings into results that are relevant to them.
A local directory should:
Listing Submissions & Updates
TOOL
Make it easier for organizations and businesses to keep their directory information accurate.
Local directories are most useful when the information stays current. Simple submission and update workflows can give businesses, community groups, and other organizations a clear way to add a new listing or request changes when contact details, services, locations, or other information changes.
Listing management should:
Shared Listings & Aggregation
APPROACH
Reuse local listing information across municipal, regional, and partner websites.
Directory information is often relevant beyond a single website. Shared listing feeds can help municipalities and regional partners reuse the same business, tourism, or community information in multiple places, reducing duplicate entry and helping keep details more consistent across different sites.
Listing aggregation should:
One place to manage.
Endless ways to share.
Also consider
- Integrations & Portability: connect municipal systems while keeping information accessible and transferable.
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