Web directories are effective ways of building PR (page rank) that helps websites get good rankings in the Google search engine. Google uses page ranks to grade the results based from the searches that visitors are making. Having a higher PR is having a better search result listing compared with others.

PR are based on the backlinks that you have and its quality. So it follows that the more backlinks you have, the higher your PR will be. You will also get better rankings in search engines.

To get a list of web directories, all you have to do is type in the your business niche keyword in the search engine along with the word “directory” or “links”. For e.g. fashion directory or gift baskets directory. Then, all you need to do is choose from among the number of lists given.

Search Engine Optimization is a continuous process but here is a very basic checklist when launching a new website:

1. Relevant Keyword-Rich Titles for each page

2. Keywords

3. Description

4. Using Heading Tags in the content - e.g. H1, H2, H3 etc.

5. Keyword rich anchors for in-site links.

6. Use ALT tags for every image that you use.

7. Submit a Google Sitemap.

8. Building in-bound links by link exchanges, ad purchases, directory submissions, article submissions etc.

9. Good, Original and Quality Content. Nothing attracts search engines to a website than this.

10. Last, but not the least - Search Engine Submissions.