Increase Search Engine Visibility with Free Web Directories

October 7th, 2005

What is Search Engine Visibility anyway? Roughly speaking it refers to the presence of your Web site in search engine results pages (SERPs) for searches (search terms or phrases) that are relevant to your content. It also refers to how high your Web site rises through the other sites in those results.

As you know, returning at #1 on Google’s SERPs for a specific term is better than being at #1000. In that position, your Web site is highly visible. The best way to rise through the ranks is to demonstrate the relevance of your Web site’s content. The primary way to do this is to create keyword rich content for your Web site. That done, you will benefit from some ways to increase the relevance of your content through incoming Web links.

Finding free ways to promote your Web site and increase your Search Engine Visibility is not a difficult task. It can, however, be overwhelming when you do not know where to start. I encourage my clients to investigate free Web directories within their niche. Many such directories exist.

If you have a Web log, make sure to submit your Blog URL to any Blog Directories you can find. If your niche is public speaking a Google search for public speaker directory might turn up some opportunities. Perhaps you have created your own product and want to be found in a directory listing for artisans or are a maple syrup producer. Publishers and authors also have similar opportunities online. There is likely a directory out there wanting to list every conceivable Web site, just use some imagination and time to search for them and submit your own Web site.

Some words of caution. Evaluate each directory you submit your Web site to for professional design that will enable people searching the directory to find your Web site. Without this, no PEOPLE will find your valuable content. It may indirectly improve your search engine results because of an added link. It is my belief that an incoming link from any site that is not usable for PEOPLE (Who is the audience for your Web site? Robots or People?) is not likely to have a long term positive impact on your Web site.

Many free directories request return links. Only oblige them if you feel the directory offers real value for your Web site visitors. Do not dilute your valuable Web site content with irrelevant links to meaningless lists of businesses.

Use the big guys. Submit your Web site to the big directories such as the Open Directory, Google Local, Yahoo! Local, and join local Chambers of Commerce and other organizations that offer Web site links for members.

Listings in directories that require confirmation of your physical address will offer you a higher level of online credibility. With credibility come trust and a willingness to purchase your products and services online. In addition, search engines do not count all links as created equal. Some of these larger directories will have a greater impact on your search engine visibility than others.

Entry Filed under: Internet Marketing