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Head-to-head · Business Directories

Better Business Bureau vs ShowMeLocal

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Better Business Bureau #3 in Business Directories 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit BBB
ShowMeLocal #14 in Business Directories 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit ShowMeLocal

Better Business Bureau leads on 0 checks, ShowMeLocal on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBetter Business Bureau · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

Better Business Bureau scores higher on our rubric for business directories: 9.0 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #14.

On listing submission, Better Business Bureau gives you Both where ShowMeLocal offers Free.

Better Business Bureau is the better fit for trust-focused local directories. ShowMeLocal is the better fit for local listings with social distribution.

  • Better Business Bureau fits best

    Trust-focused local directories

  • ShowMeLocal fits best

    Local listings with social distribution

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Better Business Bureau 9.0/10 Visit ↗ ShowMeLocal 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 7.9
Ranking #3 in Business Directories #14 in Business Directories
Best for Trust-focused local directories Local listings with social distribution
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $49.99/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Features Better Business Bureau 3/4 · ShowMeLocal 3/4
Claim listing ✓ ✓
Reviews on profiles ✓ ✓
Mobile app Not checked yet Not checked yet
Verified profiles ✓ ✓
Specs
Listing submission Both Free
Audience focus Local Local
Our review
Pros
  • A+ to F ratings and public complaint histories
  • Accreditation, verification, mediation, and arbitration
  • Free business profiles with listing claims and reviews
  • Free listing creation and claiming with customer reviews
  • Distribution to Google, Facebook, and 28+ platforms
  • Review tools, Live Posts, contact analytics, and advertising
Cons
  • Coverage is limited to the web
  • Accreditation requires annual dues
  • Accreditation fees vary by local BBB and business factors
  • Free Live Posts are limited to ShowMeLocal
  • Post scheduling starts on a paid plan
  • Full SML Agent access is limited to Platinum
Our verdict

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a web-based business directory serving the United States and Canada. It is designed for consumers comparing local businesses and for businesses that want a public profile, customer reviews, marketplace…

Read the review →

ShowMeLocal is a web-based local business directory and growth platform for small and medium-sized businesses. Businesses can create or claim listings, publish updates, collect and monitor reviews, distribute listing information, track…

Read the review →
  1. Better Business BureauBusiness Directories 9.0Free plan
  2. ShowMeLocalBusiness Directories 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Better Business Bureau — where it wins

    • A+ to F ratings and public complaint histories
    • Accreditation, verification, mediation, and arbitration
    • Free business profiles with listing claims and reviews

    Where it doesn't

    • Coverage is limited to the web
    • Accreditation requires annual dues
    • Accreditation fees vary by local BBB and business factors
  • ShowMeLocal — where it wins

    • Free listing creation and claiming with customer reviews
    • Distribution to Google, Facebook, and 28+ platforms
    • Review tools, Live Posts, contact analytics, and advertising

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Live Posts are limited to ShowMeLocal
    • Post scheduling starts on a paid plan
    • Full SML Agent access is limited to Platinum
  • Better Business Bureau9.0/10 · Free plan

    A trust-focused local directory combining ratings, reviews, complaints, and dispute resolution.

    Visit BBBFull verdict →
  • ShowMeLocal7.9/10 · Free plan

    A local listing platform that combines reviews, publishing, distribution, and advertising.

    Visit ShowMeLocalFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update