Optimizing Directory Submissions

Have you ever submitted your website to a directory to boost your ranking in Google?

If you have ventured through this often times mundane process, you know that each directory you submit to requires a “title” for your website. Providing a title is part of the submission process and will act as your “anchor text” for your website link.

Anchor text is simply the text in your link that is clickable, and is what the search engines use to determine what your site is related to. If your directory title has anchor text with the keywords you are targeting you will do better in the search engines for that keyword. Anchor text is important, so paying close attention to this sometimes overlooked element will provide great dividends in the long run. With any link you build to your site (not just directory links) it is always important to try and optimize the link text for the keywords you are targeting to the best of your ability.

Here is an example of anchor text – Real Estate SEO.  The words “Real Estate SEO” is the anchor text (clickable link text) for the domain www.westbridgesolutions.com.

So it seems that during your directory submission all you have to do is provide a good title with your keywords in them. Sound simple enough? Not so fast… high quality directories will not allow you to just place keywords in your title. They don’t favor this optimization technique and will automatically change your title to your personal name, agency name, or decline your submission altogether. The directories view this as a spamming technique and have set up guidelines against it. Not getting a keyword rich anchor text can be a blow to your search engine efforts, since usually your name and agency name do not have the keywords you are targeting in them. Also, high quality directories can cost you money, and you certainly want to get the best return for your submission and investment.

So what can a person do to optimize the anchor text in the directory submission for the keywords they are targeting, without looking like a spammer
and getting the submission declined.

Here is a proven technique that works well, and one that I have had personal dialogue with a directory administrator about. Place a keyword rich title in the top left of your website. Directories consider the “title” of your website the text you have in the top left or top right of your website. Directories first choose the top left of your website to look for this text, then will move to the top right if no text is found on the left. This text at the top left of your website can be used for your “anchor text” for your title in the directory submission.

If you don’t have a keyword rich title in the top left of your website it would be wise to put one there. This is mostly important if you plan on using directory submissions as part of your SEO efforts. If you are wondering…Yes, quality directories still give you a boost in the search engines, and are a method I recommend utilizing as a part of your overall SEO marketing efforts.

If you submit to high quality directories without any text in the top left or top right of your website, the directory your submitting to may revert to your personal name or agency name for your title. They will choose your personal name or agency name over your domain name. So having a good title for your website is important to consider.

Here are a couple examples of real estate websites utilizing this method.
http://www.augustagatownhomes.com/ – utilizes keywords “Augusta Townhomes” in top left
http://www.augustalistingexpert.com/ – utilizes keywords “Augusta Listing” in top left
http://www.augustarealestateconnection.com/ – utilizes keywords “Augusta Real Estate” in top left

If you have already submitted to quality directories and have been given a “bad” title. You can change your website with a keyword rich title in the top left and then contact the directory to change your title in their directory. I personally had to do this for a real estate website and the change was accepted with no hassles. I can’t guarantee that all directories will change your anchor text, but the worst they can say is “no”. If they accept the change you have gained a boost, so you have nothing to lose and quite a bit to gain.

Note: Do not try this keyword title technique with the DMOZ directory. When submitting to the DMOZ directory, just use your name and agency name, since this will give you the best chance in being accepted. With the DMOZ directory, any anchor text is better than none.

Finally, I must tell you that there are quite a few low quality free directories that have no problem with any title you choose, so submitting to them would be easy, but may not give you a good return in the search engines. So be wise when submitting to directories. Most of the directories out there are a waste of time and money. There are only a few high quality directories that I recommend and submit to regularly (General and Niche). One of those is Best of the Web!. This is a high quality directory with human editors and has been good for SEO efforts. You would be wise to submit to this one.

So in summary, supply a good title for your website, submit to quality directories with your good title, and enjoy the benefits that follow.  You can also contact the directories if you have questions about submitting to them, most should be happy to assist you.

Lee West