Directory Submissions - Should I or Shouldn't I?

[lindastacy]

I haven't submitted my sites to directories, but I've been thinking perhaps I should. Researching the question results in opposing views. What do you think? Is it worth the time and effort? What if any potentially negative consequences are there to submitting to directories? Should I use free submissions too or only paid submissions?

Of course if I go for it I want to submit to only quality directories. Do you have recommendations?

And finally, is there a directory submission "how to"? Who's the expert?

Sorry... that's a lot of questions! If each person who replies just answers one or two it will still be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

[Oregon Coast Guy]

Getting quality backlinks to your sites are very importlant...it tells Google how cool you are!

1-way backlinks are the best, from them to you. Be picky. If the directory doesn't INSIST on a return link, don't...or pass it by if it does.

Make sure to deep link into directories when at all possible. If your site is about gardening in Arizona, find categories that will match your niche.

Look for specific directories that have to do with your niche....they're out there.

I had a couple URLs for you that would help a lot, but I can't locate them

A great free tool to use for backlinks and everything else in the universe is Search It. You can find it at

Hope this helps a tad.

Regards,

Tony

[terrapin719]

Definitely look for one way links from directories, otherwise you end up with all those little buttons or text links on your site and that's no fun.

I don't think it hurts anything to submit to directories, but I wouldn't spend a lot of time on it either. I did submit my blogs to a handful of blog directories here and there early on.

I don't think they'll bring a rush of traffic, but they might bring a little trickle!

[angienewton]

Wish I could help ya Linda but I haven't submitted to any directories. I will be very interested to hear what everyone else has to say though. One way backlinks are something I do need to work on for sure.

[lindastacy]

Thanks for the comments so far. Anyone else have suggestions, especially for a how-to expert resource?

[terrapin719]

[ricky steve]

[morkelkey]

I will say that in checking my back links this morning that considerably more had underscores than hyphens even though I know the majority of my back links have more.