Directory Submission Tips

The list of quality directories and search engines is found at http://www.quantawebdesign.com/tips/directories.html.

Before beginning to submit your site, you'll want to make some preparations.

Get your website in order.

This step is crucial. Directory submission is a time-consuming and you don't want to waste your time submitting. Get the house clean before you invite the search engines over for a visit!

Begin writing your directory submission

Write your title & link text.

For example, the actual name of one site I've promoted is Axestraps Guitar Straps.

But if the directory allows it, I will list the title as Axestraps Vintage Style & Custom Guitar Straps. That still sounds natural, and gets a couple more keywords into the title (which is usually used as the link text).

You will probably wind up using several titles of various lengths and using different keyphrases. It might be more appropriate to use one title on one site, and another title on another site. This is perfectly fine, and can actually be helpful.

Write a brief description of your website.

It should contain some of your keywords (without sounding 'spammy') & explain what your site is all about. You have a very limited space to do that, so you need to make every word count.

Avoid repeating the same word too many times and be very clear & professional. Don't repeat the name of your business. Don't use words like "best" or "number one" - be factual. Don't include dates or prices. Write an engaging description of your website that will make people want to click on the link to your site.

It is also a good idea to write an even shorter description, as a few directories just want 1 sentence. This one has got to be even more to the point than the first one.

Just like with the titles, you'll probably want several descriptions which you can use based upon the nature of the directory to which you're submitting and its length and style requirements.

List your keywords, in order of importance.

Again, don't use the same word more than about 3 times, it chews up space & may be considered spamming. Use words that are actually on your website, and ones that people would likely search on to find a site like yours. You'll want about 200 characters in your keywords list. But also make a shorter list because some directories will want only about 5 keywords.

Don't make it sound "spammy!"

Double-check everything.

Choose the right category.

However, if there are 2 categories which are equally suited to your site, choose the one with least number of other links (competition) or the one with the higher Google PageRank. (If you don't have the Google Toolbar installed, you can use our PageRank checker.)

Use an alternate email address.

Be sure to check your email regularly. Some directories will send you an email with a link in it which you must click to activate your submission.

A note on URLs (web addresses)

Most directories accept only domain names (your homepage), rather than deep links. For example, they would accept http://www.quantawebdesign.com, but not http://www.quantawebdesign.com/tips/directories.html or http://www.myspace.com/yourbandname. This is one reason it's best to have your own domain name.

Some directories do allow you to submit an interior webpage by paying an additional fee.

Submit to quality websites & don't use automated submissions.

Ask owners of sites relating to yours to link to you (you'll probably have to link back to them). But stay away from link farms, "free-for-all" (FFA) link sites, and "bad neighborhoods." These won't help you, and may do harm to your efforts.

You might like to read our article on how to judge the quality of a directory.

100 quality links will return more benefits - and do it faster - than 1000 lesser-quality links.

Don't waste your time or money on automated submissions services. (You've seen them advertised - they say they'll submit your site to something like 1,000 search engines and/or directories.) These services are ineffective and sometimes use unethical means.

One reason that automated submissions are ineffective is that each directory has its own structure and rules. If you submit to the wrong category, or submit a description, title, or keyword list that is the wrong length, or incorrectly formatted, your proposed listing will be rejected. Additionally, your site may be banned from re-submitting.

Also, many of the search engines and directories to which the automated services will not be appropriate for your website. They will be, for example, located in non-English speaking countries, will focus on a topic unrelated to yours, or will be FFA or link farms.

It's best to pick some high-quality sites which are actually likely to list your website, and hand-submit your site to them. Don't waste your time or money on the others. Take the time to submit your site manually, or to hire someone who can do it for you correctly.

A note on search engine submissions

However, if you have some time to kill & would like to get a jump on the process & submit to the search engines, you can certainly do so by using the submission links found here. It may not help, but it can't hurt.

What's next? The directories

Questions? Want help?

I will write the descriptions & keyword lists you need (or you can supply your own) and will submit them to the directories. I'll provide you with a full report of where I submitted them and when.

I also use a Quanta Webdesign email address so you never need to be bothered with spam from the directory companies. You'll find more details on my directory submission services page. Just drop me a line with any questions, or to get started.

Good luck with your site. Please let me know if you'd like to use my services, or if you have any questions! I'm always glad to offer advice & would be pleased to hear from you.

best regards,
Denise

p.s. Here's some feedback I recently received from someone who used these tips and the directories list to promote her own site: