14 DAY TRIAL // Web directories or link indexing scripts are applications that allow any webmaster to promote its own website or to assure a certain traffic level for a given website. These types of web applications are still used for various purposes, due to the fact that their principal functionality consists of creating categories of various link types for simplified web search and navigation.
Link directories are different from search engines, because the link submissions are manually edited. Anyone can submit a site to a commercial or free link directory. There are many types of link directories, but two are commonly met: general topics directory and particular ones. In both of them you can post links, depending on the availability of the categories' name.
Concerning the search engine optimization tool attribute of web directories, they provide a good potential for webmarketers to accomplish their tasks. Many of free web directories impose you to make a link exchange in order to publish your website submission. You should select a directory with high rankings in all common search engines, because the popularity of the chosen web directory will reflect upon your site traffic.
The directory evaluation is necessary due to the fact that link exchange (often imposed by web directories) is not an appreciated practice from the search engine point of view. The reciprocal links have less priority and effects in SEO as compared to one way links. In conclusion, you should search for directories that allow you to create only one way links.
The interval of time needed to be included in a web directory (free or paid submission) should be maximum 72 hours in case of a paid submission. In case of a free directory, you can be rejected for various reasons or your submission could take a long time to be approved. Despite all disadvantages of web directories, they should be used as bridges or transition tools to the professional search engine optimization methods available today.