Tip 2: Get your site into top directories

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An Internet directory specializes in linking to other sites and categorizing those links. Directories often allow site owners to directly submit their sites for inclusion, and many directories have editors review submissions for fitness.

Here is an example from http://www.a-free-directory.info/

Example of an Internet directory

You see, here're categories where websites are sorted out. On the website, you can click any category or subcategory to view what's inside.

For SEO purposes, such directories are a good way to obtain one–way links and make your rankings grow.

Get listed in Internet directories, in the categories that suit you — and you'll not only see an increase in traffic but also get a lot of one–way inbound links.

The two big directories that everyone wants to be in are Yahoo! and DMOZ.org (aka Open Directory Project). They are both powerful in bringing you traffic and valuable links. Yahoo! requires an annual submission fee, while DMOZ is free. If you're listed in these two, Search Engines will look at you with particular respect, partly because all members there are "hand–picked" — you suggest your website for inclusion, and real people look at it and decide — to add or not to add.

Use these links to submit to Yahoo! Directory:
https://ecom.yahoo.com/dir/submit/intro/

and to DMOZ:
http://www.dmoz.org/add.html

Once again, after you suggest your URL, it'll get reviewed by real people: these directories always consider inclusion of a site.

Not only Yahoo!, but also some other top directories require you to pay for inclusion — or to be considered for inclusion. Others ask you to put a link to them in exchange. However there are also numerous directories that will accept your website without payment or a link back.

All you have to do is find the ones that accept free submissions, and you will get your one way inbound links.

Directories that are worth your while

There are hundreds of thousands of directories on the Net, so which ones are worth your time?

Well, I made up a small list for you, to use it for the start. Here it is:

(By the way, don't get surprised if you see these directories have a different PageRank — I told you it tends to change.)

I've got some more directory lists for you. Firstly, check this forum thread to find some good hand–picked directories:
http://www.link-assistant.com/seo-talk/viewtopic.php?t=97

Besides, you'll find a huge list of Web directories in the SEO tool called SEO SpyGlass.

And you can always find more, for instance if you search in Google for the term submit URL.

Relevant links count best

That's another useful tip: don't forget about relevance. That's really important for links. Firstly, choose suitable directories where to add your site, and don't waste a second on irrelevant ones.

Want examples? If you're selling trailer tires, I doubt that a link from a photography directory will do any good. Better seek for links from a special directory for automobiles.

Also, choose in which category to put your link.

For example even if the whole directory is for cars and vehicles, it's wise to put your link into the category "tires" or "trailer tires", rather than, say, "carwash".

I guess you get the point.

DO IT NOW! Get your website listed in relevant categories of some good Internet directories — that's easy, fast, and mostly free.

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