Directory Submission Sites for SEO: A Complete Guide to Building High-Quality Backlinks
According to the 2024 Moz study, 65% of SEO professionals still use selective directory submissions to build high-quality backlinks, especially for local SEO.
Not just that there is one similar study from,
BrightLocal 2024, 85% of local businesses saw improvement in Google Map Pack rankings after listing on high-authority local directories.
Another study from Ahrefs found that websites with referring domains from at least 10 types of sources (blogs, directories, PR, etc.) ranked 22% higher than those with fewer sources.
In summary, search engines value relevance and authority. a link from a high-DA niche directory (e.g., healthcare, tech, law) acts as a trust SEO Ranking signal.
| Benefit | Directory Role | Examples | Stat or Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| High DA Backlinks | Niche & Authority-based submissions | Clutch, Behance, Crunchbase | 65% of SEOs use this |
| Local SEO Optimization | Local citations & NAP consistency | Yelp, JustDial, Sulekha | 85% see local SEO lift |
| Backlink Profile Diversity | Supports natural-looking link profile | Yellow Pages, Hotfrog, Cylex | +22% SERP uplift |
Before you go and implement this SEO Backlink strategy to your site, we need to understand a few important details about the same.
What Is Directory Submission in SEO?
Directory submission is one of the core backlink strategies to build high quality backlinks towards your money site.
It is the process of listing your website on online open source directories under a specific category or niche that your business belongs to.
Each of these submission typically includes listing our:
- Title of of the page
- Website URL
- Business name
- Description
- Keywords
- Contact details
When the link is approved by the admin of, we will receive either do-follow or no-follow backlink to your website.
Types of Directory Submission sites Backlinks Available in 2025
1. Free Submission Sites
- No cost
- Long approval time
- Good for startups
2. Paid Submission
- Faster approval
- Higher quality
- Often do-follow links
3. Reciprocal Submission
- Requires you to link back to the directory
- Not recommended for SEO today
4. Manual vs Automated
- Manual = Better accuracy and quality
- Automated = Risk of spam and penalties
Why Use Directory Submission is important for SEO?
- To build backlinks from authoritative domains
- Improve online visibility
- Boost domain authority
- Enhance local SEO rankings
- Drive targeted referral traffic
Key Benefits of Directory Submission Backlinks
It is important to understand what are the major benefits of listing our website in these free directory submission sites, let’s drill down.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| High-DA Backlinks | Improves domain authority and trustworthiness |
| SEO Rankings | Helps boost SERP rankings over time |
| Brand Visibility | More directories = wider reach |
| Niche Targeting | Directories are often industry-specific |
| Referral Traffic | Visitors often click through from directories |
Drawbacks and Limitations of Directory Submission websites
| Limitation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Spammy Directories | Can harm your site if not chosen carefully |
| Time-Consuming | Manual submissions require time and effort |
| No-follow Links | Not all directories offer do-follow backlinks |
| Not a Ranking Guarantee | Must be combined with other SEO practices |
How to Create High-Quality Backlinks via Directory Submission
We must be aware what type of backlink that we are creating and what level of reputation that particular is having. So we must evaluate below a checklist points before we build backlinks from these sites.
Checklist:
- Choose directories with DA 50+
- Look for industry or location-specific directories
- Ensure the site is not overloaded with spam links
- Submit unique titles & descriptions
- Prioritize do-follow directories
- Monitor using tools like Ahrefs or Moz
Step-by-Step Process to Submit to a Directory
Take a look the process of creating backlinks using high da directory submission sites.
- Identify the right directory (relevance + DA)
- Register/Login
- Choose the right category
- Fill in your details
- Write a unique site description
- Submit your listing
- Verify through email (if needed)
- Track your submission via a spreadsheet or tool
Best Practices Follow and Tips
- Never submit to link farms or penalized directories
- Avoid duplicate descriptions
- Prioritize directories with manual review processes
- Combine with other link-building strategies (guest blogging, PR)
- Submit gradually — avoid sudden backlink spikes
Top 200 Free High DA Directory Submission Sites (2025 Updated)
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| viesearch | 58 | 45 | 5 |
| abc-directory.com | 53 | 37 | 2 |
| somuch.com | 58 | 36 | 15 |
| viesearch | 58 | 45 | 5 |
| abc-directory | 53 | 37 | 2 |
| somuch.com | 58 | 36 | 15 |
| prolinkdirectory.com | 54 | 32 | 16 |
| cipinet.com | 53 | 30 | 1 |
| alistdirectory.com | 53 | 31 | 28 |
| tsection.com | 53 | 30 | 41 |
| 1websdirectory.com | 52 | 28 | 6 |
| 9sites.net | 51 | 28 | 28 |
| sitepromotion.com | 53 | 28 | 7 |
| promotebusiness.com | 48 | 22 | 41 |
| gainweb.org | 49 | 46 | 21 |
| 247webdirectory.com | 51 | 24 | 7 |
| siteswebdirectory.com | 48 | 24 | 14 |
| acewebdirectory.com | 51 | 22 | 3 |
| directoryfree.com | 53 | 22 | 1 |
| txtlinks.com | 52 | 20 | 2 |
| addbusiness.net | 52 | 23 | 3 |
| dizila.com | 45 | 17 | 0 |
| worldweb.com | 47 | 18 | 0 |
| onemilliondirectory.com | 50 | 19 | 1 |
| digabusiness.com | 49 | 17 | 22 |
| jayde.com | 57 | 42 | 1 |
| infolistings.com | 48 | 30 | 23 |
| usalisting.com | 53 | 29 | 12 |
| usawebsites.com | 50 | 27 | 37 |
High DA PA Directory Submission sites
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| allbusiness.biz | 48 | 21 | 2 |
| alabamaindex.com | 45 | 19 | 7 |
| allstatesusa.com | 50 | 20 | 10 |
| ukinternet.net | 51 | 26 | 8 |
| britainbusiness.com | 52 | 27 | 8 |
| thalesdirectory.com | 53 | 22 | 7 |
| thewebdirectory.co.uk | 50 | 22 | 14 |
| skoobe.biz | 52 | 22 | 8 |
| directory.com.au | 45 | 24 | 1 |
| australiaweb.net | 45 | 16 | 22 |
| submit.biz | 50 | 20 | 11 |
| textlinkdirectory.com | 48 | 14 | 1 |
| gmawebdirectory.com | 51 | 24 | 21 |
| canadawebdir.com | 49 | 25 | 14 |
| localsites.ca | 47 | 19 | 31 |
| canadiandirectory.org | 7 | 21 | 31 |
| gtawebdirectory.com | 46 | 14 | 16 |
| domaining.in | 46 | 25 | 7 |
| weboworld.com | 53 | 25 | 3 |
| webdirectory.co.in | 48 | 20 | 18 |
| viewfreeads.com | 47 | 15 | 7 |
| ontoplist.com | 64 | 45 | 5 |
List of Online Directory Submission Sites in SEO
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| submissionwebdirectory.com | 53 | 19 | 7 |
| marketinginternetdirectory.com | 52 | 30 | 8 |
| directoryvault.com | 51 | 28 | 10 |
| theseoking.com | 46 | 25 | 7 |
| freeprwebdirectory.com | 53 | 18 | 28 |
| qualityinternetdirectory.com | 48 | 22 | 30 |
| freeinternetwebdirectory.com | 48 | 21 | 21 |
| marketingwebdirectory.com | 48 | 21 | 3 |
| fashionlistings.org | 22 | 18 | 3 |
| directory.ac | 44 | 23 | 3 |
| best-financial.com | 24 | 13 | 14 |
| usinvestmentdirectory.com | 27 | 9 | 9 |
| blogarama.com | 71 | 59 | 2 |
| local.com | 62 | 70 | 1 |
| linkcentre.com | 58 | 50 | 2 |
| avivadirectory.com | 53 | 43 | 3 |
| bloggernity.com | 65 | 42 | 39 |
| alive-directory.com | 49 | 28 | 12 |
| cybrhome.com | 47 | 39 | 1 |
| 10directory.com | 45 | 23 | 14 |
| alistdirectory.com | 53 | 31 | 28 |
| directoryworld.net | 55 | 37 | 2 |
| upsdirectory.com | 50 | 27 | 4 |
| linkpedia.net | 48 | 20 | 52 |
Instant Approval in Directory Listings Websites
Best Directory Submission Wesbites List 2025
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| acedirectory.org | 50 | 36 | 3 |
| txtlinks.com | 47 | 20 | 2 |
| edom.co.uk | 41 | 21 | 6 |
| linkedin-directory.com | 47 | 28 | 37 |
| morefunz.com | 45 | 24 | 9 |
| huludirectory.com | 49 | 29 | 3 |
| sublimedir.net | 49 | 28 | 5 |
| gmawebdirectory.com | 51 | 24 | 21 |
| directoryws.com | 46 | 26 | 33 |
| pinklinker.com | 48 | 17 | 62 |
| greylinker.com | 47 | 20 | 48 |
| targetsviews.com | 44 | 19 | 28 |
| mydannyseo.com | 42 | 18 | 14 |
| fivestarscenter.com | 42 | 23 | 11 |
| drtest.net | 41 | 19 | 28 |
| 000directory.com.ar | 50 | 59 | 53 |
| blpdirectory.info | 49 | 63 | 22 |
| corpdirectory.info | 48 | 66 | 31 |
| ncdirectory.com.ar | 48 | 68 | 5 |
| ukdirectory.com.ar | 49 | 60 | 6 |
| backlinkpower.com.ar | 37 | 59 | 39 |
| championdirectory.info | 37 | 8 | 43 |
| 01webdirectory.com | 52 | 35 | 14 |
| prolinkdirectory.co | 54 | 32 | 16 |
| wlddirectory.com | 47 | 20 | 16 |
| leadinglinkdirectory.com | 40 | 19 | 3 |
Top Rated Directory Submission Sites
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| dirhello.com | 47 | 20 | 0 |
| neobacklinks.com | 33 | 55 | 15 |
| workdirectory.info | 40 | 63 | 49 |
| directorymaster.com.ar | 47 | 67 | 7 |
| addpage.com | 51 | 20 | 5 |
| seofriendly.com.a | 47 | 68 | 48 |
| ampledirectory.com | 47 | 19 | 32 |
| a2place.com | 46 | 11 | 5 |
| starsdirectory.com.ar | 43 | 69 | 7 |
| darkdir.info | 40 | 62 | 57 |
| khersonrent.com | 40 | 62 | 7 |
| simpledirectory.com | 47 | 59 | 7 |
| escortlinkdirectory.info | 39 | 64 | 17 |
| medicalhealthdirectory.net | 45 | 17 | 0 |
| alistdirectory.com | 53 | 31 | 8 |
| traveltourismdirectory.info | 48 | 23 | 0 |
| weblister.com.ar | 44 | 60 | 36 |
| directoryempire.info | 39 | 52 | 16 |
| intercambioseo.com | 44 | 67 | 23 |
| efdir.com | 44 | 29 | 48 |
| a1webdirectory.org | 53 | 26 | 23 |
| evolvingcritic.com | 45 | 22 | 31 |
| thehillel.org | 42 | 19 | 9 |
| dracodirectory.com | 48 | 21 | 12 |
| yellowlinker.com | 48 | 21 | 47 |
| weboworld.com | 47 | 25 | 3 |
Most Widely Using Directory backlink Sites
Directory Submission Sites Backlinks
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| h1ad.com | 27 | 21 | 7 |
| advertiseera.com | 45 | 21 | 13 |
| findermaster.com | 48 | 24 | 5 |
| wallclassifieds.com | 47 | 20 | 3 |
| rectanglead.com | 42 | 16 | 5 |
| classifiedsfactor.com | 47 | 23 | 0 |
| yookalo.com | 27 | 7 | 3 |
| webdirectoryphil.com | 40 | 18 | 3 |
| digitalmarketinghints.com | 41 | 15 | 1 |
| shopolop.com | 40 | 20 | 3 |
| ologames.com | 41 | 26 | 0 |
| productselectoren.com | 35 | 20 | 39 |
| blogflux.com | 61 | 49 | 10 |
| blogville.us | 56 | 26 | 0 |
Directory Submission Sites Backlinks
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| sitesplus.com | 48 | 16 | 3 |
| jasminedirectory.com | 53 | 57 | 3 |
| webappsdirectory.com | 38 | 10 | 0 |
| gcast.info | 44 | 42 | 14 |
| propellerdir.com | 40 | 20 | 2 |
| seo-index.com | 48 | 9 | 14 |
| ezistreet.com | 44 | 25 | 2 |
| premiumsites.org | 40 | 18 | 6 |
| topsofweb.com | 44 | 6 | 8 |
| urlchief.com | 41 | 20 | 6 |
| freewebhosting.cc | 29 | 15 | 44 |
| celestialdirectory.com | 43 | 23 | 33 |
| golddirectory.info | 39 | 56 | 21 |
| allworldgymnastics.org | 45 | 19 | 1 |
| stansmithshoes.org | 49 | 63 | 9 |
| cdon.info | 45 | 1 | 23 |
| optimisation.info | 45 | 64 | 28 |
| clickmybrick.com | 47 | 28 | 8 |
| topdot.org | 46 | 22 | 7 |
| ourdirectory.info | 39 | 63 | 7 |
| edgetrans.net | 38 | 61 | 11 |
| addnewlink.com.ar | 44 | 60 | 28 |
High DA PA Directory Submission Sites
| Site Links | DA | PA | SPAM Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| ukgardeningco.uk | 36 | 8 | 6 |
| biddingdirectory.com.ar | 42 | 68 | 34 |
| goaflam.net | 40 | 63 | 9 |
| bizz-directory.com | 41 | 23 | 15 |
| neobacklinks.com | 33 | 55 | 15 |
| starsdirectory.com.ar | 43 | 69 | 7 |
| 82470.com | 39 | 63 | 94 |
| arcticdirectory.com | 41 | 23 | 9 |
| seofriendly.com.ar | 37 | 68 | 48 |
| webhostindustry.com | 40 | 60 | 22 |
| linksdirectory.info | 40 | 62 | 59 |
| universaldirectory.info | 40 | 65 | 42 |
| searchdirectory.info | 40 | 64 | 54 |
| harddirectory.info | 39 | 63 | 50 |
| alivedirectory.com | 50 | 29 | 7 |
| kengairu.com | 38 | 62 | 8 |
| prsl.info | 40 | 64 | 70 |
| futbollinker.com | 40 | 61 | 8 |
| directorycloud.info | 42 | 69 | 60 |
| citymaildirectory.info | 40 | 62 | 40 |
Conclusion
In our final words Directory submission helps to boost our SEO keyword rankings, traffic generation, indexing and link juice. It is advised to pick up some of the most popular and known platforms for your SEO Off Page strategy, so that you will get optimum results as planned.
What do you think?
Howdy! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you’ve got here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your web site for more soon.
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in reality
was a enjoyment account it. Look complicated to far
delivered agreeable from you! However, how can we keep in touch?