While some SEO experts think that directory submissions are already a thing of the past, the truth is, they are still extremely valuable, but not in the way they are used. What makes it valuable is the fact that it is free, so the only investment required is time. And there are hidden ways where new businesses can benefit from directory submission. You just need to know them.
Google Uses Directories to Return Results
A lot of people may have the notion that Google is a link directory. It may be the giant search engine everyone knows of but definitely not a directory. Directories organize links under categories and sub-categories while search engines (Google and the likes) scour the internet to find whatever is typed into the search box. People don’t use directories when they search for something. They use Google. What people don’t know is that search engines use directories to return results. Hence, if your website is listed on as many directories as possible, the better chance that a searcher will find your site through the search engines.
Use Manual Submission Directories
Search engines sift through a long directory to find exactly what was being searched by a user. To make this work, you must submit your links to the directories manually. Once you sign up for a website, you will have to submit your link. It will be beneficial to use directories that require manual submission. Links will be checked by link reviewers before they are approve for the directory. Google and other search engines will value those directories because they know that the links submitted are properly screened and reviewed for quality.
Search Engines Index Links on Directories
It is therefore, important that your website is submitted to as many quality link directories as possible because search engines will rank your page at the top of the SERPs. When you submit a link to a directory, search engines will index it and this will be found by search engine crawlers that regularly look for index-created and updated links. A good place they start looking into is the links listed in directories.
Increase Your One-Way Inbound Links
This is better than link exchange. Websites and pages with one-way, inbound links are valued by web directories more than the sites that use link exchange tactics to drive traffic to and from their pages. Link directories do not require listing their name and link on your website, thus increasing your one-way links. It also does not require updating the website every time a new link is submitted.
Utilizing directory submission does not mean that you will forego other SEO strategies. SEO is still highly valuable. Any strategy that promotes valuable content will be useful for the website. That’s why keywords are still important. SEO may even be used when submitting links. You get the opportunity to use keywords and title when you name your links which is required by directories. It will be easier for search engines to catalog your links. And most importantly, link directories are often free to use. There’s no additional expense or budget required which is a crucial element especially for new businesses. You will have a reason to question a directory that requires paying a fee, or just look for another one that does not require any fee to be paid.
