Submitting your website to directories is a very simple way to begin building your link equity. Granted, the value of getting into directories isn’t what it use to be – but you need to start somewhere. There are still a few directories that hold a bit of weight on the internet. DMOZ data for example, is used by many sites throughout the web (including Google). Getting into top web directories can improve your authority and search engine rankings.

Many new publishers don’t take the time to read the guidelines on each directory. This leads to their website being declined without a fair review from the editors. Knowing where and how to submit your website will make the process painless. Rather than risking your money to pay for a website submission service, learn how to do it yourself.

Choosing Quality Directories

A lot of people aren’t aware that not every directory is worth submitting to. Actually, some of them are a complete waste of time. What to look for:

• Are “free” directories still accepting free submissions? Many of them will eventually stop paying attention to free submissions, with a backlog of thousands of sites.
• Are they established? Many directories are started, and sold soon after – only to be abandoned. Check to see how long the directory has been around.
• Do they have authority themselves? A directory with a PR 0 won’t do much for you.
• Do the directories allow Do-Follow on your links?

Here’s a good list of directories to start with.

Guidelines

• Choose the correct category for your site. Be sure to check out other links inside that category, and make sure that your site would be a good fit. Directories tend to have many very similar categories, so it’s best to take a look at the trend of accepted sites inside each one.
• When entering your url, do not place a forward slash at the end of the address. Some directories have filters that will automatically decline these links. For example, http://www.mysite.com/ should be entered as http://www.mysite.com
• The title should only include your business name, or the name of your website. Some directories allow additional text, such as your tag line – but if you plan to add additional information to the title, you should read the guidelines to that specific directory.
• Do not use all capital letters, anywhere in your submission. Avoid capitalizing every word in a sentence.
• Do not use fluff, or promotional language in your website description, or anywhere else in the submission. The description should be objective, and well-written (complete sentences, correct spelling, proper grammar, and punctuation). Using phrases such as “the best” or “the ultimate” is a sure-fire way to annoy editors.
• If the directory allows you to add keywords to your submission, do not enter more than ten.

Additional Factors

• Your site design should keep content organized.
• A good load time helps.
• Editors look down on a site that is difficult to read or navigate with broken links.
• Affiliate sites, or even a site with quality content that has too many affiliate links could be declined.
• Your website should be complete – not under construction.
• Illegal content will most likely be declined.
• Some directories do not accept links to porn and/or gambling.
• Content should be unique.
• Keep your content up-to-date.
• Do not spam multiple submissions – once is enough.
• Do not submit a url that redirects.