How to Promote Your Website Using Directories
Directories are web sites that categorize links into specific groups. Directories are designed to provide visitors with easy access to the best web sites in a specific category. Although directories can be accessed and used by anyone on the internet, webmasters are the most common visitors to directories.
If used properly, directories can be a very useful resource for webmasters. They can drive targeted traffic to your web site, increase your link popularity and raise your Page Rank. This can translate into better sales, an increase in interested advertisers and more revenue from advertising such as AdSense or the Yahoo Publisher's Network.
As a webmaster, you want to submit your web site to a broad range of directories. However, it is important to only submit your link to quality directories. There is a fine line between a directory and a link farm, so make sure to review a directory before submitting your link. Here are some things you do not want the directory to have:
- "no follow" tags or other methods that do not pass Page Rank
- All of the links on one page
- Too many ads - Cookie-cutter layout
- Too many links on one page
- Illegal links such as adult and Warez web sites
There are three different types of directories that webmasters should submit their web site to. Each type is listed below, along with examples of directories that are highly recommend.
Free Directories Requiring No Reciprocal Link
These are the easiest directories to submit a link. They require no payment or link back. All you have to do is fill out the form and submit your information. These directories are great because they take very little time and cost nothing. However, they are also the most risky because they can easily turn into link farms. Make sure the site has a high Page Rank and looks like it has restrictions on what types of sites it accepts.
Free Directories Requiring Reciprocal Link
These types of directories are very controversial. Only brand new websites should consider these directories because they are a good way to raise your link popularity up from zero. They are not very useful for established sites though because better link partners can be found. If you own a brand new site and plan on submitting to these directories, it is recommended that you create a "partners" page to keep your links manageable and off of your index page. There is a fine line between reciprocal directories and link farms, so be sure you do not cross that line. As always, be sure the directory is reliable and has a good Page Rank before submitting.
Paid Directories
Most new webmasters cringe when they think of paying for marketing and promotion. However, a site is worthless if it has no visitors. Paid directories are a great way to build your link popularity on very respectable sites. Before buying links in a paid directory, make sure it is popular and has a good Page Rank to pass on to you. Some of these directories also have a reciprocal link option. Although these directories do cost money for inclusion, they normally pay off the best in the long run.
To see our recommendations on the directories, please refer to our list of Best Web Directories.
