Directory Submission Guide
A step-by-step guide to submitting your website to directories effectively
Why Submit to Directories?
Web directories remain a valuable part of any SEO strategy when used correctly. Quality directory submissions can help you:
- Build legitimate backlinks from established domains
- Increase your website's visibility in search results
- Drive referral traffic from relevant categories
- Establish your business presence across the web
- Improve local SEO for location-based businesses
Before You Start
Prepare Your Website Information
Have the following details ready before submitting:
- Website URL: Your full website address (https://example.com)
- Business Name: Your official company or website name
- Description: A unique 150-300 word description (avoid duplicates!)
- Keywords: 5-10 relevant keywords for your business
- Category: Know which category best fits your site
- Contact Email: A professional email address
Write Multiple Descriptions
Create 3-5 unique descriptions of varying lengths. This prevents duplicate content issues and allows you to tailor submissions to each directory's requirements.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Focus on directories with higher Domain Authority (DA) scores. A few links from DA 40+ directories are worth more than dozens from low-quality sites.
The Submission Process
Find the Right Category
Browse the directory's category structure carefully. Submitting to the most specific, relevant category increases your chances of approval and provides better SEO value.
Fill Out the Form Completely
Complete every field in the submission form. Incomplete submissions are often rejected. Pay attention to:
- Character limits for titles and descriptions
- Required vs optional fields
- Image/logo upload requirements
- Reciprocal link requirements (if any)
Follow Directory Guidelines
Each directory has its own rules. Common requirements include:
- No affiliate or redirect URLs
- Working website with original content
- No adult or illegal content
- Professional design and functionality
- Valid contact information
After Submission
Track Your Submissions
Use our Chrome extension to mark directories as submitted, approved, or rejected. This helps you:
- Avoid duplicate submissions
- Monitor approval rates
- Identify which directories work best
- Plan follow-up submissions
Be Patient
Directory approval can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. Free submissions typically take longer than paid ones. Don't resubmit if you don't hear back immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Duplicate Content: Using the same description across all directories
- Wrong Categories: Submitting to irrelevant categories for more exposure
- Keyword Stuffing: Overloading descriptions with keywords
- Spammy Anchors: Using exact-match anchor text excessively
- Mass Submission: Submitting to hundreds of directories at once
- Ignoring Quality: Prioritizing quantity over directory quality
Recommended Submission Schedule
For best results, pace your submissions naturally:
Ready to Start?
Browse our curated list of quality directories and start building your backlink profile today.