Steps for Directory Submission






by Erin Hankins


A Directory or Website Directory is a website that displays a list or "directory" of websites, organized by categories and sub-categories. In some cases, multiple sub-categories per category.

A directory submission, simply put, is entering your/somebody else's website into a web directory.

There are two main reasons to submit your website to a web directory.

1. Back linking. It is important to build back links, as it raises the website's rank with Google and other search engines, which eventually raises the website's overall ranking for certain keywords. For back linking, use an internet tool to determine the page rank of the directory. The higher the directory's page rank, the higher value link it will build. 2. Traffic. Traffic is less of a reason to submit to a directory, but it doesn't hurt. Directories are not just for building links. People actually peruse the directories to find local businesses or services they require.

Generally, there are four fields you must complete during this process of submitting a link to a web directory. Title: The title if the website that is being submitted. Utilize your main keyword in the title field. URL: The link to the website that is being submitted and Link to your home page. Description: Briefly describe the site in terms of the products, services or information that is offered. Avoid marketing and sales hype here. Name: Your name. Doesn't have to be affiliated with the site. E-mail: Your e-mail (doesn't have to be affiliated with the site.)

Optional:

Reciprocal Link: There will be options to create a reciprocal link on your website, in order to get your link added to the directory faster.

Paid Directory Submission or Free Directory Submission?

Paid: These directories will review your link faster than normal. Free: These directories are free, but may take many months for the website to be reviewed. Free w/ reciprocal link: These directories are free but you must provide a link to their directory on your site. Faster review of submission.

Directories Submissions of Value in the Eyes of Google. 1. DMOZ 2. Yahoo

Keep in mind, these build no follow links, and so have no value as far as creating a back link. However, these directories are strict and reputable, so they do add SEO value.

What To Stay Away From: Some directories will point their toolbar at a different page to attain a fake page rank. Use a fake page rank tool to determine, or simply type in cache: websitename.com in Google and see what website Google is getting their cache from.




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