Link building is an integral component of any successful SEO strategy. By securing links from relevant and authoritative websites, link building can improve website visibility and drive additional traffic to it. An effective method for link building is through directories.
Directories are websites that categorize and list other websites. They offer users searching for specific information or services an invaluable resource, while they're an effective way to acquire backlinks to your own website. In this article we'll explore how relevant, targeted directories can help with link building efforts. But first... What exactly are directories?
Directory websites provide users searching for specific information or services with an invaluable resource, often organized by topic or industry to enable easy discovery of relevant websites.
From an SEO standpoint, directories are an effective way of building backlinks to your website. Directory links tend to be seen as more valuable due to being harder to acquire; furthermore, many established directories can increase website authority and visibility - here's how you can locate directories:
First step of using directories for link building: Find relevant directories within your industry or niche. Here are a few strategies for finding relevant directories:
Google search: One of the easiest and simplest ways to locate directories is via Google. Simply enter in your industry or niche name along with "directory," and see what comes up.
Competitor Analysis: Another way of discovering directories is to examine your competitors' backlinks using tools like Ahrefs or Moz. Analysing competitors' backlink profiles allows you to see if any links come from directories.
Industry Associations: Many industries maintain association directories of member websites, so check for associations in your industry to see if any have one that could list you in its directory.
Local Directories: When marketing physical locations, be sure to look into local directories as these can increase visibility in local search results. How Can I Select The Proper Directories
Once you have identified a list of directories, it's essential to select only those that will bring real benefit for SEO purposes. Not all directories are created equal and some may even hinder it with low quality or spammy listings. Here are a few key points when selecting directories:
Relevance: Your directory should reflect your industry or niche. Ensure it addresses topics or audiences of particular concern to you.
Authority: When looking for directories, ensure they have an established track record and high domain authority; this will help your website's authority increase as a result.
Traffic: When selecting directories to list on, ensure they have traffic and engagement levels sufficient to drive visitors back to your own website. This will be beneficial in driving new leads towards you.
Editorial Standards: Look for directories that adhere to strict editorial standards. Look out for those that employ manual review processes as this can ensure only high-quality websites make it into their directory. Submit Your Website To Directories (TIP 4)
Once you've selected relevant directories to target, the next step should be submitting your website to them. Here are some tips for doing so:
Follow the directory's guidelines: Each directory will have specific submission guidelines; be sure to read and follow them closely, as failing to do so could result in your submission being declined.
Select an Appropriate Category for Your Website: Make sure that you choose an applicable category for your website in order to ensure it can be easily found by users and listed appropriately on search engines. This will help guarantee its visibility and be more likely to attract traffic.
Utilize descriptive titles and descriptions: When submitting your website, make sure it uses titles and descriptions that accurately reflect its purpose and content. This will make it easier for visitors to comprehend why they should visit your site and understand why.
Include accurate contact details: Some directories require that you submit contact details, including your name, email address and phone number. It is important that these details are current and correct in order to build trust among editors as well as visitors of your website.
Submit to quality directories: Not all directories are equal - some may possess more authority and influence than others, so it's crucial that your submissions focus on high-quality directories that can positively affect SEO and visibility of your site.
Track Your Submissions: Keep track of which directories and when you have submitted your website. This can help avoid repeat submissions to a directory and can also show which directories drive the most traffic to your website.
Submitting your website to relevant, high-quality directories can be an effective link building strategy to increase its visibility and search engine rankings. By following the tips in this article and selecting directories relevant to your niche or industry, you can maximize the effect of your link building efforts and help make sure that your website stands out among its peers online.