Directory submissions used to be a very big part of most search marketers traffic and link building efforts. That’s changed a great deal in the past few years or so but some directories are still important and have been consistent in their quality guidelines and ability to offer link/traffic benefit.
A short list of our favorite directories include:
- Yahoo Directory
- DMOZ (albeit grudgingly – just submit and forget about it)
- Business.com
- Microsoft bCentral Small Business Directory
- JoeAnt
- BOTW.org (oldest directory on the web)
In fact, it looks like Brian, Greg and the Best of the Web team are at it again with a special Halloween promotion. 15% off on any directory submissions to BOTW.org by October 31st and the chance to win a plasma HDTV.
If you’ve been to SES or Pubcon conferences, then you’ve definitley seen the ubiquitous black shirts from BOTW worn by their staff and conference attendees. In fact, if you go to an after-conference event, don’t be surprised if 25% of the people are wearing their “BOTW colors”. That kind of fan base doesn’t come from running a second rate directory.
Here are some additional resources on directories and directory submissions:
- ISEDB
- Top Ten Web Directories for You White Hats – Link Building Blog
- TrustRank and the Company You Keep – Aaron Wall
- Weigh in on Directory Submission  РDo They Have Any Juice? РEGOL at SEOMoz
Hey Lee,
I ran across your article from a Google search here. After reading your article, I wanted to add to it.
I can’t agree enough about the importance of having your site listed in these directories. This day in age, people feel that these directories are nothing more than ghost towns… but it seems that we know differently.
I have just written two very nice articles regarding Dmoz.org. One talks about how being listed in Dmoz.org can affect your PageRank, and my second article is similar to your article here, but also talks more in depth about what I would suggest being the top five musts in order to get a successful listing in Dmoz.org.
I want to invite you to view these articles and offer your opinions about it. I have bookmarked your site and also subscribed to your rss feed. I will now be able to stay updated with your publications.
Take care, and excellent post.
– Garry
Thanks Garry, I’ll take a look.
A few others I thought worth noting including…
sevenseek.com
skaffe.com
gimpsy.com
web-beacon.com
botw the oldest directory? I think Yahoo might take that distinction.
Since age (both domain and links) is a G factor, I sometimes wonder
what might provide better ROI over directory links.
e.g.
Buy aged domains already in previously mentioned directories and
include your link?
Seek out authority sites worth pursuing IBL’s from?
Great site Lee. I shall return.
Hm.. Never pay attention to Directory submission until reading this. Thanks !
Regards,
Lobster
MOD of DTM Money Making Forum
Hey SEOsnafu, thanks for stopping by. FYI BOTW is indeed the oldest directory on the web. They started in 1994. Yahoo! was incorporated in 1995.
Lee, good list. As mentioned above the only ones I’d add would be
skaffe.com
gimpsy.com
That’s all. I guess that kills the other 4,573 other directories. 🙂
I am one of the persons that encourage the directory submission. Maybe some of the easiest ways to promote to your website is to write articles and publish them in article directories and to submit your website to directories.
I Guess Business.com is shut down now, but there are few more which should be included like goguides.org, gimpsy.com, sevenseek.com, skaffe.com.
So, far it is nice article.
This article and following comments have been very helpful. But is the cost of these directories really worth it for small businesses?
Sarah, probably not anymore, just BOTW.org. This post was written over a year ago. 🙂
Directory submissions used to be a very big part of most search marketers traffic and link building efforts. Really it is true.
DMOZ takes a very long time to get the site listed in. I am still waiting after a year !!!
Awesome article.
Here is one great directory i always used.
http://directory.dreamteammoney.com