Directory submissionDirectory submission to Yahoo, the Open Directory Project (ODP) and a variety of second-tier directories must be handled different from search engines, because they are edited and compiled by humans, not spidered by computer software programs.Directory listings can be a good source for qualified leads and boost web site link popularity, which crawler-based search engines use as one of the criteria to determine site rankings within the search results. Directories rely on the judgment of an editor to evaluate a web site for inclusion in their database. The editor is usually an expert in a particular topic, who determines whether a web site falls within the guidelines set forth by the directory. Editors review site submissions, then place these sites in one or more "categories" that are relevant to them. Some directories charge a nominal inclusion fee to be reviewed and considered, but there's no guarantee that your site will actually be accepted and included. The cost of those directory listings, if done correctly, can be amortized over many years of beneficial traffic and high search engine rankings. No maintenance is necessary for the directories. Like search engines, directories allow visitors to perform a search query for items they are interested in. Directories also have a list of topics in which allow users to drill down to the subtopic they are looking for (for example, Business and Economy > Shopping and Services > Consumer Electronics > Stereo Equipment). Getting listed in the directories To get listed in a directory, a site owner only needs to submit the URL of the web site using the directory submission form. It is important to always read and follow the submission guidelines when submitting a site to a directory. Before directory submission can begin a web site must be in optimal condition. Category editors, especially in Yahoo, e.g. check site functionality, look for broken links and images and check whether there is a physical address listed on the web site. If they find any trends they may not feel a web site is ready for inclusion in the directory. However, if a site's title and description are in line with the true intent of the web site and the site is in good condition the site owner should enjoy the pleasure of a listing. Submitting to directories In choosing a title, most directories do not allow much leverage. To be safe, site owners should use the company name or official web site name for the title. The site summary description posted with the URL is a major factor in how a web site will be ranked once it's listed in the directory. The site summary description should include the web site's primary search terms and must be relevant to the web site's content, compatible with the editorial guidelines of the directory and the "style" of the category editor. Selecting a category should be done with care. Site owners should consider the most appropriate category they can find, preferably a sub-category. Submitting to a top-level category when a sub-category is exists, may lead to rejection of the site. Similarly, if a site is local in nature, it should be submitted to the appropriate local category. It is very important to do the submission right the first time because it's very difficult to change a site description once it's listed in most directories. Search engine marketing services For more then 8 years Advanced Media Productions has provided search engine marketing services, including search engine optimization and directory submission for clients both, in the Boston area, as well as through out the USA. Our directory submission service includes the following:
Directories typically require an annual or one-time submission fee for a web site listing in one or more categories. Yahoo charges an annual $299.00 site review fee, which guarantees a review by a category editor, but not inclusion in the directory. Once a site is accepted it is placed in a category and ranked in alphabetical order by company name. Most second-tier directories charge a one-time or annual fee between $20.00 and $100.00 for a site listing in one or more categories. Although there are many general second-tier directories that list web sites free of charge, paid submissions tend to list a web site faster and will speed up the time it takes to boost link popularity crawler-based search engines and receive referrals. Advanced Media Productions does not mark-up any directory charges. Contact us for more detailed information on directory submission or a quote. |
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