Do I need a local.ch subscription? Is a paid local.ch package worth it, or will the free listing do? For many SMEs, the free listings are enough, as long as they are complete, up to date and the same everywhere.

Correct as of October 2026.

The basic listing is free

local.ch and search.ch are run by localsearch (Swisscom Directories AG). The basic business listing with your name, address and phone number is free (localsearch (in German)). It often already exists, because localsearch creates the first listing from your telephone provider’s data. You can also add a mobile number, email address, branches and opening hours free of charge (listing terms (in German)).

Search for your business phone number on local.ch and, if necessary, change the listing in the customer centre (in German). Once localsearch has checked it, the change appears on local.ch and search.ch. Afterwards, check that everything is correct.

Where else you can list your business for free

• Google Business Profile: This lets you control how your business appears in Google Search and on Google Maps (Google). There is often an unverified profile already, which you can claim. In Switzerland, Google has a search engine market share of around 80% (StatCounter).
• Apple Business: This free platform replaced Apple Business Connect in April 2026. Your details appear in Apple Maps, Safari and Spotlight (Apple). Almost half of smartphone users in Switzerland have an iPhone (Comparis study (in German)).
• Bing Places: The free listing appears in Bing search and on Bing Maps, and you can import a Google profile (Bing). On desktop computers in Switzerland, Bing has a market share of around 22% (StatCounter).
• OpenStreetMap: Anyone may reuse the data from this free world map, provided they credit the source. Map apps such as Organic Maps are built on it, OsmAnd also shows opening hours, and Apple names OpenStreetMap as one of the sources of its map data. Businesses may add themselves, but the same rules apply to them as to everyone else: the right building, no promotional text (OpenStreetMap wiki). Even without an account, you can report missing details by leaving a note.
• Depending on your sector: Yelp, which Apple names as a source of reviews for Apple Maps, is also free, as are Tripadvisor (for restaurants and tourism) and a Facebook page.

Complete and consistent everywhere

Google names three main factors for local search results: relevance, distance and prominence (Google). Complete details help Google match your business to the right searches. Choose the most specific primary category you can, and write your name exactly as it appears on your sign and letterhead, with nothing added. According to Google, you cannot request or pay for a better ranking.

Your name, address, phone number and opening hours should match everywhere, because the data travels: localsearch may pass listings on to map services and other directories, and Apple names Swisscom Directories AG as one of the suppliers of business data for Apple Maps (Apple). Google, in turn, may accept edits suggested by third parties if you do not respond within four days and other sources back them up (Google). This is how an outdated listing can spread.

Reviews: ask for them, don’t buy them

According to Google, the number of reviews also counts towards prominence. You may ask your customers for a review, for example with a link or a QR code. However, Google explicitly prohibits offering discounts or gifts in return (Google). Buying fake reviews breaches competition law (the Unfair Competition Act, UWG), according to a 2021 SRF report (in German). Reply briefly and politely, even to criticism.

When a package can be worth it

The paid packages from localsearch go beyond the basic listing. SWISS LIST, for example, also publishes your business details on Google and Bing and keeps them in sync there; the Standard version also covers map services such as Apple Maps, as well as navigation systems (localsearch (in German)). Other packages offer advertising space on local.ch and search.ch, or modules for reviews and online appointment booking.

This can make sense if you have several locations, change your opening hours often, would rather not maintain your details on each platform separately, or want to advertise specifically on local.ch.

Check the terms before you agree to anything: according to the general terms and conditions (in German), unless the contract states otherwise, a product runs for one year and renews automatically if you do not cancel it by registered letter at least 30 days before it ends. A contract can also be concluded over the phone. If you cancel a package, your free basic listing stays in place.

Invoice-like forms from unknown directories, which often arrive after a business is entered in the commercial register, are a different matter. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs warns against them (SECO (in German)).

So do I need a localsearch subscription?

If you do not have several locations and your opening hours do not change every week: not necessarily. All the important listings are free, on local.ch and search.ch just as on Google, Apple and Bing. What matters is that they are complete, up to date and the same everywhere.

For a subscription:

• Your details are maintained in one place and kept up to date on Google, Bing, Apple Maps and in navigation systems.
• This saves time if you have several locations or change your opening hours often.
• You can advertise specifically on local.ch and search.ch.

Against a subscription:

• The important listings are free without a subscription too, and you can maintain them yourself.
• A subscription costs money every year and renews automatically unless you cancel it in time by registered letter.
• With one location and fixed opening hours, the effort is small: set everything up properly once, then check it now and then.

How we do it

We set up your details once on all the important platforms: Google Business Profile, Apple Business, Bing Places, local.ch and search.ch. If anything changes later, such as your opening hours or address, just let us know and we will update the listings for you. We also show you how to respond to reviews. Find out more on our Visibility page.