Research each directory
and the directory categories individually.
One of the biggest mistakes people make during directory
submission is not doing the necessary research. In order
to be listed in a directory (which will be approved by
another human being), you must prove that you belong in
that directory in the category that you have selected.
The best way to do this is to select the most appropriate
category and to write a concise, accurate description
that already resembles descriptions in the targeted directory.
Reason? Make it easy for the directory editor to approve
your submission. If you are able to imitate the editor's
style when describing your web site, you can increase
the chance that your site will be accepted and your site
description will be unaltered.
Determine the best description
for your web site for each directory.
Go to a directory and type in your most important keywords
in the search box. Study the different categories and
descriptions. Base your site-description style on web
sites that were already accepted in that directory.
If a directory does not have a category for your type
of business, suggest a category that is similar to categories
already in the directory.
Make sure your unique selling
proposition (USAP) is also in your directory description.
Even though your description should resemble the description
style of other sites listed in your targeted category,
your description should be unique. So if your company
specializes in 3 types of services, mention those 3 types
of services in your description. If your company targets
a particular audience, mention that in your description
as well. Just be sure that your description is not identical
to other descriptions in your category.
Write descriptions of varying
lengths and keep in a text file to cut-and-paste in the
submission form.
Directories vary in the number of words they will accept
in a description. Thus, when you write your descriptions,
write 7-, 10-, 15-, 20, 25-, 30- and 50-word descriptions.
Make sure your most important keywords are in every description,
but do not try and stuff too many keywords into the description.
Directory editors do not want to read a list of keywords.
Whenever possible, use
the paid/expedited submission programs.
Since most of the major search services measure link popularity,
the faster your site can be listed in the directories,
the faster your site can receive referrals from the major
search services.
We rarely use site submission software for directory
submission. Submission software rarely accounts for the
variables in the different directories.
Check your site statistics
software regularly to see when you have been added to
a directory.
If your site has not been added to a directory within
the lead time, then resubmit to the directory after 4
weeks. Keep track of your dates of submission, categories,
descriptions, and titles.
In the event that your site is not accepted into a directory
after 3 submissions, then it is safe to contact a directory
representative directly.
Add your home page to the
directory first, then submit specialized topics within
your web site.
If your web site has been approved for admission into
a directory, then your specialized topic web page stands
a better chance of being selected for a different category.
How directories rank sites.
If your title, description, and category contain keywords,
then your site might appear toward the top of directory
queries. However, if your company name does NOT have keywords
in them, do not add those keywords in the submission.
Directory editors will remove them anyway, and you do
not want them to suspect you for spamming.
Always choose directory listings carefully, both the
general directories and the industry-specific ones. Make
sure your content is good enough to clearly belong in
the categories you have selected, which means that your
web site must contain unique information.The keywords
should always be in the right frequency and the right
places for the search engines, but good content should
always be on your site for the best directory placement.
If you have any specific questions about our search engine
marketing tips, or if you would like permission to republish
this search engine marketing tip on your web site or newsletter,
please use our contact form or email us at info@grantasticdesigns.com.