Submitted by: Matthew Bass
Business owners beware! That constant barrage of email and other forms of advertising pushing directory submission services is a waste of money. You know the ones, they tell you that they’ll submit your sites to hundreds of Internet directories for $29.95 (or other various prices). I’m sure most of them do what they say, and do in fact submit your site to all of those directories, but the simple truth is that the service they’re offering isn’t worth the price they’re charging.
Here’s why. When was the last time that you used an Internet directory to search for what you’re looking for instead of a search engine? You use search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing right?
So, should you do directory submission for your site? Absolutely, but not to the thousands of useless directories that have ravaged the Internet in recent years. Directories are a dime-a-dozen these days and the vast majority of them aren’t worth your time and won’t provide much value in your website search engine ranking. Some of the directories that I recommend that every valid business needs to be in are ones like Business.com, DMOZ, Best of the Web, etc.
Your reason for submitting these is two-fold: First, someone browsing those directories may see your site and contact you. Secondly, those sites are trusted by the search engines and a little link juice will be passed on to your site as a result of being listed in those prominent directories. Good links pointing to your site means better search engine rankings, more visitors to your website and more sales, leads, etc. if you’ve built your website correctly.
There are a host of other directories and social media sites that would be beneficial based on your particular business. Which directories related to your profession are prominent? One simple way to find professional directories is to search in Google for “your profession” + professional directory. Get creative with your searching and you’ll be sure to find some great directories.
Also, check into the professional associations that you’re already a member of to see if they have member profiles that allow a link to your website. One that should come to mind for everyone immediately is your local chamber of commerce membership. Make the most out of your profile in these organizations.
Here’s an alternative if you’re not weary about mass directory submission yet, and still have $29.95 burning a hole in your pocket. Spend it on something besides mass directory submissions. For example, you could get a decent writer to write an article for you about a product or service that your business sells. Make sure the article adds something of value to your potential customers if they take the time to read it. Take that article and post it on your website. Use it to begin building your reputation in your industry that you are in fact the go-to person for that product or service. Send a link to all of your prospects and customers – share the valuable information with them. Modify it slightly and use it as a press release (with a link back to your website).
About the Author: Matthew Bass is the CEO of
SEOFIX.com
– a search engine optimization company dedicated to helping small businesses by providing excellent
small business seo
services at affordable rates.
Source:
isnare.com
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