Directory Submission in SEO
Directory submission is an off-page SEO technique where you submit your website URL, business name, and basic details to online directories. These directories act like digital phonebooks that list websites based on category, niche, or location. By adding your site to them, you can improve online visibility, gain high-quality backlinks, and drive more referral traffic.
Search engines consider directory links as trust signals, especially when they come from reputed or niche-specific directories. This helps improve your domain authority and ranking over time.
How Directory Submission Works
- Choose the Right Directories
Select high-authority, relevant directories like Google Business Profile, Yelp, JustDial, Sulekha, Yellow Pages, and niche-specific platforms. - Submit Your Website Details
Enter your business name, URL, address, phone number, description, and category. - Get a Backlink
Once approved, the directory lists your website and gives you a backlink—either dofollow or nofollow. - Improve Visibility & Traffic
Users searching inside directories may visit your website, giving you referral traffic. - Maintain Consistency
Keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) accurate across all directories to avoid SEO issues.
Example of a Directory Submission
Let’s say you run a digital marketing agency in Bangalore.
Directory: Sulekha
Submitted Details:
- Business Name: ABC Digital Marketing
- Website URL: https://abcdigital.com
- Category: Digital Marketing Services
- Location: Bangalore
- Phone: 9876543210
- Description: We offer SEO, social media marketing, PPC, branding, and website development.
- After approval, your business appears in the listing, and your website receives a backlink.
Why Directory Submission Is Important
- Helps in faster indexing of new websites
- Improves your local SEO presence
- Builds authority through trusted backlinks
- Brings targeted traffic from people browsing directories
- Strengthens your online brand consistency