Internet marketers know the value of submitting their websites to online web directories, both paid and free. With more people using these online resources to find what they’re looking for without having to sift through search engine spam, no expert would ignore this new avenue of traffic.
And listing in a free web directory generates not only traffic, but also a non-reciprocal backlink to your website. As most SEO professionals will tell you, Google and the other major search engines love non-reciprocal backlinks. Listing your website in 100 free online directories gives you a nice side effect of 100 additional non-reciprocal backlinks. And backlinks are one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for high search engine results.
But while it is true that submitting to these free directories is relatively quick and easy, it is also true that many webmasters are seeing acceptance rates below 20%. So why do so many webmasters see less than 2 out of 10 free directory submissions accepted, while others achieve an acceptance rate close to 100%? Worse, why are some websites blacklisted by many of these web directories?
The reason is that experts know how to submit their sites in a way that projects professionalism. Remember, unlike search engines, no website enters a free directory unless a human editor manually reviews the site and explicitly adds it to their database. Most directory owners look for sites that are useful to their visitors. The more visitors your directory receives, the more people will see your ads and the more traffic directed to you will be sent to you. This will only happen if visitors feel the directory is beneficial.
So submit your website like the pros do by following these guidelines:
1 – Always read the shipping rules and guidelines
Many directories have a minimum and maximum character length for the title, description, keywords, etc. Many directories have only one language allowed for titles and descriptions. By observing the posted rules, you will ensure that you meet the requirements.
2 – Do not submit sites that are under construction.
Why would someone want to visit a site that is not finished yet? This angers most directory owners because, in essence, they waste time visiting an incomplete website. This can result in an instant blacklist.
3 – Don’t submit MFA websites (made for Adsense)
These are websites that don’t offer any real content or benefits, and they exist solely for people to click on Google AdSense ads. Instant rejection.
4 – Do not send link redirection pages
Redirect sites often do not complete the link. For this reason, directory owners don’t like them. Instant rejection.
5 – Double check before submitting adult or pharmacist websites
Most general directories do not accept these types of sites. If you want to submit adult or pharmaceutical websites, you will have to search for directories that serve those niches. Probable instant rejection
6 – Use appropriate upper and lower case for significant words in title and description
Capitalize the first letter of each sentence in descriptions, as well as proper names. Submissions that contain fields in UPPER CASE or lower case are generally rejected immediately.
7 – Submit home page only unless explicitly stated internal page submissions are accepted
Most free web directories only allow you to submit your home page. Some allow you to submit internal pages as long as they are submitted in the corresponding category. Please do not submit an internal page unless the submission guidelines state that you can. Instant rejection.
8 – Do not submit to higher level categories
This is where most free submissions are rejected. In most cases, you will be asked to submit your website to a sub-category. For example, you will not be allowed to submit your online job site to the “Business” category. You should submit your site to the subcategory of “Business – Jobs” or “Business – Jobs – Work from home” or “Business – Jobs – Work from home – Surveys”, etc. Some online directories allow top-level category submissions, but usually only for people who are purchasing a featured listing.
If you follow these tips when making free directory submissions, you should get a high acceptance rate. And the target visitors and the backlinks will follow.