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
- https://uberall.com/en-gb/company/press-releases/listings-management-dramatically-boosts-local-search-visibility-according-to-uberall-study-of-115-000-business-locations
- https://www.brightlocal.com/resources/online-reviews-statistics/
- 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!
Back to top