Envision your web site as buried treasure lying deep in the heart of the information highway? Do your visitors know that you exist? If you are not advertising your web site in relevant directories, you're missing out on valuable traffic. Directory submissions are a great way for your target audience to find your business. Let's face it, if your visitors never find your site, you may as well not exist in the first place. Placing your web site in relevant directories is time consuming and free directories can be found, and paid submission does not guarantee placement. Check with your web host to see if they have a search engine marketing plan (SEM) that includes finding and submitting your web site to relevant directories. Get noticed by following this list for effective directory submission.
- Prepare descriptions of varying lengths - This will save you time with the submission process. Have a prepared list of submissions each varying in length and save it to a text file for accessibility. Directories have varying submission guidelines, some basing submission lengths on number of words others on number of characters. Typically directories allow a 25-word description, but others only allow 15 words. Directories that count characters may allow 250 characters, although some restrict this number to 150 characters. Many times, directory submission forms use an editor that tracks the submission by number of words and or characters making it easier to follow submission guidelines. For all descriptions regardless of length, be sure to keep description accuracy intact.
- Use keywords but stay objective and accurate - Don't keyword stuff your directory submission. Use keyword research and choose popular keywords that accurately describe the content on your web site and provide valuable information for your target audience.
- Preview accepted submissions for clues - Directory editors review multitudes of submissions, by taking a look at the accepted submissions; it is possible to compare your submission before you submit it. Your submission should not be a clone of the others. Expressing your websites value in a unique way may net your site more traffic. Take a look at the current sites that are in the directory. Assure that the quality and types of sites the directory is associating with are sites are targeting the quality audience you would like visiting your web site.
- Free versus paid directory submission- Some directories have a free submission process and a paid version. By using the paid version, typically the directory makes promises of a faster review process. Directory submissions are not a guarantee of a listing in the directory, it is a fee for the review process. Many times the free listing includes committing to provide a reciprocal link agreement as part of the review process. Removal of the reciprocal link will result in removal of your listing in the directory. In most cases, free submissions make no promises of a timely review process.
- Be sure to request a directory modification - Reflect changes in product availability and services offered by your business. Some directories list by region. Business relocation is one reason for updating directory information to assure accuracy and gain traffic from your target audience.
Example of article submissions of varying lengths:
Custom Handmade Designer Art Jewelry, one of a kind for the discriminate buyers who love style and stand out for their individuality. Our jewelry is made of precious and semi-precious uniquely shaped and rare gemstones with silver and gold from all over the world.
(44 words, 265 characters including spaces)
Designer Art Jewelry, one of a kind with style and individuality. We use precious and semi-precious uniquely shaped and rare gemstones, silver and gold worldwide.
(25 words, 162 characters including spaces)
Submitting your web site information to directories are just one way to gain traffic to your web site. There are many ways to gain web traffic including web site optimization, blogging, article writing, and video email marketing. Is your website buried treasure?
