How to Get Your Web Site Listed in the Search Engine Directories

(Part 2)

by Herman Drost

Submitting your web site to the search engine directories will give you a great boost in traffic. A listing in a large search engine directory like ODP (Open Directory Project) enables your web site to get indexed for free by the major search engines such as AskJeeves, AOLSearch, Google, and Lycos. Directories will also help increase your page ranking. However getting listed in the search engine directories is more difficult than the major search engines. Preparation and patience is needed.

In Part 1 we covered "How to Get Your Web Site Listed in the Major Search Engines" So what's the difference between the major search engines and major search engine directories?

Search engines are often confused as being the same as search directories.

A search engine is a web-based software tool that enables the user to locate sites and pages on the web based on the information they contain.

Search directories use people, so you are dependant on these editors to put in a description of your website that will cover the keyword phrases that you need. Therefore, before submitting your site to a directory, think carefully about the description that you enter.

How to prepare your web site for search engine directory submissions.

Research the best keywords - use the overture suggestion tool or WordTracker tool to find the keywords best suited for your site. It's no point entering words in a directory that don't relate to your site or are not often searched for. Include these keywords in your page content and in each of your meta tags.

Evaluate your site - search directories are more particular about allowing web sites to get listed than search engines. Therefore make sure your site has no broken links, includes relevant content-based pages, loads quickly (within 10 seconds), is easy to navigate, and has cross browser compatibility.

Prepare your title - if you are a business enter your business name i.e. Drost Web Design. If you don't have a business name use the name of your site i.e. iSiteBuild.com. Don't use a long title. This may help you get listed in the search engines but not in the directories.

Write a description - remember that human beings are looking at your description so don't create an ad. Create a well-written description of about 25 words that clearly explains what your site has to offer.

Look professional - your web site should have a professional appearance. Don't just put up a bunch of affiliate links to other sites or just have a one page sales letter.

Submit your site - navigate through the directory to find the best category for your web site. Don't just include what you think is the most popular but the most targeted category. An easy way to find out is to enter your search terms in the directory.

Be patient - it can take months or sometimes even years to get listed. This is because there are thousands of sites being submitted every day. If your site has not been listed after 3 months, then resubmit.

Guarantee - there is no guarantee to get listed as the categories may already be filled. There may also be a backlog of sites to be reviewed. Therefore concentrate your efforts on other marketing methods.

In Part 3 of this article we'll discuss the detailed requirements for submitting your web site to each Major Search Engine Directory in order to attract thousands of targeted visitors.

Herman Drost is the author of the popular ebook: "101 Highly Effective Strategies to Promote Your Web Site" Subscribe to his "Marketing Tips" newsletter for more original articles. You can read more of his in-depth articles at http://www.isitebuild.com/articles.

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