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Posts Tagged ‘niche’

Only a few short years ago, directories had a lot of online clout.  Everyone was obsessed with finding a way to get their site into DMOZ.  People were handing money over to Yahoo in large bundles to get into their directory.  And thousands of little site directories popped up all over the web, offering the promise of an SEO-friendly backlink in exchange for a site submission.

Times have changed.  It would be premature to call the directories dead, but they’re headed in that direction.  The search engines once relied upon them.  Today, those same engines are downgrading the value of site directory links.  You’re better off making a comment on a “do follow” blog than you are submitting to another directory.

There is one exception.  Some of the niche-specific directories still have real value.  That’s not because Google still loves them, though.  It’s because real people end up bumping into them while doing research.  That’s right, the only directories that still really matter are those that are performing the traditional role of a directory!

If you can find relevant niche directories, submit your sites.  Don’t worry about the others.  Sure, you might as well submit to DMOZ, but don’t worry about your status as they wait for years to look at your link.  And keep your wallet away from Yahoo while you’re at it.

Directories.  My, how times have changed!

Forums that are in your same niche area are great places to mingle and state your intentions. If you join in conversations and become known for what you have to say, people are going to follow any link you supply. Of course, this takes some time because people need to get to know you first. However, links to your website will stay visible for everyone to see. You can drive traffic to your website by becoming a force in your niche area.

If you have a wealth of information about catfish fishing and you have an e-book to sell, you want to join a forum with other anglers. The forums should be populated with real people. May sure, before you join the forum to check the areas of interest to make sure that there are recent entries. You want a forum with at least five digits in followers.

After you join, you can add your website link in your signature. This allows anyone to click it and land on your website. After time, you can talk about your knowledge and what you might have for sale or for the readers to enjoy. Free marketing is always the best way to make money and get traffic.

A great way to get your site noticed by people who are specifically looking for information relevant to your site is by listing the URL in a niche directory. A niche is a specific area of interest or demand. If you are selling a tangible product, different niches can include books, movies, cleaning supplies, food, and much more.

Your site’s area of interest may be very specific or extremely broad, but either way you are sure to find a niche directory where you can be listed. A simple search of your product type may bring up locations where you can list your website. More than likely however, you’ll just bring up competitor’s websites. Try a search using your product and “listing directory”.

The main advantage to using niche directories to add a listing is that you are already reaching your target market. Advertise your barbeque business in the “Memphis Area BBQ You Can’t Miss” directory, and you know your URL is going to be seen by people ready and wanting to try your barbeque.

It takes little time and no expense to list your website in directories, so there’s no reason not to take this simple step to free marketing. It’s like listing your business in the yellow pages–for free.