Submit website to directories

Want to boost your site's visibility and SEO? Here's what you need to know about submitting your website to directories:

• Directory submission can help with backlinks and online visibility
• Focus on quality, reputable directories relevant to your niche
• Be consistent with your business information across listings
• Follow each directory's submission guidelines carefully
• Use it as part of a broader SEO strategy, not a standalone tactic

Key steps:

1. Prep your site and gather business info
2. Choose high-quality directories (local, niche, general)
3. Create accounts and fill out submission forms
4. Write unique, keyword-rich titles and descriptions
5. Pick the right categories for your business
6. Track your submissions and keep listings updated

Bottom line: Directory submissions can boost your online presence when done right. But they're just one piece of the SEO puzzle. Focus on quality over quantity, and make sure your website rocks before you start submitting.

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What are web directories?

Web directories are online catalogs that list websites by categories. Unlike search engines, humans review and organize these listings.

There are three main types:

1. General directories: Cover a wide range of topics
2. Niche directories: Focus on specific industries
3. Local directories: Cater to local businesses

Local directories, like Google Business Profile and Yelp, are particularly useful. A study found that 82% of smartphone users do "near me" searches for local businesses.

Web directories serve several purposes:

• Curate content
• Offer structured info
• Provide backlinks
• Boost online visibility

While not as crucial for SEO as before, directories still matter, especially for local businesses.

"Using directory submission will achieve higher quality backlinks and discoverability." - MGMT

When using web directories:

• Pick reputable ones
• Keep your info consistent
• Follow submission guidelines
• Use both general and niche directories

Getting your website ready

Before you submit your site to directories, make sure it's in good shape. Here's what you need to do:

Check website quality

Look at these key areas:

• Content: Is it error-free and engaging?
• Design: Does it look good on all devices?
• Functionality: Do all features and links work?
• Performance: Is it fast?
• SEO: Are meta tags and headers optimized?

Use a checklist to cover all these bases.

Collect needed information

Gather this info before you start:

Tips for your title and description:

• Keep it simple and clear
• Include your business name and what you do
• Don't overuse keywords
• Stay consistent across directories

Choosing good directories

Picking the right directories for your website? It's all about quality backlinks and targeted traffic. Here's the scoop:

Check authority and relevance

Two things matter most:

1. Domain Authority (DA)

Use Moz or Ahrefs to check a directory's DA. Higher is better.

2. Relevance

Pick directories that fit your niche. It's about reaching the right people.

Think of it this way: If you're a local baker, Yelp beats a random, low-quality directory any day.

"You are only as strong as the company you keep." - Trusted Marketing Services Team

This quote nails it. Choose directories that maintain high standards.

Understand submission rules

Each directory has its own playbook:

• Read the guidelines
• Write unique descriptions
• Pick the right category

Remember: Quality over quantity. A few good listings trump a bunch of bad ones.

Lastly, take it slow. Aim for about 6 submissions a month. It keeps things natural and avoids setting off search engine alarms.

How to submit your website

Ready to get your website in directories? Here's the lowdown:

Make directory accounts

First up: create accounts on your chosen directories. You'll need to:

• Use a valid email
• Pick a username and password
• Verify your account

Some directories might want proof you're legit. Keep your business license or tax ID on hand.

Fill out submission forms

Now the main event. When filling out forms:

• Double-check everything before submitting
• Use your exact business name every time
• Include an up-to-date phone number and address
• Don't forget your website URL!

Craft killer titles and descriptions

Your title and description are your first impression. Make them pop:

• Title: Business name + main keyword (e.g., "Joe's Plumbing - Emergency Plumber")
• Description: 2-3 sentences about what you do, who you serve, and why you're the best

Keep it natural. Focus on what customers want to know.

Nail your categories

Picking the right category helps people find you:

• Go for the most specific category that fits
• Choose 2-3 relevant subcategories if allowed
• Only use broad categories as a last resort

For example, a pizza shop should pick "Pizza Restaurant" over "Restaurant" if both exist.

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Tips for better submissions

Want your website to shine in directories? Here's how to make your listings pop:

Talk like a human

Ditch the robot speak. Write like you're chatting with a friend. It's better for readers AND search engines.

Instead of this:

"Premier provider of innovative solutions for optimal customer satisfaction"

Try this:

"We fix computers fast so you can get back to work"

See the difference?

Easy on the keywords

Cramming keywords everywhere? Bad move. Google might slap your wrist, and directories might show you the door.

Keep it consistent

Your business info should be a broken record across directories. It builds trust with search engines and customers.

What to keep the same:

• Business name
• Address
• Phone number
• Website URL
• What you do

Pro tip: Make a cheat sheet with your go-to business info. Use it when submitting to directories. Consistency made easy!

Manual vs. automatic submissions

You can submit your website to directories manually or automatically. Here's the breakdown:

Manual submissions

Manual submissions give you control over your site's directory appearance. They're best for:

• Niche directories
• Local business listings
• Directories with strict rules

For example, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) needs manual submissions to check business details. In 2022, BBB-accredited businesses saw 23% more consumer trust.

Automatic tools

Automatic tools are faster, but risky. Here's a quick comparison:

Tools like RoboForm can speed up manual submissions by filling forms. But be careful with fully automated services.

Peter Gregory, a Digital Marketing Expert, says:

"I wouldn't use any of them... I'd only look for ones relevant to my niche, usually just a handful at most."

Bottom line: Quality beats quantity. Pick a few relevant directories and submit manually. It takes longer, but you'll get better results and avoid penalties.

Keeping track of submissions

Tracking directory submissions is key for a solid online presence. Here's how:

Record keeping

Use a spreadsheet. Include:

• Directory name
• Submission date
• Listing URL
• Login info
• Status

For bigger businesses, try these tools:

These can update multiple directories at once.

Checking status

1. Manual: Search each directory for your listing

2. Emails: Look for approval notifications

3. Google Search Console: Check indexing status

Updating listings

Stay current:

• Set quarterly review reminders
• Update ASAP for big changes
• Use tools for quick multi-directory updates

"94% of consumers use business info sites, including online directories, to find new or familiar businesses." - Business Listings Trust Report 2021

Accurate listings build trust and boost visibility. Regular checks keep your info consistent and up-to-date.

Common mistakes to avoid

When adding your site to directories, watch out for these no-nos:

Overusing anchor text

Using the same clickable text over and over? Bad move. Google might think you're trying to game the system.

Instead:

• Mix it up with brand names, general terms, and a few keywords
• Let directories pick the text when you can
• Aim for links that look natural

Using sketchy directories

Not all directories are worth your time. The bad ones can actually hurt your site's rep.

Watch out for:

• Names with "Free", "PR", "link", or "Instant Approval"
• Sites that let you pick your own clickable text
• Directories that have nothing to do with your business

Fun fact: Back in 2012, a study found that 20% of directories they looked at had been slapped by Google. It's probably even more now.

Ignoring the rules

Each directory has its own playbook. Ignore it, and you're asking for trouble.

To stay on track:

• Actually read the guidelines (shocking, I know)
• Fill out everything they ask for
• Pick the category that fits best
• Write a fresh description for each directory

"Submitting to directories willy-nilly is a huge time-suck and can come back to bite you." - Some SEO guru

Getting the most from submissions

Directory submissions can do more than just list your site. Here's how to make them work harder:

Improving local SEO

Submitting to local directories can boost your local search visibility. Why? Because people use online searches to find local businesses - a lot.

4 out of 5 people search online for local business info. And half of smartphone users who search locally visit a store within a day.

To nail local directories:

• Keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) the same everywhere
• Pick directories with high domain authority (50+)
• Focus on industry-specific directories in your area

Part of link building

Directory submissions can be a solid link-building tactic:

• They give you backlinks
• Good directories can boost your domain authority
• Links from relevant directories tell search engines your site matters

But don't go crazy. A few good directory links beat tons of spammy ones.

Boosting online presence

Directory submissions can amp up your overall online visibility:

"Directory submissions aren't just a box to tick. They're a game-changer for local businesses." - Ziadi Lotfi, Author

To squeeze the most out of your submissions:

1. Pick reputable, industry-related directories

2. Write unique, keyword-rich descriptions for each listing

3. Use both free and paid directories

4. Keep your listings updated

Conclusion

Directory submission can help your SEO when done right. Here's what you need to know:

Focus on quality directories that fit your niche. Don't waste time on low-quality sites.

Make directory listings part of your overall SEO plan, not your only strategy.

Follow each directory's rules. Breaking them can hurt your site.

Keep your listings up-to-date. Old info is worse than no info.

Pay attention to what works. Use that knowledge to improve your approach.

Directory submissions aren't a magic bullet. They're just one tool in your SEO toolbox. Do them well, and they can boost your online presence and help with link building.

"Directory submission works best as part of a bigger marketing plan. Make sure your website is top-notch before you start submitting."

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