Recently it appears that Google has updated the PageRank across the board. My site went up from a PR 1 to a PR 2. I have been doing some directory work lately and could contribute that work to the increase in PR. From other posts you can see my relation and opinion about the importance of relevant reciprocal linking. Not only with other sites but with other directories.

For example as a web developer there are a ton of directories that will put a link to your site in their directory for free + you most likely have to add a link to them on your home page. If you scroll to the bottom of my home page you will see a list of the directories that I have listed my site in.

The best part about the directories is that you get more qualified traffic from them. Not everyone knows about my site and by having my site listed in national directories I get more exposure. I have already seen an increase in traffic and by viewing the statistics I can see many visitors are already coming from those directories.

 Here are some secrets to finding good directories...

1.) Start at the Search Engines. [Not Just Google!]

Search for terms that are related to your industry and include the keyword 'directory'. So you could use a search phrase 'web developer directory'. That should produce a list of sites to begin with. Keep in mind that many of these sites will also have sister sites that you can get listed with.

2.) Do not submit your site to irrelevant directories.

You will be wasting your time as well as the time of the visitors to the classic car directory where I should not have put my link. I didn't really but wanted to produce an example of a directory that you will not find my site in.

3.) Check out your competition's sites.

If you review your competitors websites you can glean much useful information. You can find associations and directories that they belong to which in turn should motivate you to join the same. Also take some time to check out their resources pages. See what kind of sites that they are linking with and contact those sites about an exchange with your site.

4.) Narrow your search terms.

Add keywords to your search for state, county and city directories to see if there are local sites that specialize in just local listings. Getting in good locally has often been overlooked by webmasters and websites altogether. Most of your local customers would be interested in viewing your website knowing ahead of time you are a local business. I heard a statistic somewhere that said over 70% of consumers that often use the Internet will review a local company's website before doing business with their physical location nearby.

Try some of these tactics with your own website. Keep updating your content and maintain a natural link building campaign.

 Until next time! Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.