Online business directories are useful for consumers. They’re also handy for making your website more visible.

Why? Because directory submissions usually include a back link to your site, and quality back links from directories that have Page Ranks of 3 or more are good stuff.

You’ll probably be asked for at least two of the following pieces of information when submitting a directory entry. Here’s what to do to maximise the power of your website’s directory back links:

1. Title: This is the title of your online directory entry, the first thing people see. Make it work hard by using a key word or phrase. If your title is relevant to your website content, search engines will notice and make the connection. Always use a word or phrase that is meaningful to the consumer as well as to search engines
2. Description: This is the short paragraph that people see when they find your entry. So write it well and make it attractive. If they like what you say they’ll click on your link, so it is worth taking care. Search engines will respond well if it contains information that’s relevant to the title and to your website’s content
3. Keywords: Use the same key words you’ve included in your title and description
4. Meta descriptions aren’t a major factor in website ranking but, like meta keywords, they do contribute so are worth taking care over

Quality online directory submissions help improve your website’s visibility to search engines. But tracking down suitable directories and creating a decent entry for each one is time consuming.

Some marketers – black hats pulled firmly over their ears – resort to 100% automated directory submissions via clever software. But this isn’t ideal; automated directory entries can end up looking very spammy, and consistent long term visibility is all about quality.

Easysubmits.com delivers a really good compromise. Fill in a very simple, short form. Click a button or two. And you’re ready to submit your website to the vast list of directories provided on-site. 

What’s clever? Rather than spamming every directory on earth, easysubmits: 

• takes all the legwork out of creating entries by pre-filling the submission fields in each directory for you
• lets you edit your text slightly for each directory for variety and freshness. Try using the same text for five directories, then change it
• gives you space to include keywords and a good site description
• lets you target which directories are best for your business. I submit to directories with a page rank of 2 or more, and those that are relevant to my work as a freelance copywriter
• highlights which directories you’ve submitted to
• stores your information so you can go back and submit a few directory links whenever you have a few spare minutes

Wonderful. A smashing little site, worthy of any marketer or SEO’s toolbox: www.easysubmits.com