Submitting Your Site To Search Directories

Getting your site listed in the search engines directories can be a time-consuming and complicated process. But, with a little effort, research and patience it can be done. This guide will take you through the steps that will ensure your site gets listed. What are directories? Unlike search engines that use spiders to crawl the Web looking for content and links, (Google, Inktomi, Alta Vista) directories are powered by people. Many charge a fee to get listed (paid inclusion or pay-per-click). They include Yahoo!, LookSmart and The Open Directory. It is possible to list your site for free but paying for listings will speed up the process and generate more search engine related traffic for your site. Before submitting to directories youll want to sit down and prepare a word or less description of your site making use of two or three key terms or phrases that describe your site. When deciding on your phrases think about what words people will use to search for your product or service. For example, if your site sells window coverings you may want to write your description like this: Purchase custom draperies, blinds, shades, wood shutters, sheer curtains, and other window coverings plus browse our drapery fabrics Dont be tempted to use marketing speak in your description. Use the facts and include as many relevant keywords as you can. If youre planning on using the paid inclusion services youll want to establish a submission budget beforehand. Currently, Id estimate around $ or so, although prices have a habit of increasing so you may need more. Submitting your site to Yahoo! Yahoo! has two submission options: .Standard submission (non-commercial) - Free Express Submission $ annual fee For a free standard submission click on the suggest a site link and fill out the submission form. For paid submission go to http://add.yahoo.com/fast/add?+business LookSmart Before MSN announced it was switching to Inktomi, LookSmart was the power horse behind their popular search engine. In fact, MSN accounted for half of LookSmarts revenue. But dont let MSNs departure stop you from submitting to LookSmart it still distributes to other search engines so its important to get your site listed. Like Yahoo! LookSmart has a free submit (non-commercial) option and a paid submit for commercial ones. To submit for free go to www.zeal.com and sign up as a member. Once youve completed the form and passed the test you can submit your site using the manage option and the Add a site link. To submit for paid inclusion go to www.listings.looksmart.com and fill out the online form. LookSmarts paid listings are priced on a cost-per-click (CPC)basis. Meaning you only pay when a user clicks on your listing and visits your web site. A $. CPC is given for the first , clicks when you pay with a credit card online. Any clicks after , are billed at your business category rate, which ranges from $. to $. per click. The Open Directory Although the Open Directory is volunteer built it is essential to Web site owners. Submission is free but the turnaround time for a yes or no answer to your submission may take a long time. To submit your site visit www.dmoz.org, identify your category then use the add URL form. Fill out the form and youre done. There are other smaller and directories you may also want to consider. They include: GoGuides, Gimpsy, JoeAnt and Web-Beacon.