There are a few advantages to submitting your site to a business directory, but you have to choose the correct category to be included. I run quite a few different internet directories, and like most directory owners I end up suspending more listings than I approve. The number one cause of listings not getting approved is because they were submitted to the wrong category. I always wonder why someone would take the time to fill out all of the information required to make a submission and then choose a category that is totally irrelevant to the website they are wanting to list.

The advantages of submitting your site to directories include direct traffic from the directory, relevant backlinks to your website, increased PR. Most people will tell you that the only advantage is the additional relevant backlink to your site using your keywords. I personally have 2 directories that get a couple of hundred visitors each day from search engines, just from people searching for specific items, not from people searching for directories. All of those people are clicking on sites that are included in my directories. While that may not be a lot of traffic it is producing direct results for the people who took the time to submit their sites to the correct category.

All of my directories are general web directories but there are also very niche specific directories that get the exact traffic that people in those niches are looking for. If you are in the dog business there are hundreds of places for you to submit your site that will really help you rank well for your specific niche. Just like a business directory though, you will have to choose the right place within the directory to submit your site.

If you are going to take the time to submit your site to directories then take the time to read their guidelines and choose the right placement for your site. Taking a few extra seconds and doing things right greatly increases your chances of being included. I run my directories as a public service to other webmasters and all submissions are free, but if you submit your site to a top level category or to a category that isn’t where your site belongs it will only get suspended without ever even having a chance to be included in the business directory.