We already know that directory submissions are important to search engine ranks. But how do directories really affect them?

So many factors are involved when search engines calculate a site’s particular ranking in the listings for any given keyword.  But search engines take into account highly the number of quality, relevant links from trusted sites.  The quickest and most effective way to build relevant links is through directories.  That is because they are relatively inexpensive compared to other methods of link building, and they have merit in search engines for the most part.  But the important thing to remember is that not all directories are created equal.

Often on free directories, your link is lost in a sea of irrelevant links.  This isn’t going to hurt your rakings necessarily, but it’s not going to help much either.  The types of directories that remain are paid directories and bid directories.  Paid directories are great and usually offer the most benefit.  However, most paid directories charge more than the link is actually worth.  To list your link on several paid directories would cost a fortune.  Only listing on a few paid directories isn’t going to give you the benefit your site needs.  The best alternative is bid directories.  Bid directories are best because the links are listed in order of bid amount and are highly categorized.  The webmaster gets to decide where on the directory they would like to list their site, depending on their budget.  Then at any time, the bid can be increased, thus increasing the position on the directory.  The category structure allows webmasters to pinpoint a relevant location for their listing on the directory, which will help users browsing the site find what they are looking for more easily, as well as helping search engines find your site.  The best part of all–the top 10 links on bid directories appear on the homepage.

Bidding directories are not only great for increasing your search engine rankings and visibility, but also they will often provide your site with direct traffic from the directory!  Because of the structure of bidding directories, they are very user friendly and visitors to the directory are more likely to follow a link to your site.  Unlink free directories, where your link is buried in a sea of links, on bidding directories you have the ability to be listed on the homepage (remember, top 10 are listed on the homepage).  Even if you are not listed on the homepage, the category structure allows visitors to quickly find the site that they are looking for.

Bid directories work both ways–for search engine rankings and for direct traffic.  If you’re looking for a place to start with bidding directories, submit to our directory, Your Bid Directory.  You can get a permanent listing on the directory for only $1, with the option of adding to your bid at any time.  Click here to submit to Your Bid Directory and watch your rankings increase as well as traffic.

If you have any suggestions or things you would like to say, leave a comment!  I’d be glad to hear from you.

Good luck!  -Andrew