Increased Website Traffic: Online Directories

Along with all the variables that help search engines decide how valuable your website is, Link Popularity is an important contributor to the overall page ranking equation. The idea is that the more sites that link to a particular website or web page, the more important that page must be.

The best way to build your website's link popularity is by generating links which point from other websites into your site without exchanging links which point out.

The best way to do this is by submitting your site to

1. Major website directories
2. Second tier directories
3. Subject themed directories and hubs

In the interest of increased website traffic via increased link popularity, there are three major directories to think about submitting your site to.

1. The Yahoo! Directory is the original directory. So, a listing with yahoo will get your website major brownie points with the search engines. Although the Yahoo Directory doesn't pack a great deal of punch in terms of driving traffic itself, it's still considered to be one of the best links you can get. The only downside here is that submitting your site costs $299/yr. This fee is ONLY for site review by a directory editor and does not guarantee inclusion. So, be sure your site provides enough quality content to meet the submission guide lines before you decide to sign up.
2. DMOZ- Open Directory Project. Listing your site with Dmoz is a good idea for two important reasons. First, a listing with Dmoz is great for your site's link popularity. Second, it doesn't cost a thing. It's free. The only downside listing with Dmoz is the time it takes (3-6 months). Since the site is maintained by a group of volunteer editors who are up to their eyebrows in back-logged site submissions, getting around to your site in particular may take some time.
3. The LookSmart Directory. LookSmart has moved from an annual listing fee to a combination listing fee along with a pay-per-click charge. This can trun out to be a very expensive proposition over time.

In all honesty, if you are looking to maximize the benifits of listing your site with a directory (i.e., increased link pop, increased website traffic, etc.) versus the time and in some cases money you'll spend listing your site, Second Tier Directories are the best way to go.

Listing your site with a second tier directory is typically easier, not to mention cheaper than the major directories (usually $30 or less).

A great online tool you can use to help compare and contrast different directories, their cost for listings, as well as overall benefit is the directory list at StrongLinks.com

Listing with Themed Directories related to your website's topic of interest also provides a great return on your overall investment. Listings with these directories costs little or no money and are highly regarded resources by the search engines.

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