The process of Search Engine Optimisation comprises both on-page and off-page techniques that eventually determine your website's listings on search engine result pages (SERPs). Off-page services are concerned with the external factors influencing the ranking of a page, like link building, directory submissions, article submissions, etc.
Of all these factors, Directory Submission is one of the most efficacious, as far as your optimisation campaign is concerned. Many experts regard this as part of your link building programme, because you eventually get backlinks from the directories where your site is approved after submission.
Many directories have a lifetime listing cost which is quite inexpensive. This technique helps in boosting the PageRank of sites, especially if they are new. Others allow submissions under a wide variety of categories and sub-categories. These categories are visited by users looking for particular information related to the same topic. And, this is the primary reason why they can drive targeted traffic to websites.
Although search engines are better means of generating traffic in comparison to directories, the latter can actually change your Meta Tags (title and description) in order to make it more viable for optimisation.
SEO experts advice that websites should be submitted manually, and not with the help of automated software or online sources. In fact, many large directories do not entertain sites that use automated processes for submission. The following are some of the popular online directories:
i) DMOZ, or ODP provides listings for directories and search engines like Google, Lycos, AOL, Netscape, AltaVista, Teoma, etc. It is your easiest road to search engine rankings.
ii) The Yahoo directory charges a fixed amount of money every year for submissions. Non-business and non-profit sites can get free listings. However, all sites have to go through a stringent editing and reviewing process to seek approval. This investment is definitely worth making.
iii) Some of the second-tier directories like About.com, Business.com, ExactSeek.com, Gimpsy.com, etc are places where your site should register its presence.
iv) Local and Internet Yellow Page (IYP) directories are great sources for users to seek information online. If you wish to cater to a local audience and pep up your SEO campaign, make sure your site is listed here.
Apart from the aforementioned directories, you can always search for industry-specific references on the Internet. This will further enhance your site's optimisation process as you can react out to a targeted segment that actually comprises your prospective buyers.
About the author
Lalita Negi works with ePurple Media, deals with various Online Marketing Services i.e Search Engine Optimisation like Link Building Services, Article Submissions etc. She is an SEO expert and can be your best guide to success in the online marketplace.
