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Importance of Directory Submissions

Search engine optimization is a highly-effective online marketing tool. It involves the optimization of websites using techniques that help you acquire better rankings on SERPs. As a result, you can generate more traffic and eventually, more sales for your business.

 

Optimization activities can be classified into two parts – on-page and off-page. The former involves use of various elements of a web page (keywords, meta tags, content, etc.) for its promotion. Whereas, the latter means promotion using external factors (links, articles, directories, etc.). Directory submission is one of the most important off-page optimization tools.

 

Online directories can be both paid and free. Most of them start off as a free service provider, and eventually charge for submissions once they become popular. As a novice at online marketing, it is always better to get into free directory submissions, because even if you are not successful, it'll not cost you anything.

 

Given the significance and prominence of web directories, this technique can go a long way in determining the success of your optimization campaign. The process involves submission of your homepage's URL into a directory. Just fill up a URL submission form available on the directory and your website will be taken up for review.

 

As an optimizer, you ought to go through the guidelines followed by the directories wherein you are submitting your site. Once your site's URL is submitted, it will be reviewed by an editor. Simple submission does not guarantee inclusion; the site will be ranked on the basis of the description given by you. The process also involves a review of your site's content, in terms of both quality and relevancy.

 

Be sure of the category you want to be listed in when submitting your URL into a directory. Before making your choice, you should undertake keyword research to know about the kind of websites that are enlisted in particular sections. Stay away from top-level categories, as the rejection rate is quite high therein.

 

Your site's name and the title tag of your homepage are extremely essential when it comes to SEO. If possible, use the name of your company or the official name of your site in the title tag; avoid the use of keywords, lest you end up being scrutinised more than necessary. The description tag should be catchy and to-the-point; do not stuff it with unnecessary keywords.

 

Directory submissions can rake in targeted traffic for your website. You will have to, in due course, work towards optimizing other aspects of the site so that this traffic can be converted for optimal sales.