Directory Submissions

Directory submission is an extremely popular and sometimes over-utilized method of search engine optimization.  By itself, getting listed on directories may help your rankings some, but you must remember the Natural Rule, if all you do is get listed on directories and little else, the search engines will recognize the pattern of links and degrade their value.

Websites that list everybody with no editorial involvement tend to have low page rank.  Additionally, those sites that require a reciprocal link are often recognized as "link farms" and can actually damage your page rank.  We strongly advise against the use of submission services that blindly submit your site to millions of websites.  These companies typically use an off-the-shelf software tool that anyone can buy, and the results tend to be poor at best for little or no consideration is placed on the details of the submission as it relates to each directory.

Directory submission, when done correctly, is a labor intensive task, if it weren't, the search engines would further degrade the value of all directories.

Below is a list of some the world's highest page rank directories.  The higher ranking sites have "human" editors that review and approve your listing, hence the search engines give them higher ranking due to the editorial process.  The editors typically make sure you are listing in the proper category and that your website is worthy of a link.  In many cases, submissions will not result in a link due to the human interaction.  Specifically, DMOZ is now nearly impossible to get listed as the "volunteer" editors have thousands of websites to review, additionally, secondary submittals negat the first submittal and can permanently get you blacklisted from the site.

In summary, directory submittals should only be done by professional and experienced people, not softwares, or you will get little or no value and at worst harm your page rank.