A business directory is a subset of the online website directory submission field. These submission directories are designed around improving a websites SEO and creating links to the site itself. This will increase the site’s link popularity and search engine friendliness.

A business directory is different from a general website submission directory in that the sites placed into such a directory are specifically categorized in order to aid searches in locating a business the seeker may wish to work with. This form of online advertising can prove to be quite lucrative due to the targeted nature of these placements.

Further, when a customer is interested in seeking out a particular type of business or service product they will often become discouraged by general website directories. Long searches through Google and similar search engines will produce a large number of businesses but they may not be in the area, or may not even currently operate. A business directory that is properly maintained will normally only house links to active business websites and working links.

One of the best reasons to work with a business directory is the fact that many of them provide a far wider range of useful information about a given business than a general submission site or link directory. Business directories will typically provide a business summary that includes hours of operation, contact information, and possibly even price lists or customer reviews.

These types of directories are designed primarily to aid customers in not only finding a general type of business, but help them to find the exact right business for their needs at a glance.

A business directory will allow searchers to locate a business by name, location, industry, or even trust rating. The site listings may be basic or provide excellent coverage of a given business. Many include Google Maps and even directions to a brick-and-mortar version of the business, when applicable, if the seeker might prefer to visit in person.

The typical business directory will provide information and site arrangements similar to a price comparison website. One of the best parts of this arrangement is that these sites may also allow direct linking to the business’ website. This will provide the same SEO and linking benefit that using a general submission website provides while increasing targeted traffic and unique page views.

Business owners will find that it is important to have as many backlinks, links that lead to their site, as possible. However, the quality and nature of the sites linking to their business website are far more important than the numbers game most of the time. If the business site is devoted to a specific niche industry like napkins then having a link from a general business directory will be useful. If the site has a link from a business directory or high ranking site in the industry that focuses on party or restaurant supplies the end result is greater credibility.

A site designed around videogame news and reporting may not be as useful for linking purposes when it comes to SEO, although it is always possible someone may simply want a napkin and follow the link anyway.

There is a general rule of thumb when creating online business site backlinks through site and directory submissions. When backlinks are created highly relevant sites that have existed for a few years are the gold standard. The next step down from that is the targeted business directory that has backlinks to the business website.

This is a short step down, and if the business directory is also highly relevant in nature and popular it may be more of a side-step. General business directories with minimal information provided are a step below either of those.

General submission sites and smaller relevant websites are next on the ladder of importance. Forum signatures and links may fall into this category as well if they are business related in general, or related to the type of business interest specifically.

The bottom rungs of the link ladder are comprised of unrelated sites or unrelated personal blogs. They still count for some search engines but Google doesn’t care quite as much about these links.