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Submitting_Your_Site_to_Search_Directories
| Submitting Your Site to Search Directories
Getting your site listed in the search engines directories can
be a time-consuming and complicated process. But, with a little
effort, research and patience it can be done.
This guide will take you through the steps that will ensure your
site gets listed.
What are directories?
Unlike search engines that use spiders to crawl the Web looking
for content and links, (Google, Inktomi, Alta Vista) directories
are powered by people.
Many charge a fee to get listed (paid inclusion or
pay-per-click). They include Yahoo!, LookSmart and The Open
Directory. It is possible to list your site for free but paying
for listings will speed up the process and generate more search
engine related traffic for your site.
Before submitting to directories you’ll want to sit down and
prepare a 25 word or less description of your site making use of
two or three key terms or phrases that describe your site. When
deciding on your phrases think about what words people will use
to search for your product or service. For example, if your site
sells window coverings you may want to write your description
like this:
“Purchase custom draperies, blinds, shades, wood shutters, sheer
curtains, and other window coverings plus browse our drapery
fabrics”
Don’t be tempted to use “marketing speak” in your description.
Use the facts and include as many relevant keywords as you can.
If you’re planning on using the paid inclusion services you’ll
want to establish a submission budget beforehand. Currently, I’d
estimate around $800 or so, although prices have a habit of
increasing so you may need more.
Submitting your site to…
Yahoo!
Yahoo! has two submission options:
1.Standard submission (non-commercial) - Free 2 Express
Submission – $300 annual fee
For a free standard submission click on the “suggest a site”
link and fill out the submission form.
For paid submission go to
http://add.yahoo.com/fast/add?+business
LookSmart
Before MSN announced it was switching to Inktomi, LookSmart was
the power horse behind their popular search engine. In fact, MSN
accounted for half of LookSmart’s revenue. But don’t let MSN’s
departure stop you from submitting to LookSmart – it still
distributes to other search engines so it’s important to get
your site listed.
Like Yahoo! LookSmart has a free submit (non-commercial) option
and a paid submit for commercial ones.
To submit for free go to www.zeal.com and sign up as a member.
Once you’ve completed the form and passed the test you can
submit your site using the “manage” option and the “Add a site”
link.
To submit for paid inclusion go to www.listings.looksmart.com
and fill out the online form. LookSmart’s paid listings are
priced on a cost-per-click (CPC)basis. Meaning you only pay when
a user clicks on your listing and visits your web site. A $0.15
CPC is given for the first 5,000 clicks when you pay with a
credit card online. Any clicks after 5,000 are billed at your
business category rate, which ranges from $0.23 to $0.75 per
click.
The Open Directory
Although the Open Directory is volunteer built it is essential
to Web site owners. Submission is free but the turnaround time
for a yes or no answer to your submission may take a long time.
To submit your site visit www.dmoz.org, identify your category
then use the “add URL” form. Fill out the form and you’re done.
There are other smaller and directories you may also want to
consider. They include: GoGuides, Gimpsy, JoeAnt and Web-Beacon.
About the author:
Julia is an independent copywriter and consultant specializing
in search engine copywriting, web site promotion and print
communications. To learn more about how Julia can help increase
your company's sales visit her web site at www.juliahyde.com.
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