Directories and Search Engine Optimization
Internet Directories provide many of the search results for the major search engines. You can hand-submit to many of the major directories without charge but be prepared to wait weeks or months for your site to become listed. Alternatively you can submit your website to the directories using paid inclusion, which will result in a more rapid listing.
It is a good idea to optimize your website before submitting it for paid inclusion in directories. Paid inclusions only guarantee that your website will be indexed in the directory, not that it will be well ranked. A poorly optimized website will very likely be listed towards the bottom of search results.
We generally do not suggest using paid inclusion for the main search engines. A carefully constructed and well written website should be listed naturally within a few months.
Country Specific Directories
There are many country specific search directories and if your website is based in Canada, it is a good idea to be placed in these since people often use the search term "Canada" to refine their keyword searches.
Industry Specific Directories
Submit your site to directories that focus on your industry or market. These directories may very well have strong page rankings and will contain relevant content - factors that will benefit your website when you become listed.
Take time to carefully optimize your website, submit it to major directories as well as country specific and industry specific directories and be patient. You will be rewarded with favourable rankings in search engine results.
