2. Find
appropriate directories and submit to at least 2 per each blog
and web page entry.
Read their terms of service
Write good descriptions
Keep keyword density to 5% or less for each 300 word copy
Use your list of 100 or so keywords/phrases that you have developed
on your own. (The critical issue here is to develop a
keen insight into how these words/phrases are used by the masses of
'net users. Write down a few of your thoughts for each key phrase
search you do. Use as many notes for each key phrase as you are
comfortable with, but do use your notes this exercise pays
off in spades for the rest of your internet career!)
3. List of Popularity
Search Engines: The following search engines are believed to use
click popularity. Some get their results from the same source: i.e.
directhit provides results for askjeeves. However, it is still
assumed to be to our advantage to visit all these sites to improve
our click popularity.
www.yahoo.com
www.looksmart.com
www.altavista.com
www.excite.com
www.lycos.com
www.directhit.com
www.aol.com
www.askjeeves.com
www.nbci.com
www.iwon.com
4. Business Directory
Sites: these are sites that collect a complete listing of all
the businesses on the 'net. These come and go, but can still be a
useful tool to improve your popularity while they still exist.
Your goal is to find as many of
these sites as possible, get listed, then submit the listing page to
the search engines.
Some ways to find your free
niche directories:
Method 1: "Search Engine Search"
Go to your favorite search engine, and type in general keyword(s) related to
your site. For example, if I have a wedding caterer site, I would type in
"wedding." Usually, well-ranking niche directories will place in the Top 10
results. In this case WeddingLinksGalore.com is ranked #1 and mentions
in the description that the directory offers free links. Click through to the site
and look for an "Add a Link" or "Join Vendor Directory" button or link
somewhere in the navigation.
Method 2: "Directory Search"
Go to a standard directory, like the Google Directory, and click on
"Reference." Click on "Directories" and then select the major
category that relates to your web site. For example, if I have a CPA
site, I would click on "Business." At this point, I could choose to
submit the site to the general directories listed under "Business"
like CEOTrak.com or narrow my search further to "Accounting Firms"
like CPADirectory.com. Probably, I'd end up going through both the
"Business" and "Accounting Firms" categories and submitting my site to
all free directories that were relevant to my niche market.
Method 3: "Competition's Links"
Go to your favorite search engine and search for the web sites linking
to your competitor by typing in
link:http://www.competitorswebsite.com. Then click on each link and
find directories that your competitor submitted their site to. Or go
to your competitor's site using the Google Toolbar's Page Info
Backward Links feature.
Here's another tip: Don't be afraid to think outside the box when
searching for a free niche directory. When looking for a directory,
try to think of all markets that relate to your web site. You'd be
surprised at what counts as a related directory. For example, marketing
a general law practice, I came across a quality, free niche directory,
WorkIndex.com, that specializes in human resource issues. Because the
law practice does employment and labor law, they were eligible for a
submission to WorkIndex.com under their "Legal Issues" category.
Keep in mind that you might have to go through several directories
before you find some quality, free niche directories that are right
for you; however, your persistence will pay off. You will find some
great directories that will boost your link popularity and maybe even
bring in some quality, targeted traffic as well.
Free keyword research tools:
