Improve Rankings With Directory Submissions

Did you know that it's possible to get higher rankings with the help of directories?  A lot of of people are down on directories.  This is largely because of Google's announcement a couple of years ago about paid links. They professed that they are discounting the value of paid links.

How Does Google Even Know?

Google is able to identify sites and directories that force individuals to pay for a listing.  This is pretty easy to do as you might imagine.  That said there are many more websites charging for links behind the scenes.  They may be approached by potential advertisers and offer a paid link program.  This works for both advertiser and web site because the link value is not discounted by the presence of pay for options.

Paid links may still be valuable with directories however.  I believe that Google is still placing a value on some directories.  In fact, you'll find some of the top ranked web sites in most major directories.  

What Should You Do?

My recommendation is that you don't spend a ton of time submitting to directories but make sure they are part of your search engine optimization program.  A steady building of links from directories can certainly work in your favor.  The key is to carefully choose the directories and only pay for experss inclusion.. not for a featured listing of some sort.

Directory submissions are essential for an optimal SEO campaign.  Begin with a listing of top directories and manually submit.  Do not use automated services.  Careful selection and manual submission is the way to go.  Happy directory submitting!