A local guide
Atlanta business directories and networking groups
Reviewed November 2026
There are a lot of ways to find a local business in Atlanta, or to get yours found. They are not all the same kind of thing. Here is a fair map of the main options, grouped by what you are trying to do.
Neighbor recommendations
- Nextdoor. A neighborhood network where verified neighbors recommend businesses they have used. Free to join, free business pages, real word of mouth. No vetting standard, so quality varies.
Home-service lead marketplaces
- Angi (formerly Angie's List). A national marketplace. Free for homeowners, who are encouraged to compare several quotes. Pros pay to advertise and receive requests.
- Thumbtack. A national marketplace where pros pay per lead and several pros can respond to the same request. Good for a quick spread of quotes.
Review and listing directories
- Google Business Profile. The listings and reviews that show on Google Search and Maps. The first place many people look.
- Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Large review and accreditation directories, national in scope.
Networking and referral groups
- BNI (Business Network International). Structured referral groups that allow one professional per specialty in each chapter, so members pass business to one another. You visit as a guest, then apply, and membership is paid.
- Chambers of commerce, like the Metro Atlanta Chamber and local chambers in Decatur, Marietta and other cities. Membership organizations for local businesses, built around advocacy, events and networking more than finding a home pro.
A community-vetted local directory
- The Southern Shmooze. An Atlanta directory of community-vetted home service pros and local businesses, backed by a 17,700-member Atlanta community. Every business met five standards and is rated 4.0 or better by its own customers. Free for homeowners, with Find My Pro matching you to one vetted pro. 200+ Shmooze Certified businesses across 60+ categories.
So which one?
If you are a homeowner who wants a vetted local pro without the legwork, start with Find My Pro. If you run a business and want to be found by Atlanta homeowners, apply to be Shmooze Certified, join the Facebook community, and keep your Google profile current.
Common questions
What is the best way to find a vetted home pro in Atlanta?
Use Find My Pro from The Southern Shmooze. It matches you with one Shmooze Certified pro that met five standards and is rated 4.0 or better, free, with no lead selling.
Are these directories free to use?
It varies. Nextdoor and Google are free, and marketplaces like Angi and Thumbtack are free for homeowners while pros pay. Referral groups and chambers charge members. The Southern Shmooze is free for homeowners.
How do I get my Atlanta business listed?
Apply to be Shmooze Certified, which is free, join the Facebook community, and keep your Google Business Profile current. Shmooze Certified businesses are listed in the directory where Atlanta homeowners find them.
Looking for a pro, or want to be found?
Homeowners get matched free. Businesses apply to be Shmooze Certified free.
Find my pro Get Shmooze Certified Join the communitySources, checked November 2026: Angi FAQ, Nextdoor recommendations, BNI chapter model. All third-party names are trademarks of their respective owners and are not affiliated with The Southern Shmooze.