Once your website has been constructed and put online, you have to get it listed so that people can find it.
Priority should be given to getting your website indexed by the major search engines, but this has been discussed in a different article.
After submitting your website to the search engines, the next step is to get your website listed in the leading web directories.
A web directory is an extensive collection of websites that is organized by categories and subcategories instead of by keyword.
Many directories are used by search engines in their indexing processes and therefore having directory listings can help your website's search position.
Most directories look at the entire website as opposed to a particular page or set of keywords and categorize it accordingly.
Further, having your website listed on directories creates back-links, or external links from reputable websites (the directories) to your webpage.
This is vital for the effective search engine optimization (SEO) of your website.
There is a wide range of directories available that offer inclusion using their own requirements and procedures.
Some directories allow free submission, some require reciprocal links (meaning you must include a link back to the directory on your website), and some charge fees.
Even some of the free submission directories allow you to purchase better placement.
All directories have their own requirements for inclusion, so your website may or may not qualify for any given directory.
By far the most well known directory, and the one that is an absolute must for good SEO, is the Open Directory Project (ODP or DMOZ).
This is one of the oldest and most respected directories on the Internet and allows for free submission.
Because it is so extensive, and growing all of the time, it is commonly used as a primary source by other directories as well as search engines.
Although submission and inclusion is free, ODP has strict submission guidelines and failure to follow them can result in your website not being listed, or being blacklisted.
Further, since inclusion is based upon review by a human volunteer category editor, it may take months before your website is listed if submitted to a busy category.
An easy online search will result in a large number of other directories coming up.
Each has its own policies, practices and requirements.
These should be reviewed carefully before submitting your website because many take punitive action against submissions that are done improperly or try to cheat their system.
Having your website listed on a lot of directories can be extremely useful in attracting potential customers to your website and is well worth the trouble.