Directory Submission

Directory relates to a website categorizing other websites. It is generally manually compiled, depending on user submissions. Commercial directories include Yahoo! and ODP whereas Zeal is a non-commercial directory. Directory listings give a real boost in the search engine page rankings and have become an important part of any website optimization strategy. It is most useful for sites using a high level of Flash, images or graphics and so have little page content for the search engines to index.
Submission to directories is not accomplished through a simple mouse click. Directory links come in three different submission types, paid, free, and free but requiring a link back (reciprocal link). These links are placed on pages with other related links some giving more than one link. People prefer to submit their sites to high traffic directories and directories having lots of Web sites in each category.
Submission to directory offers three main benefits a) Click though traffic; b) Web site indexed by the search engines; and c) Higher rankings on the search engine results page for keywords you are targeting. One should search for the following characteristics in quality directories a) Free submissions or editors activity adding Web sites; b) Large number of Web sites in each category; c) Large number of pages in Google, Yahoo, and MSN; d) Large number of backlinks in Google, Yahoo, and MSN; e) Low Alexa ranking; f) Pagerank on pages; g) In DMOZ and Yahoo directories
One should keep the following things in mind while submitting a site to a directory:
1. Do not resubmit to a search engine or directory unless site is dropped entirely.
2. Take the time to research and locate the most appropriate category for your site.
3) Keep the site description to the point using a sentence or two.
4) Don’t try to trick potential visitors by using vague or misleading descriptions about your products or services.
5) Be relevant removing unnecessary information.
6) Be humble.
7) Be patient as search engines and directories can take up to 6 months to index and list site.