There are plenty of services out there that offer automated directory submissions, and the prices look extremely attractive. Unfortunately, as with many things in life, the older and slower way of doing things is actually the best! Manual directory submissions ensure that your site is included; but this is just one of several best practices for a seemingly point-and-click process that help ensure that the money you invest in directory submissions actually has the desired SEO effect. We check out some of the practices that are essential to effective directory submissions here. Using anchor text Unless the directory requires that you only include URLs with their physical address, not using anchor text in directory submissions is a missed opportunity the size of an airbus! It links your site to your keywords in Google, doubling the effectiveness of the link. Indexed directories If your own website isn’t indexed by Google, it won’t appear ANYWHERE in the search results for your keywords! Similarly, if any of the directories you submit to aren't indexed by Google (usually due to webmaster error or black hat SEO tactics), there is no point listing your website there. Related pages and directories For best effect, submit your website to a directory that is somehow within your niche (either industry-wise, or location-wise). Then make sure you are listed in the most relevant category for your business. Google will assign more relevancy to a link when calculating your link popularity if the link's context is relevant to your site. Identifying relevance Not sure whether Google will think the page is relevant to your business or not? There's a quick way to help on some web pages - look for Google AdSense ads. If you have to, press Ctrl+F in your browser, ands search for 'Ads by Google'. You'll notice themes within the ads, and this will tell you what Google thinks the page is about. If it's left field of your product offering, check out some different categories for your directory submission.
Article Source: http://bizymoms.com/business
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Online Advertising.