For first time web developers or bloggers, the purpose of setting up a website is basically to have it viewed by other people. It is very important to keep in mind that a well set–up web site will usually be very important in achieving success in the search engine optimization industry. Aside from a viable product (the website), it is also very important to build connections and links that will bolster the web site’s rankings in search engine results pages or SERPs. Making submissions to web directories is one of the most effective and proven strategies in search engine optimization. Web directories are simply listings of various websites of myriad topics that are organized into categories and subcategories. Directories usually list websites together with brief descriptions of the sites and the links that will bring readers or users to the sites’ respective homepages. A web directory’s function may be likened to that of the search engines themselves but the difference lies mainly on the fact that directories are category specific. This makes it easier for users to search and that it is maintained and run by individuals. Unlike search engines like Google or Yahoo, directories do not use an algorithm to determine which sites pass standards. There are hired experts that individually filter through several link submissions, review each one of them, and decide what to list and reject.
Why bother with directory submissions?
There are several reasons as to why web developers should strongly consider obtaining links from web directories. Some reasons are as simple as getting exposure for the website up to the more complex ones like acquiring inbound links that is needed to go up the search engine rankings. Other reasons for directory submission include:
Searching for the right directories
With all these benefits, it’s clear to see that submitting to directories is a critical strategy, one that any business should capitalize on in promoting its websites. To know what directory to submit links to, one should know and seek out search-engine friendly directories. Search engine friendly directories usually link not just to the websites’ homepage but more importantly to pages within the website. This process is called deep linking. Deep linking is important because it makes a web site look more relevant in the eyes of search engines. It will also cater to specific subjects which will in turn make it easier for search engines to search within the website. All of these result in a higher page ranking for the website. Not only this, search-engine friendly directories help expedite indexing for the website in search engine databases. For businesses or individuals with some budget allocated for directory submission, there is always the option of hiring a professional SEO service company. Since it is basically their business to improve web directory submission and the whole process of link building, hiring professional service will definitely bring a big boost to a web site’s search engine rankings. Directories allow customers to search for what they specifically want and not deal with situations wherein what they have to search long and hard to find the specific web site that would cater to their needs. Capitalizing on the potential that web directories will give web developers is crucial in attaining success in the competitive Internet landscape.