What is Directory Submission?

Directory Submission is one of the most important methods of  link building because it assures a solid one way link back or backlink to your desired domain or sub domain. Automated services make search engine submission a snap, but directory submission is more difficult, and takes longer.

Human editors review each submission for quality content before

accepting it into the directory. The volume of new site submissions is so huge that they can afford to be selective. Increase the chances they'll choose you by submitting a first-rate site and following submission guidelines meticulously.

There are a lot of directories in the web, but the biggest directory project is the Open Directory Project (ODP), and/or called as the "Google Director".

 Most directories in the web have human editors and frown severely on multiple submissions, but if you have a big site with multiple categories, you can place your categories as sub domains and submit in different sections of the directory.

Directories offer a service, if a directory is good at listing, it creates traffic but if it's bad, it doesn't. Of course, directories need relevant listings from relevant websites. This is why some people find it hard to get listed. A lot of sites try to get listed on unpaid directories without being relevant. This will definitely make directory submission hard.

When to submit?

First thing to do before submitting your site is make sure your site is complete, links should be fully functioning, and most importantly,  all pages should have content. The content of the site should be "relevant" to the section you are listing for. Double check it if you can't find a category that explicitly describes your site, and go with the nearest descriptive terms.

If you submit your site, you should submit it to a directory site with good and relevant services. The more directories your site is linked to, the better for you. Most SEO consultants submit to hundreds of directories, and there are free resources that can help you (in a semi automated fashion) submit to thousands of websites.