If you are learning SEO or running a website, you may have heard this question many times: What is Directory Submission?
Directory submission is an off-page SEO technique where you submit your website to SEO directories to gain backlinks, improve visibility, and support search engine optimization.
It is not a magic trick – but when combined with good content and proper SEO practices, directory submission in SEO can still add value.
This guide explains what is directory submission in SEO, how it works, its benefits, types, and best practices – in simple language.
What Is Directory Submission in SEO
Directory submission is the process of submitting your website details-such as website name, URL, description, and category – to an SEO directory website.
These directories list websites based on niche, business type, or industry. When your website gets listed, you receive a backlink, which helps search engines understand your website better.
In SEO terms, directory submission for SEO is mainly used to:
- Build backlinks
- Improve website authority
- Increase online presence
That’s why many beginners ask: what is directory submission in off page SEO?
The answer is simple – directory submission is a part of off-page SEO because it is done outside your website.
How Directory Submission Works (Step-by-Step)
To understand what is directory submission in digital marketing, you need to know the process:
- Choose a relevant SEO directory
- Select the correct category for your website
- Add website details (name, URL, description)
- Submit the form
- Wait for approval (manual or instant)
Once approved, your website appears in the directory with a backlink pointing to your site. These links are called directory submission backlinks.
Why Directory Submission Is Important for SEO
Even though SEO has evolved, seo directory submissions are still useful when done correctly.
Key Benefits:
- Helps in off page SEO directory submission
- Generates quality backlinks
- Improves website indexing
- Boosts brand visibility
- Helps local and niche websites gain exposure
For beginners, directory submission is one of the easiest ways to start link building.
Types of Directory Submission
Not all directories work the same way. Understanding types helps you use directory submission in SEO correctly.
1. Free Directory Submission
- No cost involved
- Approval may take time
- Suitable for beginners
2. Paid Directory Submission
- Faster approval
- Higher authority directories
- Useful for business websites
3. Reciprocal Directory Submission
- Requires a backlink in return
- Not recommended much today
4. Niche-Based SEO Directory
- Related to specific industries
- More effective than general directories
Directory Submission in Off-Page SEO Strategy
When people ask what is directory submission in off page SEO, they usually want to know its role.
Directory submission helps search engines:
- Discover new websites
- Understand business categories
- Trust your website through backlinks
However, it should be used as a supporting technique, not the only SEO strategy.
Best Practices for Directory Submission for SEO
To get real results from directory submission for SEO, follow these rules:
- Submit only to high-quality SEO directories
- Avoid spammy or low-DA directories
- Use unique descriptions
- Choose the correct category
- Do not over-submit the same website
Wrong practices can harm SEO instead of helping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners make these mistakes while doing seo directory submission:
- Using the same description everywhere
- Submitting to irrelevant directories
- Keyword stuffing in descriptions
- Expecting instant ranking improvement
Directory submission is a slow but supportive SEO process.
Is Directory Submission Still Useful Today?
Yes – but only when done smartly.
Search engines now focus more on:
- Content quality
- User experience
- Relevant backlinks
That’s why directory submission backlinks should be:
- Limited
- Relevant
- Natural
For students and beginners, directory submission is still a good learning method in SEO.
Who Should Use Directory Submission?
This method is useful for:
- SEO beginners
- Students learning digital marketing
- Small business owners
- New website developers
- Local businesses
If your website is new, directory submission can help search engines find and trust your site faster.
Free Directory Submission Sites List (Table)
| S.No | Directory Website |
|---|---|
| 1 | https://www.entireweb.com/ |
| 2 | https://www.9sites.net/ |
| 3 | https://www.freetoprankdirectory.com/ |
| 4 | https://www.justdirectory.org/ |
| 5 | https://www.bookmark4you.com/ |
| 6 | https://www.prolinkdirectory.com/ |
| 7 | https://www.beegdirectory.com/ |
| 8 | http://www.businessfreedirectory.biz/ |
| 9 | https://viesearch.com/ |
| 10 | https://www.intelseek.com/ |
| 11 | https://alistdirectory.com/ |
| 12 | https://www.alivelinks.org/ |
| 13 | https://www.blogarama.com/ |
| 14 | https://www.promotebusinessdirectory.com/ |
| 15 | https://alistsites.com/ |
| 16 | https://www.trafficdirectory.org/ |
| 17 | https://www.somuch.com/ |
| 18 | https://www.1websdirectory.com/ |
| 19 | https://www.blogs-collection.com/ |
| 20 | https://www.prolink-directory.com/ |
| 21 | https://www.highrankdirectory.com/ |
| 22 | https://www.ananar.com/ |
| 23 | https://www.pakranks.com/ |
| 24 | http://www.bloggernow.com/ |
| 25 | https://www.sitepromotiondirectory.com/ |
| 26 | https://pegasusdirectory.com/ |
| 27 | https://busybits.com/ |
| 28 | https://blogville.us/ |
| 29 | https://www.dizila.com/ |
| 30 | https://directory-free.com/ |
| 31 | http://www.bloggernity.com/ |
| 32 | https://www.addfreewebdirectory.com/ |
| 33 | https://www.247webdirectory.com/ |
| 34 | https://www.ukinternetdirectory.net/ |
| 35 | https://www.informationcrawler.com/ |
| 36 | https://www.clicksordirectory.com/ |
| 37 | https://gainweb.org/ |
| 38 | https://www.cipinet.com/ |
| 39 | https://www.marketingwebdirectory.com/ |
| 40 | https://www.fire-directory.com/ |
People Also Ask About Directory Submission
1. What is directory submission in SEO?
Directory submission in SEO is an off-page SEO technique where a website is submitted to online directories to create backlinks, improve visibility, and help search engines understand the website category.
2. Is directory submission still effective for SEO?
Yes, directory submission is still effective when done on high-quality and relevant SEO directories. Submitting to spammy directories can harm SEO, so quality matters more than quantity.
3. What are directory submission backlinks?
Directory submission backlinks are links generated when a website is listed in an SEO directory. These backlinks help with indexing, authority building, and off-page SEO support.
4. What is directory submission in off page SEO?
Directory submission in off page SEO is the process of creating external links by submitting a website to directory websites. It helps improve search engine trust and website discoverability.
5. Who should use directory submission for SEO?
Directory submission for SEO is useful for beginners, students, business owners, digital marketers, and developers who want basic backlinks, better indexing, and online visibility.