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Online Directory Submission Dos and Don'ts

person completing a paper form similar to submitting your website to an online directory

If, after reading our previous post on Why Online Directories Still Matter, you're still uncertain of the value of online directory listings, consider these findings:

  • Visibility Boost: Having your site mentioned in 31-40 places on the web can increase visibility by nearly 60%.(1)
  • Trust in Reviews: 79% of us say that we trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.(2)

Since getting citations (listings) on trusted sites like Yelp, Angie, BBB, and other directories is important to the success of small business websites, it's critical that we complete our submission requests correctly. Here are some 9 Dos and 9 Don'ts that you'll want to follow.

Table of Contents

Online Directory Submission Dos and Don'ts

Tips for Submitting Your Website to Online Directories

Do: Research and Select High-Quality Directories

Focus on reputable directories that are relevant to your industry and have high domain authority (PageRank).

Do: Use Unique Descriptions

Create unique and engaging descriptions for each directory submission to avoid duplicate content issues and highlight your business's strengths.

Do: Include Complete, Accurate, and Consistent Information

Fill out all available fields, including descriptions, hours of operation, and services offered. Ensure consistency in your business name, address, phone number (NAP), and other details across all directories.

Do: Optimize Your Listings

Include relevant keywords naturally in your business descriptions and add high-quality images to attract more clicks and engagement. A 2013 study by MDG Advertising found that content with compelling images attracts 94% for viewer than those without. And including images can improve recall three days later by 65%.(3)

Do: Encourage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews can boost your credibility and attractiveness. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and actively respond to them.

Do: Submit Gradually

Spread out your submissions over time to avoid appearing as spam to search engines. (See our detailed step-by-step directory submission schedule.)

Do: Choose Relevant Categories

Select the most relevant categories for your business to ensure it appears in the right search results within the directory.

Do: Keep Information Updated

Regularly update your directory listings with any changes in your business information.

Do: Keep Good Records of Your Submissions

Track your submissions to avoid duplicate entries and to keep your listings updated.

Do: Keep Good Records of Your Submissions

Clients tell us that directory submission services work great, at first. But the minute you stop paying the monthly maintenance fee, all those listings are immediately cancelled.

Common Mistakes When Submitting to Online Directories

Don't: Include Low-Quality Directories

Avoid directories with low domain authority or poor moderation, as they can harm your SEO efforts. (Visit our recommended, authoritative list of reputable web directories.)

Don't: Submit to All Directories at Once

Gradual submissions help avoid the appearance of manipulative link-building practices. (Use our recommended submission schedule reputable web directories as a guide.)

Don't: Use Duplicate Content

Avoid using the exact same description for all directory listings to prevent negative SEO impacts.

Don't: Ignore Reviews

Engage with reviewers to show that you value customer feedback, both positive and negative.

Don't: Submit Duplicate Listings

Ensure you don’t create multiple listings for the same business on a single directory.

Don't: Enter Inconsistent Information

Inconsistencies in your business information can harm your SEO, brand credibility, and frustrate potential customers.

Don't: Keyword Stuff

Avoid overloading your business description with keywords to prevent appearing spammy.

Don't: Use Generic Descriptions

Use specific, engaging, and detailed descriptions that highlight what makes your business unique.

Don't: List an Inactive or Low-Quality Email Address

Use an active email address to respond to inquiries or updates needed on your listings. Using a custom domain email may provide a more professional appearance but be sure that you're consistent across all directories. Maintaining uniformity in your business listings is important.

Summary

If you follow the above tips for how to submit a website to online directories, you'll increase the chances of boosting your search engine rankings, increasing qualified, targeted website traffic, and establishing a trustworthy reputation with your customers.

Sources

  1. https://uberall.com/en-gb/company/press-releases/listings-management-dramatically-boosts-local-search-visibility-according-to-uberall-study-of-115-000-business-locations
  2. https://www.brightlocal.com/resources/online-reviews-statistics/
  3. https://www.mdgsolutions.com/learn-about-multi-location-marketing/its-all-about-the-images-infographic/

For help reaching your online goals, call us. We've helped hundreds of clients succeed online and we'd love the opportunity to help you, as well!

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