Keyword use in online directories

[Hardley]

I have been adding our website to online directories which quite often allow me to add a brief description of the organization and add a list of Key words. With regards to the keywords should I list keywords from the organisiantion description that I have entered on the site or should I use the key words that we are trying to rank for, that don’t necessarily feature in the description on the site

[danatanseo]

Personally I would select the 4-5 keywords that best describe the website, products or business and just stick with those. I don't think inserting a whole bunch of keywords is going to be beneficial, and honestly, the keywords probably don't matter at all. However, I understand that some directories will make keywords a required field so you may have to put something there. I would proceed with caution and just approach it with a "less is more" attitude.

Also, another word about directories, make sure you research them very carefully before you decide to submit. Answer these questions:

How long has the directory existed?

What is the directory's Alexa ranking?

What is its PageRank?

How many inbound links does the directory have?

How many of those inbound links are .edu and .gov links?

Is the directory even in Google's index any more?

Does the directory have real human editors? [try emailing them to see if you get a human answer0

Does the directory just include every site that pays them? If so, reconsider your submission.

Does the directory properly categorize the sites it lists?

If you answer those questions about each one, you'll get a better idea if a particular directory is worth pursuing or not.  Also, make sure that this is part of a much larger, broader link-earning strategy.

Dana

[lgoffi]

Dana points out excellent ways to evaluate if a Directory is worth the effort.  Considering low quality links can actually hurt the site, I would make directory links a minuscule part of your overall strategy.

[IainReloadMedia]

Hi Hardley,

Dana has listed some great factors to consider when choosing directories. However just consider the relevance of that directory rather than just the raw authority of the site.

Example (I've just been to Australia Zoo, hence this example) You're doing SEO for a company that transports Kaulas. The best link you could get isn't from a high authority site, with a PR of 8, & 1,000,000 links. It's from the most relevant sites. Out there somewhere will be a website on the perils of transporting Kaulas, written by the foremost expert in the world. Target that site.

In the case of directories, you target animal related ones. Because Google will know what the site is about, you won't need to worry about adding a list of keywords.

Hope that help

Iain - Reload Media