Yes, it does, but only done right. Online directories, if you remember right, literally worked like a telephone book of the Internet that helped people a lot in their daily searches. But things have much changed now. Unless you undergo the right directory, you’ll go haywire in the dense Internet jungle. Moreover, during this age of highly sophisticated search engines and still, more sophisticated Internet users, obtaining the specified SEO results from online directories could be a far cry. Yet another reason for which people are gradually losing faith in directories are the low-quality links obtained through equally low-quality directories that actually hurt their SEO efforts — a phenomenon recently created by Google after the issue of Panda and Penguin updates.
But does this all mean that we should always stop submitting to directories? Perhaps not; because online directories can surely boost your SEO, provided the work is done properly. However, here is the helpline.
Directory Quality
Directory Quality matters plenty. Since all directories aren’t made to perform equally well, choosing the proper one will make all the difference. the simplest thing will be to focus on those that are indexed by Google. Also, your preference should enter favor of submitting to paid directories in your niche. There are quite good many paid directories offering choice links since their editorial know-how invariably helps in ensuring quality. (Remember Google’s advice about going for quality links than quantity).
Relevance
Relevance is equally important. If you plan to submit to directories that are miles away from your niche, how does one expect your buyers to find you? Therefore, choose directories in your category or group. one among the ways of testing the relevancy of a directory involves search queries for your given keyword and then observing whether the directory functions. Alternatively, follow blogs(industry-wise) that give directory lists.
Variety
Variety is critical too. Effective directory strategy warrants that you simply create a diverse link profile consisting of content that includes varied keywords. Your best bet would be to write down interesting titles and descriptions containing both long- and short-tail keywords that are relevant to each directory. Directories actually offer a chance for marketers to reach new markets through a more diverse link profile, so using them for this purpose would be a completely unique idea.
Schedule your submission
Schedule your submission in order that they can have a better effect. Why not undergo the most relevant niche directories over time. The reality is, with the introduction of Panda and Penguin updates to Google’s algorithm, organic links are more highly valued than ever, and therefore the best way to get them is through building your SEO through natural search traffic.
Conclusion
Directory submission for SEO still works fine. But as I said earlier, it’s to be done appropriately. Adopt an up-so-far link-building strategy to your directory campaign to get the best results. Keep your traffic organic, the maximum amount possible while attracting the best quality links to boost your online visibility. Then relax and take a deep breath to observe how your intelligent efforts are paying off.
