| Getting Your Website Listed On Directories |
| Written by Mitch Larson |
| Friday, 27 November 2009 08:44 |
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Trying everything to get your site to the top of search engines can be quite task. There are keywords to manage, websites to swap links with, and spreading word about your site through word of mouth on blogs and social networking sites. Another item on the list should be getting your site listed on several web directories.
Trying everything to get your site to the top of search engines can be quite task. There are keywords to manage, websites to swap links with, and spreading word about your site through word of mouth on blogs and social networking sites. Another item on the list should be getting your site listed on several web directories. Getting listed on these directories involves more than getting your website to appear on Google (anywhere except the first page, anyway). Directories are human edited, so you have to submit your site for review. Directories will not accept every submission, meaning that your site has a chance of being rejected. There are ways to decrease your chances of rejection, however, and a few of those are explained below. The first thing you should do is learn about each individual directory. Each directory is different, from the way they categorize pages to the how long they allow your site description to be. Main categories are generally the same (News, Health, Shopping, etc.), but subcategories can vary widely between the different web directories. When you submit your directory, you should make sure it is in the most accurate category possible, which will not only increase your chances of getting a site listed, but will also increase the chances of someone clicking on the link that leads to your site. Keep in mind that there are directories out there that focus exclusively on a single topic, and if your site fits within that topic it can be well worth your time to submit for listing there. Different directories also have different policies regarding how long your site's description can be. Some only allow a small, 40 or so word description while others are fine with you having a 200 or more word description with which to describe your site and convince people to click. Preparing descriptions of varying length in advance can save you time later when you are submitting your site to several directories at a time. The content of the site itself is also important, and the more unique and helpful it is the more likely a directory reviewer will accept your site into the listing. How unique your site is can be very important on some of the larger directories out there, as a site that is just like a dozen other sites already on the list will have less chance of being accepted. Getting listed in some of the bigger directories will also get you listed in smaller ones. This is particularly true of the Open Directory Project, which serves as the basis of several other directories, meaning that if you can get your site linked there, your site will be automatically added to several others over the following two or three months. Finally, keep in mind that several directories out there require payment for you to be listed, with some charging an annual fee while others operate on a pay-per-click basis. About the Author: Submit your website to the Top Web Links and Web Guide link directories, and get a free inbound link. |