What Are Online Directories And How Do They Help SEO?

SEO experts have many tips and tricks for earning backlinks. While some may resort to methods that Google will eventually punish them for (aka purchasing links), many SEO experts take advantage of online directories and other ways of curating backlinks. So, what are online directories and how do they help SEO?Online directories are like online phonebooks that direct users to various websites and businesses. Directories may focus on a specific industry or locale. Many have become review sites as well. Many plastic surgeons are familiar with sites such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and RealSelf. While these sites have a purpose behind directing people to specific businesses, they can act as a backlink to your site and bring you new patients. Often, online directory sites offer free accounts or ways to add your business. This can earn you a free and easy backlink to your website.How do these online directories help SEO? Backlinks are important for your website authority and Google’s algorithm pays attention to them. The more sites that refer to yours, the more Google will crawl your site, and the more it will rank it as an authoritative and informational site. Therefore, these directories allow you to create a link easily that can boost your SEO, especially when building a brand new site.To schedule a free marketing consultation, call us at 206-787-0784 or reach out online using our chat or contact form.