Author: Seomul Evans

If you’ve spent any time at all researching SEO tactics and internet marketing strategies, then you know the importance of directory submissions. But if you’re new to the concept, then you may be wondering what exactly a directory is and what it can do for you. Here are the top four questions about directory submissions answered.

1. What is a Directory? A web directory is simply a listing of websites broken down by category and subcategory. Each listing typically also includes a description of the website along with a link. While a directory may sound a lot like search engine, it is not. A directory is actually managed by human editors who review each submission and determine whether or not it is appropriate for that particular directory. Each directory has its own submission guidelines, but the minimum that any directory typically requires is a completed website (one that is not under construction) and a website that doesn’t promote illegal activity.

2. Why Should I Submit my Site to Directories? Directory submissions can benefit your business in a number of ways.

First, since a directory lists websites by category, a search engine that sees your site in a directory will have a good idea of the subject of your website. The easier it is for a search engine to determine the topic of your site and its relation to your keywords, the quicker the search engine will associate your website with that particular theme.

Second, search engines place a high value on one-way links. In fact, links are one of the primary ways that search engines determine your site’s search engine ranking. Directories are a great source of one-way links. Of even greater benefit to you are older, well-established directories that are considered authoritative by the online community because those are also assigned a higher value than are newer directories that are not well known by experts.

Take a second look at any directories that require you to provide a reciprocal link to the directory on your own website. These reciprocal links are not given much value at all by search engines, and the generally accepted rule is that high-quality, authoritative directories don’t require businesses to post a reciprocal link.

3. Which Directories Should I Submit My Site To? Your best bet is to submit to both general directories and niche directories. A quick internet search will give you a listing of directories that cater directly to your product or service. While these niche directories tend not to hold the same clout as more well-established general directories, they will get targeted traffic to your site. When you’re researching general directories, focus on those that have a high PageRank. Search engines will respond more favorably to listings in these directories that those in directories with low PageRank.

4. What Else Should I Look For in a Directory? Look for search engine-friendly directories. These directories will allow deep-linking, in which your listing in the directory links to a page on your website other than the homepage. This link appears more relevant to the topic to search engines and thus helps increase your search engine ranking.

Search engine-friendly directories have other features that urge search engines to index your website immediately. As you search for the directories you want to use, be sure to find directories that have been labeled “search engine friendly” by other users.

As you further research directory submissions, you may find it helpful to consult with an internet marketing professional. She can not only help you find the right directories for your website, but she can also submit your site on your behalf. Furthermore, she can discuss your overall internet marketing strategy and help you determine just how directories can help drive traffic to your site and increase your profits.

About the Author:
Seomul Evans is a senior SEO services with “SEO 1 Services” a Dallas firm providing Online Directory submissions and free internet marketing Blog articles.

By Jarret Turner, Expert Author

When you know you have a great website or product to offer you want the world to know about it too. You could spend a lot of money advertising but in the long run this may cost you more money than you make. Alternatively, you could consider reciprocal links to other related websites. This could boost traffic to your website and the links will also increase your popularity with the search engines.

The advantages of reciprocal links outweigh the disadvantages for several reasons. When you link to another website it allows their traffic to click onto your website which increases your traffic.

When you use reciprocal links, their traffic can become your traffic and you do not face any advertising bills. Reciprocal links can be a great idea for those who are just starting out in their own business or website online and can’t really afford to pay out a lot on advertising until they get more traffic to their site.

The main disadvantage of reciprocal links is that you share everything, including the customers. By placing links to other websites on your site, you are encouraging them to visit these other sites. So, while you may be getting increased traffic, you may experience reduced sales as visitors navigate away to other websites.

You may also need to watch out for reciprocal link scams. You may have seen emails from people requesting to exchange links to your website. Sometimes, these are legitimate, but often they are not and the link to your website may end up on a non-searchable site with a bunch of other links.

This brings us to the point that the value of reciprocal links depends very much on the site where your link appears. If it is on a popular website with plenty traffic and a good search engine ranking, then a reciprocal link is well worth it. However, a reciprocal link is worthless if it appears on some obscure website that receives few visitors.

If someone offers a reciprocal link to your website, make sure to check them out thoroughly to ensure that the link will genuinely be of benefit to your website and your business.

The benefits of reciprocal links for your website will depend very much on your own circumstances and the quality of links you can find. If you are just starting out and are receiving few visitors to your website, some good reciprocal links could help kick start your website. However, if you are already well-established there may be better advertising and marketing options available to you.

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