How to submit your site to directories25 May 2005
Listings directories are human-edited online catalogues of websites. There are large directories with multiple categories (such as Yahoo and the Open Directory - see below for details), and there are also sector-specific and regional directories which emphasise sites in particular geographic areas or sectors.
Each directory uses a different method for listing sites, but most follow the same basic principle:
- They have a page listing broad headings such as 'Sports' or 'Shopping'.
- Users click on the heading of their choice, and gradually refine the category that interests them until they reach a page listing relevant sites.
Because directories are usually indexed by a human rather than by a computer (like a search engine is), they attract users looking for well-targeted search results, so being included can increase your traffic.
Getting listed
To get a listing, you must submit your homepage URL, usually using the directory's submission form (sometimes abbreviated to 'Add URL') and write a short description of what your site provides.
Your submission is then reviewed and ranked by an editor. Reviewers check every submission to decide if it belongs in a) that category and b) that directory.
The Search Engine Guide offers excellent tips about submitting your site to directories.
Popular directories
Open Directory
The DMOZ Open Directory is a project maintained and edited by an international community of volunteers. It offers listings arranged by category. Editors for different categories choose and list the websites submitted, and there is no charge for inclusion. A listing may increase traffic to your site, since information from the Open Directory index is used by the leading search engines and portals, including Google, AOL Search, Lycos and HotBot.
Yahoo
Yahoo is one of the most successful directories, and is noted for the quality of its indexing. To submit your site, you should first find a suitable index topic - in other words one that most closely reflects what your site is about.
Registration requires a summary of your site of no more than 25 words. Approval can take some time, and is by no means guaranteed.
Yahoo's express service, which involves paying a fee in exchange for quick consideration of your site, has been discontinued for its UK site, although the service is available for a fee of $299 on Yahoo's US site. Bear in mind that inclusion is not guaranteed even when you pay this fee - it just speeds up the consideration process.
LookSmart and Zeal
Zeal is a combination of paid and unpaid directories and is similar to the Open Directory. Commercial sites are charged a fee for inclusion, there are opportunities to become an editor, and information from the directory is used by several search engines. Zeal's unique feature is its interactivity, and registered users see themselves as a community aiming to provide information about only the best websites.
As well as these popular directories, there are countless other listings websites devoted to more specialised topics.
Link farms
A note of caution - avoid registering with "link farms". The directories carry a random selection of links with the sole purpose of improving website rankings. They can harm your website's reputation, as search engines often blacklist sites connected to link farms. Linking 101 has a useful checklist on how to spot link farms.
