Off page optimization and online business promotion technique that is widely used is Directory submission: A website or business is included in an online catalog under the correct category. Information that can often be included in a listing includes a website URL, business name, description, industry, location, contact information, services, images, social profiles and more.
Businesses are the primary users of directory submission sites, and their primary reason is to enhance their presence on the Internet across the various platforms. A listing in a directory can help people find your business, lead to referral traffic, help localize your business and help build a link to your website.
It’s important to note that directory submission shouldn’t be a numbers game however. There is a risk of getting backlinks from sites that don’t even accept links.It may be possible to get backlinks from irrelevant or low-quality sites, and if you submit a website to thousands of such sites, it may not be very beneficial. Low-quality directory or bookmark site links are listed as examples of link spam by Google.
The more effective approach is to recognize domains, directories that are relevant, trustworthy and active to create helpful listings, and give valuable information to the users.
This is a detailed guide of directory submission sites which includes free directory submission sites, business directory submission sites, directory submission sites in India, website directory submission, SEO directory submission, link submission sites, submission procedures, quality checks, benefits, limitations and best practices.
Directory Submission Sites - What They Are?
Directory submission sites are websites or online platforms that organize websites, businesses, services or other resources into categories.
Visitors do not have to navigate through a chaotic web of sites, but can navigate a directory based on a given industry, location or subject.
A business directory could include the following categories:
- Digital Marketing
- IT Services
- Education
- Restaurants
- Healthcare
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Travel
- E-commerce
- Legal Services
A website owner can package their website to an appropriate category. The directory can then look at the submission and post it.
The typical listing will include:
- URL: The address of the website that needs to be submitted.
- Title: name of a website or business.
- Short description of the company, website, product or service.
- The best representation of the industry or subject the site represents.
- Place: For local enterprises.
- Contact Details: Phone Number, email address or other contact information.
- Services: List of products or services provided by business.
- Social profiles: Links to official social media accounts (if there are any).
Each directory will have different information.
The reference material you provided also describes directory submission as a process where website information such as URL, title, description and category is submitted to a web directory.
HIgh DA PA Directory Submission Websites
| S.No. | Website | DA | Website Sumit Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | directoryanalytic.com | 26 | directoryanalytic.com |
| 2 | prolinkdirectory.com | 32 | prolinkdirectory.com |
| 3 | apeopledirectory.com | 26 | apeopledirectory.com |
| 4 | ellysdirectory.com | 25 | ellysdirectory.com |
| 5 | smartseolink.org | 24 | smartseolink.org |
| 6 | info-listings.com | 31 | info-listings.com |
| 7 | freewebsubmission.com | 48 | freewebsubmission.com |
| 8 | promotebusinessdirectory.com | 25 | promotebusinessdirectory.com |
| 9 | directory10.biz | 32 | directory10.biz |
| 10 | free-weblink.com | 35 | free-weblink.com |
| 11 | usawebsitesdirectory.com | 31 | usawebsitesdirectory.com |
| 12 | namedirectory.com.ar | 25 | namedirectory.com.ar |
| 13 | mediafiredirectlink.com | 20 | mediafiredirectlink.com |
| 14 | skoobe.biz | 27 | skoobe.biz |
| 15 | monsterdirectory.com.ar | 22 | monsterdirectory.com.ar |
| 16 | 247webdirectory.com | 25 | 247webdirectory.com |
| 17 | touchlocal.com | 47 | touchlocal.com |
| 18 | populardirectory.biz | 28 | populardirectory.biz |
| 19 | trafficdirectory.org | 25 | trafficdirectory.org |
| 20 | siteswebdirectory.com | 25 | siteswebdirectory.com |
| 21 | prolink-directory.com | 24 | prolink-directory.com |
| 22 | allstatesusadirectory.com | 20 | allstatesusadirectory.com |
| 23 | corpdirectory.info | 28 | corpdirectory.info |
| 24 | linkdirectorylistings.org | 66 | linkdirectorylistings.org |
| 25 | directoryfire.com | 10 | directoryfire.com |
| 26 | classdirectory.org | 21 | classdirectory.org |
| 27 | targetlink.biz | 31 | targetlink.biz |
| 28 | h-log.com | 46 | h-log.com |
| 29 | populardirectory.org | 26 | populardirectory.org |
| 30 | directorydirect.net | 25 | directorydirect.net |
| 31 | optimisationdirectory.info | 21 | optimisationdirectory.info |
| 32 | phccweb.org | 46 | phccweb.org |
| 33 | golocal247.com | 44 | golocal247.com |
| 34 | submit.biz | 27 | submit.biz |
| 35 | harddirectory.net | 29 | harddirectory.net |
| 36 | justlink.org | 31 | justlink.org |
| 37 | busybits.com | 31 | busybits.com |
| 38 | homedirectory.biz | 28 | homedirectory.biz |
| 39 | freeweblink.org | 27 | freeweblink.org |
| 40 | digabusiness.com | 21 | digabusiness.com |
| 41 | 10directory.com | 20 | 10directory.com |
| 42 | exactseek.com | 67 | exactseek.com |
| 43 | avivadirectory.com | 44 | avivadirectory.com |
| 44 | w3catalog.com | 26 | w3catalog.com |
| 45 | textlinkdirectory.com | 19 | textlinkdirectory.com |
| 46 | spillbean.com | — | spillbean.com |
| 47 | freeseolink.org | 26 | freeseolink.org |
| 48 | startupsmeet.com | 12 | startupsmeet.com |
| 49 | dmozing.com | 14 | dmozing.com |
| 50 | bahiacar.com | 11 | bahiacar.com |
| 51 | jayde.com | 43 | jayde.com |
| 52 | abc-directory.com | 39 | abc-directory.com |
| 53 | dizila.com | 23 | dizila.com |
| 54 | cipinet.com | 33 | cipinet.com |
| 55 | websquash.com | 36 | websquash.com |
| 56 | alabamaindex.com | 20 | alabamaindex.com |
| 57 | uklinks.info | 36 | uklinks.info |
| 58 | redirectplus.info | 58 | redirectplus.info |
| 59 | prsl.info | 63 | prsl.info |
| 60 | justgreatlawyers.com | 35 | justgreatlawyers.com |
| 61 | besttopdir.info | 36 | besttopdir.info |
| 62 | directorycritic.info | 56 | directorycritic.info |
| 63 | linksdirectory.info | 60 | linksdirectory.info |
| 64 | darkdir.info | 20 | darkdir.info |
| 65 | ezistreet.com | 26 | ezistreet.com |
| 66 | fuelmywebsite.com | 62 | fuelmywebsite.com |
| 67 | 01webdirectory.com | 36 | 01webdirectory.com |
| 68 | linkboost.info | — | linkboost.info |
| 69 | deeperlinks.info | — | deeperlinks.info |
| 70 | chicagointernetdirectory.com | — | chicagointernetdirectory.com |
| 71 | vbdirectory.info | 65 | vbdirectory.info |
| 72 | citymaildirectory.info | 34 | citymaildirectory.info |
| 73 | ourdirectory.info | 63 | ourdirectory.info |
| 74 | submissionwebdirectory.com | 29 | submissionwebdirectory.com |
| 75 | angelsdirectory.com | 34 | angelsdirectory.com |
| 76 | athenelinks.com | 20 | athenelinks.com |
| 77 | businessseek.biz | 34 | businessseek.biz |
| 78 | calif.com | 32 | calif.com |
| 79 | acedirectory.org | 36 | acedirectory.org |
| 80 | directorycritic.com | 59 | directorycritic.com |
| 81 | activdirectory.net | 37 | activdirectory.net |
| 82 | abstractdirectory.net | 30 | abstractdirectory.net |
| 83 | blogdirs.com | 30 | blogdirs.com |
| 84 | highrankdirectory.com | 31 | highrankdirectory.com |
| 85 | alivedirectory.com | 29 | alivedirectory.com |
| 86 | linksgiving.com | 30 | linksgiving.com |
| 87 | 9sites.net | 31 | 9sites.net |
| 88 | goguides.org | 35 | goguides.org |
| 89 | uklistings.org | — | uklistings.org |
| 90 | fire-directory.com | 32 | fire-directory.com |
| 91 | relevantdirectories.com | 31 | relevantdirectories.com |
| 92 | gainweb.org | 26 | gainweb.org |
| 93 | netinsert.com | 28 | netinsert.com |
| 94 | newwebdirectory.com | 26 | newwebdirectory.com |
| 95 | huludirectory.com | 27 | huludirectory.com |
| 96 | litetopia.com | 26 | litetopia.com |
| 97 | morefunz.com | 25 | morefunz.com |
| 98 | quicklinks.net | 27 | quicklinks.net |
| 99 | directory-free.com | 20 | directory-free.com |
| 100 | nctweb.com | 26 | nctweb.com |
| 101 | theseoking.com | 25 | theseoking.com |
| 102 | linkspurt.com | 24 | linkspurt.com |
| 103 | deepbluedirectory.com | 21 | deepbluedirectory.com |
| 104 | hotdirectory.net | — | hotdirectory.net |
| 105 | poweredindia.com | — | poweredindia.com |
| 106 | sevenseek.com | 26 | sevenseek.com |
| 107 | productselectoren.com | 19 | productselectoren.com |
| 108 | bestdirectory4you.com | 25 | bestdirectory4you.com |
| 109 | dotnet-webhosting.com | — | dotnet-webhosting.com |
| 110 | arcticdirectory.com | 24 | arcticdirectory.com |
| 111 | verygoodservice.com | — | verygoodservice.com |
| 112 | legalreach.com | 25 | legalreach.com |
| 113 | ecobluedirectory.com | 18 | ecobluedirectory.com |
| 114 | directory.com.au | 26 | directory.com.au |
| 115 | weboworld.com | 25 | weboworld.com |
| 116 | fashionlistings.org | 22 | fashionlistings.org |
| 117 | walldirectory.com | — | walldirectory.com |
| 118 | directoryws.com | 30 | directoryws.com |
| 119 | worldweb-directory.com | 25 | worldweb-directory.com |
| 120 | daduru.com | 27 | daduru.com |
| 121 | blackgreendirectory.com | 21 | blackgreendirectory.com |
| 122 | dirhello.com | 21 | dirhello.com |
| 123 | kwikgoblin.com | — | kwikgoblin.com |
| 124 | onemilliondirectory.com | 18 | onemilliondirectory.com |
| 125 | hitwebdirectory.com | 23 | hitwebdirectory.com |
| 126 | australiawebdirectory.net | 15 | australiawebdirectory.net |
| 127 | allbusinessdirectory.biz | 21 | allbusinessdirectory.biz |
| 128 | intwebdirectory.com | 20 | intwebdirectory.com |
| 129 | bluesparkledirectory.com | 20 | bluesparkledirectory.com |
| 130 | anaximanderdirectory.com | 23 | anaximanderdirectory.com |
| 131 | blahoo.net | — | blahoo.net |
| 132 | fixthehome.com | 20 | fixthehome.com |
| 133 | pathlegal.com | — | pathlegal.com |
| 134 | callbuster.net | — | callbuster.net |
| 135 | sitesondisplay.com | — | sitesondisplay.com |
| 136 | postfreedirectory.com | 19 | postfreedirectory.com |
| 137 | groovy-directory.com | 21 | groovy-directory.com |
| 138 | seowebdir.net | — | seowebdir.net |
| 139 | homepageseek.com | 19 | homepageseek.com |
| 140 | fionadates.com | — | fionadates.com |
| 141 | einternetindex.com | 20 | einternetindex.com |
| 142 | the-web-directory.co.uk | 22 | the-web-directory.co.uk |
| 143 | thewebdirectory.org | 18 | thewebdirectory.org |
| 144 | leadinglinkdirectory.com | — | leadinglinkdirectory.com |
| 145 | cozyhome.com.au | — | cozyhome.com.au |
| 146 | affiliateprogramslocator.com | — | affiliateprogramslocator.com |
| 147 | royallinkup.com | 43 | royallinkup.com |
| 148 | webguiding.net | 26 | webguiding.net |
| 149 | caida.eu | 26 | caida.eu |
| 150 | infobest.co.uk | — | infobest.co.uk |
| 151 | seorange.com | — | seorange.com |
| 152 | theseobacklink.com | 28 | theseobacklink.com |
| 153 | dirnets.com | — | dirnets.com |
| 154 | dir-submitter.info | 42 | dir-submitter.info |
| 155 | viewfreeads.com | 19 | viewfreeads.com |
| 156 | sageshark.com | — | sageshark.com |
| 157 | piseries.com | 20 | piseries.com |
| 158 | directorycar.com | — | directorycar.com |
| 159 | articleside.com | — | articleside.com |
| 160 | dilawctory.com | — | dilawctory.com |
| 161 | allworldgymnastics.org | — | allworldgymnastics.org |
| 162 | dir.us.com | — | dir.us.com |
| 163 | travellistings.org | — | travellistings.org |
| 164 | educationdirectory.com.au | 32 | educationdirectory.com.au |
| 165 | seodeeplinks.net | 11 | seodeeplinks.net |
| 166 | digilondon.co.uk | 13 | digilondon.co.uk |
| 167 | directoryfeeds.com | 16 | directoryfeeds.com |
| 168 | sites-plus.com | 15 | sites-plus.com |
| 169 | directoryauto.com | 14 | directoryauto.com |
| 170 | ayroo.com | 16 | ayroo.com |
| 171 | tagshub.com | 15 | tagshub.com |
| 172 | bobresources.com | 16 | bobresources.com |
| 173 | medicalhealthsites.com | 17 | medicalhealthsites.com |
| 174 | biznisdirectory.com | 17 | biznisdirectory.com |
| 175 | usatohouse.com | 12 | usatohouse.com |
| 176 | webappsdirectory.com | 11 | webappsdirectory.com |
| 177 | mylegalpractice.com | 10 | mylegalpractice.com |
| 178 | spiffysearch.com | 14 | spiffysearch.com |
| 179 | directoryof.business | 12 | directoryof.business |
| 180 | submitfreeurl.com | — | submitfreeurl.com |
| 181 | diginyc.com | 11 | diginyc.com |
| 182 | ask-sherlock.co.uk | 11 | ask-sherlock.co.uk |
| 183 | refreshlocal.com | 14 | refreshlocal.com |
Why Submit to Directories?
Over the years directory submission has evolved to serve different purposes.
The old view of SEO experts was that directories are a source of backlinks. In today’s world a helpful directory can be used for a number of purposes:
- Website discovery
- Business visibility
- Local search presence
- Referral traffic
- Brand exposure
- Business citations
- Industry-specific visibility
- Being part of an overall off page SEO approach
This is key to understand.
If the directory is not catering for any real readership, if there are thousands of websites in the directory that are unrelated to the target readership, then listing in such a directory is of limited marketing value.
Contrary to that, a good industry directory can get a business before customers who are seeking that kind of business.
Therefore, the question should not simply be:
“Does this directory provide me with a backlink?”
A more pertinent question is:
“Is this directory an honest and authentic way for my company or my website to be found?”
This approach yields a much more powerful directory submission approach.
What is the purpose of Directory submission Sites in SEO?
Directory submission is a form of off page optimization as it is done on an outside site and not your own.
The reference content also places directory submission as an off page seo technique and mentions the relationship between directory submission and backlinks, visibility and referral traffic.
But directory submission needs to be looked at as one of the activities that will complement the broader SEO campaign.
Many factors affect a website’s SEO, such as:
- Content quality
- Search intent
- Technical SEO
- Internal linking
- Page experience
- Website architecture
- Relevance
- Authority
- User satisfaction
- The graphs should include external references and links.
- Local signals where relevant
According to Google’s own documentation, they have many factors to take into account when determining their ranking system and that they are not based on a single SEO technique, they are based on the relevance, quality and other signals of the search results.
This implies that the submission of the directory should not be used to the detriment of other SEO measures, but rather in conjunction with them.
What is Directory Submission About?
The procedure is fairly easy, but it is important to have good quality control.
The fundamental approach is:
Research, Evaluate, select category, prepare information, submit, verify, approval, monitor
Let’s go through each step.
Step 1: Research Directory Submission Sites is the first step.
The first thing that you need to do is find the right directory submission sites.
You can search for directories based on:
- Industry
- Location
- Business type
- Website category
- Country
- Niche
- Audience
For example, a software company might search for:
- Software directories
- SaaS directories
- Technology business directories
- Startup directories
- IT company directories
A local restaurant could look for:
- Restaurant directories
- Food directories
- City business directories
- Local restaurant listings
The goal is to develop a list of possible directories.
Step 2: Next, appraise the Directory.In Step 2, check the Directory.
Avoid submitting right after the test.
Firstly, check the website.
Check:
- Is the directory running?
- Is the brand-new listing out?
- Are there any legitimate businesses there?
- Do the categories appear to be correctly arranged?
- Is there excessive spam?
- Is the site well kept?
- Is there a legitimate purpose for the directory?
- Are listings useful to visitors?
- Does the directory pertain to your website?
A third party can have great metrics on a directory and yet be a substandard choice.
Step 3: Select the appropriate category:
One of the most crucial aspects of directory submission is deciding which category to submit your website to.
Imagine that a business offers Google ads management.
If the directory has:
Digital Marketing → PPC → Google Ads
that’s a much better fit than:
Technology → Software
The category should be a accurate description of the business.
The correct classification also makes it more useful for the person viewing the listing in the directory.
Step 4: Prepare Your Information
Make sure all necessary information is ready before submitting.
The following are examples of what can be included in a standard submission document:
- Business name
- Website URL
- Short description
- Long description
- Main category
- Secondary category
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Logo
- Images
- Services
- Products
- Social media profiles
- Working hours
Having all this information in one document speeds up the submission process and minimises errors.
Step 5: Make a suitable description
A description of the business should be included on the website.
For instance, don’t write:
Best digital marketing company that offers best SEO services and best PPC services.
Write a natural description of the company’s product/service, its target customer, and its location.
Don’t overstuff keywords in descriptions.
Keyword stuffing, according to Google, is the practice of repeating keywords too many times or to use them in a manner that isn’t natural for the purpose of improving search engine results.
Step 6: Once you've completed the above steps, submit the Listing.
Fill in the submission form for the directory.
You may need to:
- Create an account
- Select a category
- Enter business details
- Add a description
- Upload an image
- Verify an email
- Pay a submission fee
You may not publish this work until it has been editionally approved.
Please remember that not all directories will accept submissions at once.
Step 7: Check the Listing
Some list services will email you a verification link.
Some individuals may need to be called to verify or be approved manually.
If necessary, fill out the verification process.
No.8 follow up and review the Listing
After publication, check the listing.
Make sure:
- The URL is correct.
- The business name is correct.
- The category is suitable.
- The contact information is accurate.
- The description is shown correctly.
- Images are correct.
- The listing is not wrongly modified.
Business listings are especially crucial for periodic monitoring.
Types of Directory Submission Sites
There are actually a number of categories for directory submission sites.
By knowing these categories, you will be able to choose platforms based on your true SEO and marketing goals.
General Directory Submission Sites
There are general directories that accept web sites with different kinds of businesses.
They can have sections covering:
- Business
- Technology
- Education
- Health
- Travel
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Finance
- Sports
- Services
These directories can be beneficial in discovering general websites.
But since they have a lot of subjects, it is advisable to check their quality thoroughly.
Blogs and Forums
Niche directories are those websites that are focused on a specific niche.
These can include directories for:
- Software
- Marketing
- Education
- Healthcare
- Legal services
- Real estate
- Restaurants
- Travel
- Photography
- E-commerce
Niche directories are very useful as the visitors are already interested in a particular matter.
For instance, a software firm that’s being indexed in a software directory site is better listed than, say, a software firm being indexed in a random general directory.
Submitting to business directory sites.Submission to business directory sites.
Business directory submission websites are dedicated to businesses or service providers.
A company listing can contain:
- Company name
- Website
- Address
- Phone
- Services
- Business hours
- Images
- Reviews
- Business description
These directories are particularly beneficial for businesses seeking to boost their online business presence.
Submit your website to local directories.Submit your website to local directory sites.
Local directories are used to list businesses by geographic region.
They may focus on:
- Country
- State
- City
- District
- Neighborhood
- Service area
These can be useful for local businesses for local visibility.
A dentist in Delhi may choose to look at Delhi-related health and business directories rather than other international directories that are not relevant.
Free Directory Submission Sites
Free directory submission websites enable businesses or website owners to submit their listings without needing to pay for submission.
They are alluring since they let companies create online listings without needing to add to their marketing spending.
It should be noted, though, that free is not synonymous with quality.
A non-paid search engine may be:
- Poorly moderated
- Outdated
- Spam-heavy
- Irrelevant
- Inactive
Don’t submit to a directory without checking.
Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN.8. Directories that offer no compensation.
There is a fee to publish a listing in paid directories.
Payment may provide:
- Faster review
- Featured placement
- More listing fields
- Greater visibility
- Premium profile features
But, not all paid directories are necessarily good for SEO.
Check with people, relevance and quality before paying.
Never pay for a directory simply because someone claims that it will guarantee higher Google rankings.
Country-Specific Directories
These directories are devoted to a specific region of the world.
For example:
- India
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
Businesses that are targeting a specific market can find country specific directories useful.
Industry Association Directories
Any industry association may keep membership lists.
These may be useful if they have a legitimate business need.
For instance an association of a specific professional field can have a searchable list of member companies.
These lists can offer credibility and visibility as well as any of the other SEO benefits.
Free Directory Submissions Sites
As its name implies, the “free directory submission” category simply refers to a person who can submit a listing to a directory site without paying a fee.
If you are a startup, small business, freelancer or website owner with a tight budget constraint, you can benefit from free directory submission.
Success shouldn’t be judged by the amount of free submissions though.
Instead, use a better approach:
10 relevant directories > 500 unrelated directories
This will vary depending on business and market.
When you’re looking for free directory submission sites, take note of:
Activity
Is the directory shown to be actively maintained?
Relevance
Is there a category in the directory that relates to your website?
Quality
Do current listings have proper interest?
Moderation
Does the directory review submissions?
User value
Would anyone use the directory to locate businesses or websites?
Spam level
Are there a lot of different or shady listings on the website?
If most of the answers are negative, the chances are slim that you will make any good.
India's Directory Submission Sites
Directory submission sites in India can be a part of businesses’ local and national visibility strategy when aiming to target Indian customers.
Indian directories can serve as a resource for:
- Local businesses
- IT companies
- Digital agencies
- Training institutes
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Healthcare businesses
- Real estate companies
- Professional services
- E-commerce businesses
- Startups
If the business is local in nature and serves customers in the city, then, location is very critical.
A training institute in Noida, for instance, could gain more from the Noida, Delhi NCR, education and professional-training directories than a random general Noida directory from another country.
Be consistent with information when submitting to Indian directories.
Important information includes:
- Business name: Use the name of the business as it appears in the actual business listing.
- Address: Use proper business address.
- Phone: Use a valid business number.
- Official Website: Websites.
- Category: Choose the most appropriate valid category.
- Description: Use natural language to talk about services.
Google also offers official guidelines for setting up business information that can be displayed in Google Search and Google Maps, which is why it is essential to have a primary Google Business profile in addition to third party directories.
Businesses can also submit their listing on Business Listing Submission Sites.
Directory submission is very similar to business listing submission, except that it’s about creating a profile for a business instead of just putting a website URL.
A full business description can give a lot more information to prospective clients.
For example:
- Service: SEO
- You can hear what people are saying about it.You can listen to what people have to say about it.
- Location: Delhi
- Services: SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads
- Website: Official website
- Business Contact Number: Business phone number
- Business Hours: Hours that the business is open for business
This helps to build a valuable online business profile.
When submitting listings for local businesses, it should be considered a citation and visibility campaign, not just a backlink building strategy.
Advantages of Directory Submissions
When used properly, directory submission may offer a number of benefits.
1. Online Visibility
Adding another address to your businesses directory listing provides yet another place for your customers to find you.
Your business can show up on other platforms that would be relevant to your business, rather than just your website.
2. Brand Exposure
When customers see a business repeatedly on the appropriate platform, it becomes easier for them to recognize the business.
This can be especially beneficial for enterprises in competitive markets.
3. Referral Traffic
A few directories have active members.
When a person finds your listing and clicks to your site, the visit is considered referral traffic.
This is a more valuable asset than just backlinks.
4. Local Business Visibility
Businesses can be listed in local directories, making them visible to customers looking for local services.
This can be coupled with other local SEO efforts.
5. Business Information Management
Directories also offer other places for customers to find:
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Services
- Hours
- Business description
This will help to ensure that your online identity is consistent.
6. Industry Exposure
Niche directories are able to get your company in front of individuals who are interested in your niche.
If a company is listed on a technology directory, its audience match is more definite than if it was listed on a general directory of any type.
7. Supporting your Off Page SEO Strategy
Directory submission can be a part of an off page optimization strategy.
But it has to be used in conjunction with other proper means like:
- Digital PR
- Industry mentions
- Editorial links
- Useful resources
- Partnerships
- Original research
- Community participation
- High-quality content
Google says that people-first content is the key and that it doesn’t want content to be produced for search engine optimization.
So, does Directory Submission Help Google Rankings?
It’s one of the foremost questions that arise when considering directory submission.
The answer isn’t just ‘yes’.
The directory listing isn’t guaranteed to be a ranking boost.
Google’s latest tutorial on spam includes links appearing on low quality directory or bookmark site links as an example of link spam.
It is not a good SEO practice to blindly make directory links.
There is still value in a relevant directory listing in case it offers:
- Discovery
- Referral traffic
- Local visibility
- Brand exposure
- Business information
- Industry relevance
Hence, the marketing value must be taken into account with the SEO value.
The key is:
Make the listing since the directory is relevant. Don’t prioritize any SEO benefit.
How SEO Directory Submission Works?What is SEO Directory Submission?
Directory submission for SEO involves submitting your website to online directories that are relevant to your website.
Traditionally the attitude was something like:
Submit website to hundreds of directories → Increase website backlinks by hundreds
An alternative is:
Look for directories that are relevant → Approximate the quality of the directories → Make accurate listings → Build accurate citations → Monitor the results
The second method is much closer to current search guidelines.
What is a Link Submission Site?
A link submission site is a web site that lets users enter a URL or website information.
One type of link submission website is a directory site, but there are other types of websites.
Examples may include:
- Website directories
- Business directories
- Resource directories
- Industry portals
- Local business platforms
- Professional association directories
But, there are platforms that are more about linking than offering valuable information, so watch those out.
Google defines link spam as giving links that are primarily generated to “influence search rankings” and lists low quality directory links as examples.
Choosing Quality Directory Submission Websites
Choosing quality directory submission websites involves a few points to keep in mind.
This is perhaps the most crucial part for some creating a directory submission list.
Avoid using directories which are listed on a “high DA directory submission sites” list.
Adopt a more holistic assessment system.
Relevance
Is the directory relevant to your area or profession?
Editorial Standards
Are there anyone who ensures that submissions are reviewed?
Real Businesses
Are genuine businesses and websites listed?
Active Pages
Is there up to date and available listing?
Useful Categories
Do the categories present a logical, specific organization?
User Experience
Is information readily available for a visitor?
Traffic Potential
Is the directory get a real audience?
Spam Level
Are there any unusual listings?
Business Value
Would you be willing to have your business appear there for non-influence if it didn’t have a backlink?
The latter question is especially helpful.
If the answer is “no,” then rethink the submission.
Before submitting, review the directory to ensure that all of the information is correct.
Before including a platform in your list of directories to submit to, do a manual check.
Check the Homepage
Look at:
- Design
- Navigation
- Categories
- Recent activity
- Contact information
- About page
Check Existing Listings
Open a few of the random listings.
Look for:
- Legitimate companies
- Useful descriptions
- Complete profiles
- Relevant categories
- Real websites
Check Indexable Pages
Search Google for:
site:directorydomain.com
This can provide you with a gauge on whether pages from the directory are showing up in Google, but not necessarily.
Check Spam
Be on the lookout for unrelatable businesses, keyword stuffing, dubious categories and automatically generated content.
Check Submission Rules
Any proper directory will typically have a description of what is required to be included in the database.
When it comes to Directory Submission, what information do you require?
Create this information beforehand when starting a campaign.
Business Name
Use the actual name of your business.
Website URL
Utilize the proper canonical web site URL.
Short Description
Create a succinct description of directories with simple fields.
Long Description
Other platforms may include more in-depth descriptions.
Categories
Make categories for primary and secondary.
Address
Necessary for numerous local business guides.
Phone Number
Contact with an active business telephone number.
Use an appropriate business email address as appropriate.
Logo
Have a good copy on hand.
Business Images
Some directories permit images of the product or office or photograph.
Services
Keep the same list of important services.
Is it advisable to have the same Description for each Directory?
It would be good to tailor your descriptions.
Don’t need to write a whole new article for every directory, but don’t copy and paste the same paragraph into the hundreds of articles.
An example of this is having a website highlighting your primary services, another one highlighting your location and another one highlighting your industry specialization.
What we’re looking for is to have all the listings to be helpful, not just hundreds of listings that are all exactly the same.
When submitting directories, there are some mistakes to avoid making.
Submitting to Too Many Directories
The goal is not to get the volume up.
Thousands of substandard listings can result in unwanted risk.
Ignoring Relevance
A directory must be connected in some logical way to the business.
Using Keyword-Stuffed Titles
Do not go by the route of keywording the title.
Using Automated Submission Software
Links generated using automated programs are examples of link spam, according to the rules clearly listed by Google.
Buying Links Solely for SEO
While paid directories can be legitimate advertising opportunities, paid links for the purpose of affecting rankings are another story.
According to Google, paid link links that are intended to gain rank are forbidden to do so, and it recommends the use of nofollow and sponsored attributes on paid links.
Ignoring Listing Accuracy
A listing that doesn’t list the proper phone number, address or URL is not as useful.
Switching to Directories Only by DA.
DA is a third party metric.
Do not consider it as an indication of Google ranking.
To create Duplicate Business Profiles.
It is possible to have more than one listing for the same business on the same platform, which can result in confusion and can also be against the rules of the Directory.
To create a Directory Submission List:
Don’t download a random list of 5000 directory submission sites, but rather build a database.
The following can be included in a handy spreadsheet:
- Directory
- Type
- Country
- Industry
- Free/Paid
- Approval
- Relevance
- Status
Example A
- Business
- India
- General
- Free
- Manual
- High
- Submitted
Example B
- Niche
- Global
- Technology
- Free
- Manual
- High
- Pending
Example C
- Local
- India
- Local
- Paid
- Review
- High
- Not Submitted
Other fields may be:
- Submission date
- Listing URL
- Login email
- Contact person
- Notes
- Renewal date
- Traffic
- Listing status
This makes the list of directory submissions a true SEO asset.
If you do not, should you construct a 5000 Directory Submission Sites List?
5000 directory submission sites sounds great, but it’s numbers don’t equal quality.
Imagine that there are 5,000 websites in a database.
If:
- 1,500 are inactive,
- 1,000 are unrelated,
- 700 contain obvious spam,
- 500 is closed for submissions, but 501, 502, and 503 are taking part.
- 300 are duplicates,
If that’s the case, then the actual usable list is much smaller.
An ordered list of 100 relevant and active directores might be quite helpful.
As such, if you submit a long list of directories it is best to contain useful filtering data as:
- Directory type
- Industry
- Country
- Free or paid
- Submission method
- Approval requirement
- Active/inactive status
- Listing URL
This makes your list appealing to the reader as an alternative to just copying URLs.
The best way to get your website listed on free website directories.
If you are looking for free website directory submission, do it step by step.
- Use relevant folders.
- Create relevant and correct business data.
- Use natural descriptions.
- Choose appropriate category.
- Hand in if possible.
- Record every submission.
- Check approval.
- Read the listed item.
- Eliminate or update information as needed.
The most important thing is to never use any free directory as an opportunity for backlinking.
Directory Submission for Local SEO
Local businesses have a specific niche for local directory listings.
Suppose there is a plumbing company that provides service in a particular city.
It could be used for searchability by its potential customers in:
- Local business directories
- Service directories
- City directories
- Review platforms
- Maps
- Industry websites
Being in the same place on relevant platforms can make the business easier to find.
Local directories are also only a part of the equation when it comes to local SEO, so they should be incorporated into a comprehensive marketing strategy.
That approach can consist of:
- Google Business Profile
- Local landing pages
- Reviews
- Local content
- Internal linking
- Structured data
- Accurate business information
- Local PR
- Relevant citations
The steps to track directory submission results.
Making submissions is but half the job.
It is also important to assess the usefulness of the results of the activity.
Track:
Referral Traffic
Get to know if visitors come in from directory listings using analytics tools.
Leads
Monitor calls, forms and enquiries (if possible).
Listing Visibility
Look at your business profile and assess if it is visible and searchable.
Brand Searches
Check if brand awareness improves with time.
Ranking Performance
Monitor their relevant search terms but not take for granted that a ranking improvement has been achieved solely as a result of directory submissions.
Listing Accuracy
Regularly review important profiles.
This can be simpler done with a spreadsheet or an SEO reporting system.
Difference between Directory Submission & Business Listing Submission.
The words are sometimes used interchangeably but there is a practical distinction.
Directory submission typically includes adding a website or resource to a directory.
The business listing submission is centered on making a listing profile for a business.
For example:
Website directory:
Site name, URL, description and category
Business directory:
The name + address + phone + website + services + hours + photos + description of the business.
The second format is normally more useful for local businesses since it gives customers more information.
Directory Submission is not the same as social bookmarking.
These activities are also unique.
Directory submission is the process of submitting sites or businesses in categories.
Social bookmarking sites were originally about users saving, organizing and sharing web pages.
They cannot be regarded as “SEO activities” that can be substituted.
The key takeaway is the same: prioritize platforms that offer value rather than those that are merely designed to boost rankings and SERPs.
The difference between directory submission and citations.
Typically, a citation involves a business’s basic information being cited throughout the Web, particularly in the information below:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
When business information is included in the listings, directory listings can then be used as citations.
This is especially true when it comes to local SEO.
But, not all website directories are local citation sites.
How about Free Directory Submission Sites vs the Paid Directory Submission Sites?
Not necessarily.
The value of a free or paid directory must be assessed according to its usefulness.
An active audience for a free industry directory may be more beneficial than a little traffic for a paid directory.
Similarly, if the industry listing site offers real exposure to your desired audience, it may be worth your while to pay for it.
Quality is not necessarily a function of the fee.
How many times a month should you submit to the directory submission sites?
Not all websites have a standard frequency.
You don’t need to keep submitting your site to directories.
The best process is:
Research → Submit to relevant directories → Monitor → Update → Find new relevant opportunities
If you’ve already had your business listed on the important directories in your niche and area, you might not need to keep doing it on random new directories.
Can Directory Submission Hurt SEO?
It is not bad in itself to create a legitimate business listing.
This risk is associated with manipulative practices.
Examples include:
- Automatic creation of many links.
- Low-quality directory links
- Keyword-rich anchor text used unnaturally
- Spam directories
- The practice of paid links that can be used to manipulate rankings.The practice of Paid links used for ranking manipulation.
- Flooding or spamming messages to other sites.Sending too many messages to other sites.
Google’s spam policy clearly states that low quality directory links and automated link creation are considered to be link spam.
Google’s documentation suggests you try to disavow spammy or low quality links if they are present, and only use the disavow tool when you’re dealing with manual actions or with a high likelihood of manual actions.
Making directory submission more effective is fundamental
It’s best to consider directory submission as a digital business placement, not bulk link building.
Prioritize:
- Relevancy: Select directories that are associated with your industry/market.
- Accuracy: Maintain correct information about business.
- Quality: Choose directories that have helpful listings and editorial quality.
- Consistency: Keep key business data consistent.
- Uniqueness: Do not use a mechanical duplication of descriptions.
- Manual review: Assess directories prior to submitting.
- Tracking: Record submissions and track results.
- User value: Determine if there is a benefit that the person using the listing can gain.
This is also more aligned with Google’s guidelines to produce helpful, reliable, people-first content, not content with the sole purpose of ranking manipulation.
Directory Submission Checklist
Before you submit your website, check off that you have followed this checklist:
- Directory is relevant
- Directory is active
- See that the existing listings are genuine.
- Correct category is available
- Is the name of the business correct?Is the business name correct?
- The URL for the Website is correct.
- Description is ready
- Contact information is correct
- Address is correct
- Logo/images are ready
- The requirements of submission are known
- Listing has been recorded in your tracking sheet
- The staff member has been verified.
- You can buy this book at the published store.
Here are a few common questions regarding directory submission sites
Directory submission sites are web sites that permit companies and internet site owners to submit their resources for listing in appropriate categories.
Directory submission in SEO is the process of marketing a site or business by adding it to the web directory that is relevant to the website. Sometimes it might be able to provide links, but the main focus is to provide relevance and genuine online presence.
Yes, if they’re legitimate, relevant and useful. Quality of a directory does not depend on it being free.
Business directory submission websites enable businesses to submit information including services offered, hours, descriptions, website, address and phone number.
They are directories, which are mainly based on Indian businesses, websites, industries or geographic markets. They can be helpful for businesses appealing to Indian customers.
Look up the appropriate directories, research the quality of them, choose the right directory, enter information about your website and your business, fill out the form, check your account (if necessary), and keep an eye on your listing.
A relevant directory listing can provide business discovery, referral traffic and other marketing benefits. However, it is possible that the low quality links added to the directory could violate Google’s spam policies if they are added simply to affect rankings.
No. Don’t submit your website to thousands of websites for SEO purposes. If there is fewer relevant and reliable directories, it is a better idea.
No. Domain Authority is an outside measure and should not be considered a Google ranking factor. There should also be a focus on relevance, quality, activity and user value.
Creating links automatically is dangerous. Google mentions examples of link spam which includes links from automated programs or services.
Where possible it is better to tailor descriptions. Each listing should be informative and accurate, not a copy/paste submission.
No guaranteed increase in it. Domain Authority is a Moz metric and NOT a Google ranking metric and directory submissions are not a guaranteed way of increasing it.
A legitimate listing for a real business or site discovery can be a part of a regular marketing strategy. But if you submit to low-quality directories for the sole purpose of ranking manipulation, then it could be considered link-spam by Google.
Final Thoughts
Directory submission sites are still beneficial if they are used as a way for businesses to gain visibility and be discovered on the internet, not as a strategy for bulk back linking.
Web directory sites will be able to provide the businesses the first presence without any extra charges for the listing. Business Directory Submission Sites can supply in-depth company profiles. Businesses looking to reach Indian customers can benefit from directory submission sites in India, and niche directories can help companies reach their target audience within a specific niche.
The best approach is straightforward – opt for quality over quantity.
Don’t create a directory submissions list because it has thousands of URLs. Create a list that a business could use. Before submitting, review relevance, activity, editorial quality, audience, and category structure and requirements.
Most importantly, directory submission should complement your overall SEO strategy and not be the strategy. The current Google guidelines focus on creating helpful, reliable and people first content, and the anti-spam guidelines explicitly state that directories with low-quality links are not a recommended approach to manipulate ranking systems.
Once the directory is submitted and well researched, it can help in boosting on-line visibility, local presence, referral traffic and brand discovery. The value is in the right listing, not everywhere.