Numerous articles about the links directory point out that the ultimate goal is to gain favor with search engines. A high number of quality, related links is seen as a vote of confidence from the search engines that matter. While getting to this status can take a significant amount of time, the results should be worth it.

What should a Web site owner look for when trying to determine if the link directories process is working? One measure, of course, is link popularity. This tracks how many quality links point to the site. The simple definition of a link directory is: a site that gathers and edits a large number of links then arranges them in appropriate categories. This guides visitors to specific Web sites they are interested in. Many people have developed the habit of using a directory search rather than querying one of the popular search engines.

One of the great features of a good directory that focuses on quality links is that the content is reviewed and edited by a real person. This allows an individual with an interest in quality and reliability to accept links that meet certain standards and requirements, while rejecting those that don’t fit. First acceptance by a links directory editor is a sign that your Web site has sufficient credibility.

While you want the Web site link on numerous directories and as many one way links as possible, don’t settle for anything less than closely related sites of good quality. When building your numbers, remember there are at least three goals. Links directory listings will help you get noticed and added to indexes. Search engine rank will improve with link popularity. You will be working with a target audience, which is essential for online success.

When you begin the process of submitting your site link to a links directory, you may as well begin with the free directories. Many of these will establish good connections in sufficient numbers. It pays, however, to be selective when submitting to the many free directory sites. You could sign on with a link-submission service if you have funds to pay the fees. Be very selective with this method because some services might flood the Web with your link and you are looking for quality connections.

There is another way, but remember that if you decide to use a software program that will submit to link directories you are still responsible for the content of your site and the follow-up work that will be necessary.

As you make your way into the world of the links directory you may find that working with free directories is enough to generate the activity you are looking for. This will probably be the case even if you choose only the regular listing on directories. If you have a lot of money to work with you could go with a featured listing on some directories. But be sure you watch these closely to see if this is worth the investment.