Submitting your website to web directories was once a cornerstone of SEO strategy. While directory links carry less weight than they once did, quality directory submissions can still provide valuable backlinks and referral traffic.
Quality Web Directories
- 1234 Find Web Designers — Web design directory
- SEO Search Guide — SEO focused directory
- XTLinks — General web directory
- Perfect Free Web Hosting — Hosting directory
Directory Submission Best Practices
- Submit to relevant, niche-specific directories when possible
- Use your target keywords in the site title and description
- Write a unique, accurate description for each submission
- Choose the most relevant category for your site
- Prioritize human-edited directories over automated ones
- Focus on quality over quantity
Types of Directories
General Directories
Large, general-purpose directories that accept websites from all categories. Examples include DMOZ (now closed), Best of the Web, and Yahoo Directory.
Niche Directories
Focused on specific industries or topics. These often carry more SEO value for relevant websites because the links come from topically related sources.
Local Directories
Important for businesses targeting local customers. Google My Business, Yelp, and local chamber of commerce directories are valuable for local SEO.