Head-to-head · Business Directories
Better Business Bureau vs 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
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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 | ||
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| 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 → |
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 →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





