Search engine optimization is a highly-effective online marketing tool which involves the optimization of websites using techniques that help you get your hands on better rankings on SERPs. As a result, you can create more traffic and eventually, more sales for your business.  There are two parts for Search engine optimization – on page and off-page. On page involves the use of various elements of a web page like keywords, meta tags, content, etc. for its promotion. Whereas, the off-page means promotion using external factors like links, articles, directories, etc. Among all this, directory submission is one of the most important off-page optimization tools.

Most of the online directories start off as a free service provider, and eventually charge for submissions once they become trendy. If you are a beginner at online marketing, it is always better to get into free directory submissions, because even if you are not successful, it'll not charge you anything. The web directories process involves submission of your homepage's URL into a directory. All you need to do is just fill up a URL submission form available on the directory and your website will be taken up for review.

Your URL will be reviewed by an editor once your site’s URL is submitted. The only thing is you ought to go through the guidelines followed by the directories wherein you are submitting your site.
Simple submission process does not guarantee inclusion; the site will be ranked on the basis of the description given by you. The process also involves a review of your site's content, in terms of both quality and relevancy. Be sure of the category you want to be listed in when submitting your URL into a directory. Before making your choice, you should undertake keyword research to know about the kind of websites that are enlisted in particular sections. Stay away from top-level categories, as the rejection rate is quite high therein.