Website Submission: Just the Facts

Understanding Search Engine Traffic and How to Get Found

When you look at where people discover your site, the numbers tell a clear story. More than nine out of ten searches in the United States funnel through a handful of engines. Google grabs roughly half of all traffic, while Yahoo! - which owns a network of search services - holds a comparable share. Ask Jeeves, now absorbed into a larger platform, still commands a small but measurable slice, about five percent. Other search providers exist, but most are technically powered by Google’s or Yahoo!’s underlying technology. Even the most niche or branded search engines on the market rely on these giants’ indices or on their databases behind the scenes. Understanding this hierarchy helps you decide where to focus your optimization efforts.

One category that often confuses site owners is the meta search engine. These services do not crawl the web themselves; instead they pull results from several search engines and present a combined list. Because meta engines simply aggregate data, if your site appears in the top results of a primary engine like Google or Yahoo!, it will automatically surface in the meta search results. Vivisimo is a well‑known example. The advantage of meta engines is that they can surface your pages to users who are explicitly searching for consolidated information. They are especially useful for directories, local listings, or specialized queries where a single engine might miss relevant results.

Some marketers still try to buy “search engine submission software,” claiming that it guarantees visibility. In reality, major engines index pages based on inbound links and content relevance. If you have a handful of quality backlinks pointing to your site, most of the large search engines will automatically add your pages to their index. Paying for a subscription that promises monthly re‑submissions is a waste of time and money. The only real way to influence inclusion is to build authoritative links through legitimate content creation, social engagement, and outreach. Once those links exist, the engines will crawl your site and keep it indexed without any extra effort on your part.

If you still want to take a proactive stance, you can manually submit your pages. Google offers a free submission form that allows you to notify their crawler about a new or updated URL. This is especially handy for sites that are very small or heavily rely on dynamic content. Yahoo! likewise lets users submit URLs through a simple form that requires a free Yahoo! ID. For Ask Jeeves, the only submission option was a paid service called “Overture Site Match,” but it is no longer active. Gigablast remains an independent, smaller engine that accepts free submissions and can index your pages quickly. Each of these submission tools is straightforward: enter your URL, provide a short description if requested, and hit submit. Remember, submission does not guarantee ranking; it merely nudges the crawler to find your content sooner.

Beyond primary engines and meta aggregators, directories still hold value for certain niches. Unlike the broad search engines, directories are curated by humans or semi‑automated systems that classify sites into categories. If you place your website in a well‑chosen directory, you expose it to a dedicated audience that trusts the directory’s editorial standards. The biggest names are the Open Directory Project (now known as DMOZ) and Yahoo! Directory. Both are free for non‑commercial sites, although Yahoo! charges a modest fee for paid listings. The Open Directory Project invites volunteers to submit sites and write brief editorial summaries. The process is manual but thorough; the editors review each entry for relevance and quality. For most small businesses, getting a spot in one of these directories can add a useful backlink and a small boost in local visibility.

In the next section we’ll dive deeper into how to approach directory submission, differentiate between major and niche listings, and build a sustainable link profile that doesn’t rely solely on old‑fashioned practices. The goal is to move from generic “submit and hope” to a targeted strategy that aligns with your audience and content goals.

Leveraging Directories for Visibility: From Major to Niche Listings

Directories are an old part of the web, but they still serve a purpose when used correctly. The key is to treat them as a supplemental channel rather than the foundation of your SEO strategy. Start with the big names: the Open Directory Project (DMOZ) and Yahoo! Directory. Both are free for non‑commercial sites. DMOZ, run by volunteers, invites editors to add and review pages, ensuring a high editorial bar. You’ll need to submit your site, write a short description, and possibly answer a few editorial questions. The Yahoo! Directory is more structured; it has categories that mirror search topics, and it gives you the option to add a paid listing if you’re looking for premium placement. However, the fee is often unnecessary if your goal is to generate natural backlinks.

Once you’re comfortable with the big directories, move on to second‑tier options. These are smaller sites that still hold a decent amount of traffic. Many of them require reciprocal links to accept your submission. While a reciprocal link can be beneficial, it’s usually less valuable than a genuine editorial backlink. A good rule of thumb is to only submit to second‑tier directories that have a clear editorial process, a moderate amount of traffic, and no obvious spam signals. Some popular examples include JoeAnt, Zeal (which also powers LookSmart), GoGuides, Skaffe, Web Beacon, BlueFind, Wow Directory, and Gimpsy. Most of these accept submissions for free or at a small cost (under $50). Even if you can become an editor, the effort often outweighs the benefits unless you’re running a very niche site that aligns with the directory’s focus.

In addition to the typical category listings, there are specialized “web guide” sites. These are a hybrid between a directory and an editorial publication. About.com, BBC Web Guide, and the Virtual Library are classic examples. These guides are highly selective; you’ll need to pitch a unique angle or produce a high‑quality article for the editors to consider. If accepted, the backlinks are high quality, and the traffic from the guide’s audience is often highly targeted. Because editors invest time reviewing each submission, the backlink tends to carry more weight in search engines.

When searching for a niche directory, start with a keyword that describes your industry - SEO, marketing, local services, etc. - and pair it with “directory” or “listings.” For example, “SEO directory” or “local plumbing directory.” This approach will surface many options. Always check the domain authority, the number of indexed pages, and any spam reports before submitting. A good directory should have a strong domain authority, a clear sitemap, and an active editorial presence. Avoid directories that only accept auto‑generated links or that rely on keyword stuffing for rankings.

Beyond the obvious directories, there are other resources that compile lists of directories and help you discover new opportunities. Sites like ISEDb and Directory Archives provide searchable catalogs of directories, while the Yahoo! Directory and Google Directory pages still host lists of high‑quality directories by category. These resources are handy when you need a quick audit of the directory landscape for your niche. Keep in mind that directory strategy is most effective when combined with other link building tactics. A diversified backlink profile that includes editorial links, guest posts, social signals, and high‑quality content is more resilient and better suited for the evolving search algorithms.

Building a Natural Link Profile: Beyond Directories and Submissions

Once you’ve covered the main and niche directories, the next step is to expand your link profile through organic methods. Start with testimonial links. Many businesses enjoy having a positive note from a satisfied customer and often provide a link back to the reviewer’s site. Reach out to clients and ask if they’d be willing to add a link in exchange for a testimonial on your website. It’s a win‑win: you get a backlink and social proof, while the client gets extra exposure.

Another low‑effort but effective method is to support charitable or community organizations. Many non‑profits list sponsors on their websites and include backlinks. Find local groups or causes that align with your industry or audience and offer a donation or sponsorship. In return, you’ll receive a link from a reputable domain. The backlink carries a high authority weight, and the partnership can open doors to future collaborations.

Forum participation remains a valuable, albeit less glamorous, tactic. Sign up for discussion boards that cover topics relevant to your niche. Add a concise signature that includes a link to your site. Keep the content relevant, avoid self‑promotion in every post, and aim to provide genuine help. A well‑written response to a question can earn a link if the forum allows it. Additionally, many forums have a “resource” or “recommended” section where you can submit a link to a high‑quality article or tool that the community might appreciate.

Blog commenting is another avenue worth exploring. Find industry blogs - Fast Company, Inc., TechCrunch, or smaller niche blogs - and leave thoughtful comments. Many of these blogs still allow a link in the comment box. Even if the link is a low‑quality or “nofollow” tag, it can still bring referral traffic and demonstrate your expertise. The key is to avoid spammy comments; instead, offer insight, ask a question, or share a complementary resource.

Finally, consider contributing guest posts or articles to reputable publications in your field. Sites like Buzzle or other industry portals often accept well‑written pieces. When you submit, include a short author bio that links back to your website. These guest posts often rank well in their own right and provide a high‑authority backlink. Pair this with a backlink from the publisher’s editorial team, and you’ll have a solid addition to your link portfolio.

Aaron Wall, the author behind SEOBook.com, offers free advice and tools that many site owners find useful. He also runs Threadwatch, a community forum where SEO professionals discuss the latest trends. By engaging with his community, sharing insights, or answering questions, you can build relationships that may lead to reciprocal links or collaborations. Whether you’re a small blogger or a large enterprise, the blend of testimonial links, charitable donations, forum signatures, thoughtful blog comments, and guest posts will help you craft a natural, resilient backlink profile that supports long‑term search visibility.