Online Directory Submissions
Back in the early days of the internet, well before Google came along, information on the web was arranged, primarily through the use of directories. It was a sensible approach when the size of the web was relatively small. This approach wasn’t really scalable though and advances in search engine technology replaced the directory as the primary way of how users accessed information on the web. Whilst their importance is now insignificant compared to search, and to an extent social media (though facebook is arguably the biggest directory in the world!) they still have an important role to play on the web and in particular to SEO.
What Are Directories
A directory is the on-line version of the “old school” yellow pages or Thomson local. Two books that are only now used by the silent or boomer generations. Yell.com is perhaps the best know re-incarnation of the Yellow pages but there are literally tens of thousands of these directories including well know web directories such as Yahoo or Dmoz. The proposition is simple, you submit your business (and/or website) to the directory, and people who use these services have an outside chance of choosing you from the list much like the traditional versions. There are lots of different “flavours” of directories but their general role is the same – to organise information on the web.
Benefits Of Directory Submissions For Businesses
Getting the word out about your business is important.There is a limited benefit to the amount of business you will achieve from the actual listing as most internet users will Google their inquiries for goods and services. If it happens that a particular directory ranks for a search term there are still layers of filter before someone comes across your particular business or site. The real benefit of Directory submissions is they can provide valuable, trustworthy links to your site which improve both volume and inbound link architecture of your site – the most important things in terms of off-site SEO. In turn this helps you site rank for your own keyword phrases. If a hundred directories linked to your site for your keywords, why would google rank those directory sites above yours – search engines goals are to connect users to the information they want.
Should You Use Directories
Simply and without a doubt yes. Submitting your business or site to the directories is largely free. There are a few paid for listings, but these generally are not necessary for SME’s. Every business owner or marketer should be doing it – so where’s the catch. Well, it’s the most boring and repetitive job your ever likely to do. It’s time consuming, a lot of directories are only good if you upgrade and pay for a listing and it’s generally a crappy job to do. Hmm, if only there was someone who had the experience to do it for you, correctly, quickly and affordably…
If you are a small business owner, or want someone to do the job for you, why not consider our directory submission service. It saves you the head scratching and general time wasting of working it out for yourself. For £95 our team of experienced SEO staff will do it within a day. Follow the link above or get in touch to find out more.
