Google webmaster guidelines > Submission guidelines > Guideline five of five in this category states...
"Submit your site to relevant directories such as the Open Directory Project and Yahoo!, as well as to other industry-specific expert sites."
Definitions-
relevant - having a bearing on or connection with the subject.
directories - Directories differ from search engines, directories are web pages where people collect relevant sites and organize them by subject.
Examples and Explanations
This guideline is very straight forward. It tells you two places to submit your site specifically and suggests that you submit to "other industry specific expert sites"
The directories most valued by Google typically share a couple of common elements.
Selectivity
- If a directory accepts any submission it receives money for, it is not selective. Notice how the directories I include here all state "Your website may not be included". This is important, because if a directory accepts any site just because you pay them it is not a selective directory and has less value than a selective directory. Part of the reason that a directory is valuable to Google is because it's selectivity helps to weed out poor websites of little value.
Editorial review
- A directory that is useful to Google will edit it's submissions. If you are able to submit a webpage about dogs, but call it a webpage about turtles, then that is likely not a good directory. If you are able to choose your own title then the directory does not provide an editorial review. The directories that are most valued by Google are the ones that are accurate and directories that allow users to create their own title are less accurate than those controlled by editorial review.
Specific directories
Submitting your site is normally accomplished by filling out a web form provided by directories. Below are directory specific instructions.
Open Directory Project
Cost: All submissions are free.
This directory is run by volunteers and often one may wait weeks or months before there site is accepted or refused.
To submit he open directory project requires you visit dmoz.org where you will find a list of categories. Choose a category that covers your site and visit the sub-categories. You will find a menu in the upper right hand corner that looks like this...
Choose "suggest URL". Follow the directions very closely. Take the time to read all the suggested material. Because you may have to wait months, you want to do the best job you can the first time around.
Yahoo Directory
Cost: $299 annually for commercial sites; free submission for non- commercial sites
This directory is maintained by Yahoo employees and you receive an answer on your submission within 7 days when you submit a commercial website. The free directory submissions can take weeks or months.
To submit to the Yahoo directory requires you visit dir.yahoo.com where you will find a list of categories on the left hand side of the screen. Choose a category that covers your site and visit the sub-categories. You will find a menu in the upper right hand corner that looks like this...
Choose "Suggest a Site". When you choose this option, you will see a screen that offers a submission screen allowing you to choose a free submission or a paid submission (if you do not see a free submission option, one is not available for that category). Make your choice then follow the given instructions.
BOTW Directory
Cost: $69 annually for commercial sites; free submission for non- commercial sites
This directory is maintained by Best of the Web employees and you receive an answer on your submission within 3 days when you submit a commercial website. The free directory submissions can take weeks.
To submit to the BOTW directory requires you visit BOTW.org - You will find a menu in the upper right hand corner that looks like this...
Choose "Submit Site". When you choose this option, you will see a screen that describes the submission process.
Tip: during the process make sure to indicate which option you want to choose (the $69 per year or the $149 one time fee) it is defaulted at the $69 per year option.
Key concepts
Submit your site to industry standard directories.
Find sites for your specific industry that are regarded as a reputable and seek links from those sites.
Resources
DMOZ.org - The open directory project
www.dmoz.org
Yahoo directory
dir.yahoo.com
BOTW.org - Best of the Web directory
www.botw.org
GetListed.org - A free tool that identifies where you are listed or not
GetListed.org