Directory Submission Guide

As discussed earlier directory submission plays a very important role in search engine optimization of a site. Question arises how can we categorize them and which one are the best to be approached. Here I would try to differentiate directories .

1. Human maintained - These are basic directories made on traditional pattern edited by human editors .These directories have very slow process of approval but these are well maintained and properly categorized. As these directories have strict submission rules, the quality is really very good. Though human maintenance is very laborious and time consuming but Dmoz , Yahoo and many other directories are there .While planning to optimize your site you cant ignore the importance of these directories.

2. User categorized - These are same as human edited but here the site owner decides which category he wants his site to be listed. This reduces the director editor’s work
These directories also give satisfactory results.

3. User classified- Sites are classified on keywords, the site owner has to submit the meta tags and keywords while submitting site. Most of these directories are having automated process so low and easy maintenance. While submitting site to this type of directories you should choose most popular keywords because if you use some uncommon combination would result in less visitor reaching your site. Best known example for these types of directories is Exactseek.


Criteria for selecting directories -

1. Analyze on your own by making searches in directory using different keywords and if the results are relevant as per your search that means directory is properly categorized.
2. Inbound Traffic – The Alexa index is the most popular for traffic measure. You just need to download and install Alexa toolbar and you can select the directories getting real traffic. Don’t merely go for high ranking but prefer directories having heavy traffic measure. It can be compiled this way higher the inbound result to directory more would be outbound links.
3. Search engine scanning – Check whether the directory is indexed or not .You can do this by just putting the url of directory in google’s search box. The directory should be cached and with no supplement result pages.
4. Site’s ranking - You need to check out your sites location in the particular category. The listing should be in first 30-40 sites , if listed on 4 or 5 th page you cant expect visitors to go down so many pages and look for your link.
5. Robots - Make sure that the directory you are submitting link to should not have robot disallowed.
6. Loading time – The page loading should be fast as slow loading pages divert the visitors.
7. Free submission – Always go for free directory submissions, and never go for paid and reciprocal link exchanging directories.

Every directory provides with guidelines, follow them properly .Target mostly for free and search engine friendly directories.