Standards

What it takes to
be listed.

Every business in the DSU directory has met these standards. They're not arbitrary hoops — they're proof that a business has invested in being found, trusted, and contacted online.

Own Your Domain

Businesses must operate on their own root domain — no subdomains, no free website builders, no social-media-only presence.

  • Must be a root domain (e.g. mybusiness.com, not shop.mybusiness.com)
  • Cannot be a blocked domain (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
  • Subdomains and multi-part TLDs are validated

Working Email Infrastructure

Your domain must have active MX records — proof that you have professional email set up and can be reached by customers.

  • MX records must resolve for your domain
  • Indicates a real business with proper email infrastructure
  • Shows customers you're reachable and professional

Structured Data (JSON-LD)

Your website must include LocalBusiness schema markup — the structured data that helps search engines understand and display your business correctly.

  • Must include valid LocalBusiness JSON-LD schema
  • Supports 100+ recognized business types
  • Tells Google your name, address, category, and more

Unique Listing

Each domain can only be listed once in the directory — no duplicates, no spam.

  • One listing per root domain
  • Prevents directory pollution
  • Keeps the network clean and trustworthy
Accepted Businesses

100+ recognized business types

We accept any local business that meets our digital standards. The directory recognizes Schema.org LocalBusiness types across these categories:

Home & ConstructionAutomotiveFood & RestaurantHealth & BeautyMedicalLegalFinancial ServicesRetail & StoresEducationFitness & SportsEvents & EntertainmentProfessional Services
How to Qualify

Ready to get listed?

1

Get your website ready

Make sure your site has LocalBusiness JSON-LD schema, runs on your own domain, and has working email.

2

Run the audit

Enter your domain and our system will check your site against the standards automatically.

3

Verify & claim your listing

Prove you own the domain via DNS or email verification, and your business goes live in the directory.