Let’s get you some links! So, I skipped over part 1 because in WordPress a lot of the deep linking is automatic in terms of your sidebar, and I wanted to try and get you on the map ASAP.
 
Let’s talk about directory listings.
What is a directory listing?
 
A directory listing is a place where you can submit your site (link to your site) to directory that usually has a high PR and great “link juice” Most essential in your journey for SEO.
 
Great, How Much Is THAT Going to Cost Me? Nada
 
Many moons ago directory listings were free, and of course I understand capitalism and do not harp on the people are want to make some $. If I had a high enough Alexa ranking I would charge for links too!
 
I brought up the pay part, because it has always been my philosophy to try to get things done either cheap or ideally free. So, when submitting your site to a pay directory…I don’t really see the point. #1. If you have to pay to be a part of a listing, it probably isn’t that good to begin with. Look at Google it is free to list your site, and your local listing, etc. Where as Yahoo <–Devil charges to have a picture on your local directory. Cheesy? I think so. #2 Having links come from a paid farm can also mean dirty links or bad neighborhood links as explained in Part 1 of my link building series. Do you really want to be associated with crack heads? Probably not. So, why associate your site with them?
 
The alternative! I found this great place called StrongestLinks where you can see tons of directories and under the column “Fee” it will say no. Meaning it’s free!
 
Once I Find a Directory Then What?
 
Remember when submitting your site always use your keywords in either the title or the description. Don’t pay, don’t upgrade to a premium account, forget that jazz. Some directories ask that your email be part of your domain name ex:>yourname@yoursite.com, and if you have a site, come on you can have an email with your domain attached to it…you made it this far! Always find a relative category to your niche, don’t be lazy and put it anywhere. A link from a similar niche is much more valuable than just  a ” I slapped some links in some random place attempt”.
 
Why Am I Doing This Again?
 
To build your inbound links, because it is just as important as your on-page content. If you were a night club and there was no line or waiting outside, then it might be a crummy club. A.k.a. There is no party going on there. So, make a party for yourself…for free!
 
If you need help finding keyphrases or building a custom WordPress site, feel free to check out my pricing.

Posted on January 6th, 2010 by Rachael Butts in Phoenix SEO

About Rachael Butts

Rachael Butts is the CEO and lead designer for Rachaelbutts.com Rachael has been designing for WordPress since 2005, and has a passion for keeping up with the latest business practices in WordPress design and development. She thoroughly enjoy sales and marketing , client management, and making website creation fun for her clients.