May 22, 2007
Directory Submission Tips…
Having run a local search directory since ’95, I’ve seen just about everything under the sun when it comes to folks submitting their websites. Just some simple rules/tips to follow when making your submission:
1. Research prospective directories – submit to not only the larger directories such as ODP (Open Directory Project), Yahoo Directory, Business.com, etc. but also vertical market and local/regional directories.
2. Follow the directory’s submission rules. Not following them will greatly lessen your chances of getting your site listed in the human-edited directories.
3. Use Accurate Business/Company Title. There’s nothing I dislike more when reviewing sites is someone stuffing the Title with keywords and phrases instead of the proper Business Title – it drives me bananas!
4. Use an accurate description of your site or company offers. Keep it concise – a couple of sentences max and definitely include targeted key phrases.
5. Include accurate and thorough contact information.
6. Submit to categories that best represent your site.
7. NO CAPS PLEASE!! It’s like running your fingernails across a blackboard! Great way to get your site rejected ASAP!
8. Watch the spelling. Make sure you check your listing for spelling errors. Sometimes it gets by the editor and if published incorrectly in the directory it makes your listing and your company look like you know what!
9. Submit your home page only unless the directory allows for deep links.
10. Be patient! Depending on the web directories submission backlog it may take some time. Some ODP editors have reputation of taking forever or never to include a site. Many local/regionals fall within a period a couple of days to a couple of weeks. If your site hasn’t been included in the directory, re-submit it after a period of a month from the initial submission.
11. Submitting to Local/Regional directories will also help your site rank better for local/regional searches. Getting one-way links from pertinent categories from general and local/regional directories takes time but is generally worth the effort in the long run. We’ve seen the positive effect of this process for geo-targeted terms in Google, Yahoo, and MSN when submitting to local/regional directories.
12. Use common sense and have patience. These are really the true minimum submission requirements!
Happy submitting!
Mark Geyman
OhioBiz.com / OhioBiz Web Consulting, LLC
