How to Submit Your Business to Data Aggregators: Acxiom, Localeze, Factual & Foursquare Setup Guide
Data aggregators feed your business information to hundreds of directories automatically. Here is how to submit to all four major aggregators step by step.
What Are Data Aggregators and Why They Matter
Data aggregators are companies that collect, verify, and distribute business information to hundreds of online directories and platforms. Think of them as the source that feeds your business details to major sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, MapQuest, and countless local directories.
When you submit your business information to a data aggregator, they push that data out to their network of directory partners. This process creates citations across the web automatically, which is crucial for local SEO rankings.
Google uses citation consistency as a ranking factor. When your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) appear consistently across multiple directories, it builds trust and authority for your local business. Data aggregators make this citation building process more efficient than manually submitting to hundreds of individual directories.
The Four Major Data Aggregators You Need to Know
Four data aggregators control the majority of business information distribution across the web. Getting your business listed correctly with these four companies will automatically create citations on hundreds of other sites.
Acxiom (Now Data Axle)
Data Axle acquired Acxiom’s business directory operations and remains one of the largest data providers. They distribute business information to over 100 directories and mapping services, including major platforms like Apple Maps and GPS navigation systems.
Neustar Localeze
Localeze was acquired by Neustar and continues operating as a major data aggregator. They supply business listings to directories, mobile apps, GPS devices, and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri.
Factual (Acquired by Foursquare)
Factual was purchased by Foursquare in 2019, but their data distribution network remains active. They focus heavily on mobile and location-based services, feeding data to apps and platforms that rely on accurate business location information.
Foursquare
Foursquare operates both as a consumer app and a major data provider. They supply location data to thousands of apps, websites, and services. Their database powers location features in many popular consumer applications.
Step-by-Step Submission Process for Each Aggregator
Each data aggregator has its own submission process and requirements. We’ll walk through the specific steps for getting your business listed with each one.
Submitting to Data Axle (Formerly Acxiom)
Visit the Data Axle business listing page and look for their business submission portal. The exact URL changes periodically, so search for “submit business listing” on their site.
You’ll need to provide your complete business information including NAP details, business category, hours of operation, and website URL. Data Axle typically requires email verification before processing your submission.
Their review process takes 2-4 weeks, and data propagation to their partner directories occurs over the following 4-6 weeks.
Submitting to Neustar Localeze
Navigate to the Neustar Localeze platform and locate their business listing submission form. Localeze offers both free basic listings and paid premium options with enhanced features.
Complete all required fields including business name, full address, primary phone number, website, and primary business category. Add additional categories if they accurately describe your services.
Include business hours for each day of the week and any special holiday hours. Upload your business logo and at least 3-5 high-quality photos if the free submission allows it.
Submitting to Foursquare
Access the Foursquare for Business platform to submit your listing. You can claim an existing listing if Foursquare already has your business in their database.
Foursquare requires you to create a business account before submission. Provide your NAP information, select appropriate categories, and add business hours and contact details.
Upload photos and write a compelling business description. Foursquare places heavy emphasis on visual content, so high-quality images improve your listing’s effectiveness.
Submitting to Factual (Now Part of Foursquare)
Since Foursquare acquired Factual, business submissions now go through the Foursquare platform. However, some legacy Factual data sources may still accept direct submissions through third-party citation management platforms.
Focus your efforts on the main Foursquare submission process, as this covers both the original Foursquare network and the acquired Factual distribution channels.
Essential Information to Submit
Consistency across all data aggregators is critical for local SEO success. Submit identical information to each platform to avoid conflicting citations in their distribution networks.
Core NAP Information
Your business name must match exactly across all submissions. Use the same legal business name or DBA that appears on your Google Business Profile and website.
Submit your complete address including suite or unit numbers. Use the exact formatting that appears on your physical signage and official business documents.
Provide your primary business phone number. Avoid using tracking numbers for data aggregator submissions, as these listings become the source for hundreds of other directories.
Additional Business Details
Select the most accurate primary business category for your industry. Each aggregator uses different category systems, so choose the closest match available on each platform.
Include complete business hours for each day of the week. Specify if you’re closed on certain days and add any special hours for holidays or seasonal changes.
Write a concise business description that includes your target keywords naturally. Keep descriptions between 150-300 words and focus on what makes your business unique.
Upload your logo and 3-10 high-quality photos showing your business exterior, interior, products, or services. Many directories that receive data from aggregators will display these images.
Data Propagation Timeline and Costs
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you set appropriate expectations for your local SEO campaign.
How Long Data Takes to Spread
Data aggregators don’t instantly distribute your information. Most aggregators update their partner directories monthly or quarterly through batch data feeds.
Expect 4-8 weeks for your business information to appear on directories that receive data from these aggregators. Some directories update faster, while others may take 12+ weeks to reflect changes.
Monitor your citations during this period to track which directories receive and publish your updated information. This helps you identify which aggregators have the strongest distribution networks for your industry.
Free vs Paid Submission Options
Most data aggregators offer free basic submissions that include NAP information, categories, and hours. These free listings typically propagate to the same directory networks as paid submissions.
Paid options usually include faster processing, priority customer support, enhanced listing features, and additional photos or description space. For most local businesses, free submissions provide adequate coverage.
Premium services range from $50-300 per year per aggregator. Evaluate whether the additional features justify the cost based on your marketing budget and local competition level.
How Data Aggregators Support Citation Building
Data aggregators automate much of the citation building process that would otherwise require manual directory submissions. This automation is particularly valuable for businesses targeting multiple locations or industries.
When you submit to four major aggregators, you’re effectively creating citations on 200-400 directories simultaneously. This provides much better ROI than manually submitting to individual directories.
However, data aggregators don’t cover every important directory. You’ll still need to manually submit to industry-specific directories, major review platforms, and local chamber of commerce sites. Our citation building services combine aggregator submissions with manual directory work for comprehensive coverage.
The citation foundation from data aggregators makes manual citation building more effective. When your NAP information is already consistent across hundreds of sites, additional manual citations carry more SEO weight.
Verifying Your Data After Submission
Submitting to data aggregators is only the first step. You need to verify that your information propagated correctly and appears consistently across their distribution networks.
Monitoring Citation Accuracy
Use citation tracking tools to monitor where your business appears after aggregator submission. Tools like BrightLocal, Whitespark, or Moz Local can scan hundreds of directories to identify citation inconsistencies.
Check major directories manually including Yellow Pages, MapQuest, Bing Places, and Apple Maps. These platforms often receive data directly from aggregators and serve as good indicators of successful propagation.
Set up Google Alerts for your business name to catch new citations as they appear. This helps you identify when aggregator data reaches new directories and allows you to spot any formatting errors quickly.
Correcting Propagation Errors
If incorrect information propagates through aggregator networks, you’ll need to update it at the source. Contact the original aggregator to correct errors rather than trying to fix each individual directory citation.
Document all changes with screenshots and confirmation emails. This creates a paper trail if you need to dispute incorrect information that continues propagating after corrections.
Allow 6-12 weeks for corrections to flow through aggregator networks to their partner directories. Some directories cache old data longer than others, requiring patience during the correction process.
When to Use Citation Management Services Instead
Manual data aggregator submission works well for single-location businesses with straightforward information. However, certain situations call for professional citation management services.
Complex Business Scenarios
Multi-location businesses benefit from citation management platforms that can submit consistent information across all locations simultaneously. Managing multiple locations manually becomes time-intensive and error-prone.
Businesses with frequent changes (hours, phone numbers, addresses) need ongoing citation monitoring and updates. Services like Yext, BrightLocal, or Whitespark provide automated monitoring and bulk update capabilities.
If you’re dealing with existing citation inconsistencies, professional services can audit your current citations and prioritize corrections across aggregators and major directories.
ROI Considerations
Calculate the time cost of manual submissions versus paid service fees. If manual submission and monitoring takes more than 10-15 hours, professional services often provide better ROI.
Consider your local competition level. Highly competitive markets may require more comprehensive citation strategies that combine aggregator submissions with extensive manual directory work.
Our citation resources can help you evaluate whether DIY submission meets your needs or if professional management would accelerate your local SEO results.
Common Data Aggregator Mistakes to Avoid
Small errors in aggregator submissions can create widespread citation problems across hundreds of directories. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure clean data propagation.
NAP Consistency Errors
Using different business name variations across aggregators creates conflicting citations. Stick to one official business name format and use it consistently everywhere.
Formatting addresses differently (St vs Street, Suite vs Ste) can confuse directory systems. Choose one address format and maintain it across all aggregator submissions.
Submitting different phone numbers to different aggregators dilutes your citation authority. Use your primary business number consistently, avoiding tracking numbers for aggregator submissions.
Category and Description Issues
Selecting irrelevant categories to increase visibility often backfires. Choose categories that accurately represent your primary services to avoid confusing potential customers and search engines.
Outdated business information in descriptions can propagate across hundreds of directories. Review and update descriptions regularly to reflect current services, locations, and contact methods.
Neglecting to update seasonal hours or temporary changes means incorrect information spreads through aggregator networks. Plan ahead for holiday schedules and business changes.
Your Next Steps
Ready to improve your local SEO through data aggregator submissions? A comprehensive strategy assessment can identify the best approach for your specific business needs. Consider our strategy audit service to develop a complete local SEO plan that includes citation building, aggregator management, and competitive analysis.
- Audit your current business listings across major directories to identify existing inconsistencies before submitting to aggregators
- Compile your official NAP information, business categories, hours, description, and photos in a master document
- Submit your business to all four major data aggregators using identical information
- Set calendar reminders to check citation propagation 6-8 weeks after submission
- Monitor new citations monthly and document any errors that need correction at the aggregator level
- Plan quarterly reviews to update business information across all aggregators when changes occur
Hunter Ryan
Hunter Ryan is the founder and principal strategist at Prospelle, with 10+ years in marketing and SEO. He specializes in local and technical SEO, content strategy, and analytics — building data-driven search programs that grow qualified leads and revenue for local businesses.
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