The Skeptic's Question
"Directory submissions? Isn't that an outdated SEO tactic from 2010?"
I hear this constantly. And I get it – the SEO world is full of tactics that used to work and don't anymore. Keyword stuffing, link exchanges, article spinning... all dead.
So is directory submission going the same way?
I've been running VibeDirectories for a while now, submitting hundreds of products to directories. I have real data. Let me share what it actually shows.
What the Data Says
Let me be transparent: I run a directory submission service, so I have obvious bias. But I also have actual data, which is more than most opinion pieces offer.
Case Study 1: B2B SaaS Tool
Starting point: DR 8, ~200 monthly visitors
What we did: Submitted to 100+ directories over 3 weeks
Results after 3 months:
- DR: 8 → 24 (+16 points)
- Referring domains: 12 → 89 (+77 domains)
- Organic traffic: 200 → 1,200 (+500%)
- Direct referral traffic from directories: ~150/month
The founder's take: "The SEO impact was real. We started ranking for keywords we couldn't touch before."
Case Study 2: AI Tool
Starting point: DR 5, ~100 monthly visitors
What we did: Submitted to 100+ directories, timed with Product Hunt launch
Results after 3 months:
- DR: 5 → 31 (+26 points)
- Referring domains: 8 → 112 (+104 domains)
- Organic traffic: 100 → 2,800 (+2700%)
- Product Hunt: #3 product of the day
Key insight: Directory backlinks helped the site's authority, which boosted all other SEO efforts.
Case Study 3: Developer Tool
Starting point: DR 12, ~800 monthly visitors
What we did: Submitted to 80+ directories
Results after 3 months:
- DR: 12 → 22 (+10 points)
- Referring domains: 34 → 91 (+57 domains)
- Organic traffic: 800 → 1,900 (+137%)
Note: Smaller gains, but still meaningful. Starting DR affects how much room there is to grow.
Aggregate Data
Across all clients using our service in 2024:
| Metric | Average Change |
|---|---|
| DR increase | +12-18 points |
| New referring domains | +60-100 |
| Organic traffic increase | +150-400% |
| Time to see results | 2-4 months |
What Directory Submissions Actually Provide
Let's break down the value:
1. Backlinks (The Obvious One)
Quality directories have high domain ratings. When they link to you, some of that authority passes along.
The math:
- 100 directory submissions
- ~60-70% get approved
- ~70% of those are DoFollow links
- Result: 40-50 DoFollow backlinks from diverse domains
That's 40-50 different websites linking to you. Google sees that as a signal of legitimacy.
2. Referring Domain Diversity
Google's algorithm cares about the diversity of sites linking to you, not just the total number of links.
10 links from 10 different sites > 100 links from 1 site
Directories provide diversity quickly. Each directory is a different referring domain.
3. Foundational Authority
Think of DR like a credit score. When you're starting at DR 0-10, it's hard to:
- Rank for any keywords
- Get other sites to link to you
- Get taken seriously
Directory submissions provide a foundation of authority. They get you from "unknown" to "legitimate" in Google's eyes.
4. Direct Referral Traffic
This one surprises people. Some directories actually send traffic.
High-traffic directories:
- Product Hunt (launch day traffic)
- SaaSHub (ongoing discovery)
- AlternativeTo (comparison shoppers)
- G2/Capterra (B2B buyers researching)
Not massive numbers, but relevant visitors who are actively looking for tools.
5. Indexing Speed
New sites can take weeks or months to get indexed properly. Backlinks from established sites speed this up. Google finds your site through links from sites it already trusts.
When Directory Submission Works Best
Directories aren't equally valuable for everyone. Here's when they're most effective:
✅ Ideal Candidates
New startups (DR 0-20) You have the most to gain. The foundational authority boost is significant.
Products launching soon Directory backlinks before launch help your landing page rank. Good timing.
SEO-dependent businesses If organic search is a key acquisition channel, directory backlinks accelerate results.
Products with clear categories "Project management tool" fits directories well. Highly niche or hard-to-categorize products are harder to place.
⚠️ Less Ideal Candidates
Established sites (DR 50+) You'll still gain, but the marginal impact is smaller. Focus on higher-authority opportunities.
Local businesses Most directories are for SaaS/tech. Local businesses should focus on Google Business Profile and local directories.
Consumer apps B2B directories dominate the landscape. Consumer apps can still benefit but have fewer relevant options.
Common Objections (And My Responses)
"Directories are spammy"
Some are. That's why quality matters.
I don't submit to random "link farm" directories. I maintain a curated list of 100+ directories with real traffic, editorial standards, and SEO value.
"Google ignores directory links"
Google ignores bad directory links. Links from legitimate directories with:
- Real traffic
- Editorial review process
- Relevant content
...are treated like any other quality backlink.
The 2005 "submit to 10,000 directories" tactic is dead. Strategic submission to quality directories is not.
"It takes too long to see results"
Fair point. SEO is slow. Directory submissions typically show impact in 2-4 months.
But here's the thing: backlinks you build today keep working for years. It's an investment, not an expense.
"I can get backlinks other ways"
Absolutely. Directory submissions aren't the only strategy. But they're:
- Predictable (you know they work)
- Reliable (high approval rates)
- Scalable (batch submissions)
- One-time (not ongoing cost)
Guest posting, HARO, and PR are great but less predictable. Directories are the foundation while you build other channels.
"Isn't this manipulating Google?"
Building backlinks is how SEO works. Google's own guidelines say to "make a site that's worthy of links."
Directory submissions aren't manipulation – they're distribution. You're making your product discoverable where people look.
The ROI Calculation
Let's do the math:
DIY Approach
Time cost:
- Research directories: 10 hours
- Create accounts: 10 hours
- Prepare materials: 5 hours
- Submit to 100 directories: 30-40 hours
Total: 55-65 hours
If your time is worth $100/hour (conservative for founders), that's $5,500-6,500 in opportunity cost.
Done-For-You Approach
Our service: Starting at much less than what your time is worth.
We've systematized everything. We know which directories work, what descriptions perform best, and how to get approved.
Value Generated
What's a 10-point DR increase worth?
- Faster keyword rankings = more organic traffic
- More organic traffic = more customers
- Customer acquisition cost reduction over time
If directory submission leads to even 1-2 additional customers, it's paid for itself.
How to Maximize Directory Submission Results
Whether you DIY or use our service, these tips improve outcomes:
1. Submit to Quality Directories First
Not all directories are equal. Prioritize:
- High DR (40+)
- DoFollow links
- Real traffic
- Your niche
Our curated list includes 100+ vetted directories.
2. Write Compelling Descriptions
Your description is your pitch. Include:
- Clear value proposition
- Who it's for
- Key differentiators
- Relevant keywords (naturally)
3. Use High-Quality Images
Directories display your logo and screenshots. Make them count:
- High resolution
- Clean design
- Show the product in action
4. Be Patient
Results take 2-4 months to materialize. Don't check your DR daily – it'll drive you crazy.
5. Combine with Other Tactics
Directories are the foundation, not the whole strategy:
- Content marketing
- Guest posting
- HARO responses
- Social media
What About Paid Directories?
Some directories charge for listing. Worth it?
Sometimes yes:
- High-traffic directories (G2, Capterra)
- Directories in your exact niche
- Premium placements on good directories
Usually no:
- Low-quality pay-to-play sites
- Directories with no traffic
- Generic "web directories"
The free tier of most directories provides the SEO value. Paid upgrades are about visibility, not backlinks.
The Honest Answer
Is directory submission worth it in 2025?
Yes, with caveats:
✅ Worth it if:
- You're building a new startup
- You understand it takes months to see results
- You submit to quality directories
- You combine it with other SEO efforts
❌ Not worth it if:
- You expect instant results
- You're submitting to spammy directories
- Directory backlinks are your only strategy
- Your site is already DR 50+
Conclusion
Directory submissions aren't the flashy SEO tactic. They're not "growth hacks" or viral strategies.
They're infrastructure. Foundation. The boring work that compounds over time.
The startups I see succeed at SEO are the ones that:
- Build the backlink foundation early (directories)
- Create valuable content consistently
- Stay patient while it compounds
That first step – the foundation – is what we help with at VibeDirectories.
Ready to build your foundation? Check out our packages →
Or if you want to DIY, see our directory list for where to submit.
Questions about whether directories make sense for your product? DM me on Twitter – happy to give honest advice.
