If you've done any research at all on SEO then you know how important directory submissions are to the success of your online business. Directory submissions are not only a great way to build links, but they also guarantee targeted traffic to your site since directory users will find your site by searching within specific categories that interest them. The drawback to directory submissions is that they can be tedious and time-consuming. Since each directory has its own set of submission guidelines, and since directories are edited by humans, online business owners have to be meticulous when submitting their sites to directories. One of the ways to get around manual submission is to use automated submission programs. But before you invest in one, check out the pros and cons to see if it's the right thing for your business.

Automatic Directory Submissions: The Pros

• The primary feature of automatic submission is that it takes the hassle out of adding your URL to directories and can allow you to submit your site to thousands of directories in a short amount of time.

• There are plenty of software products to choose from at a variety of price points.

• If you don't have the time and inclination to submit to directories yourself, there are an ample number of third-party providers who will do it for you.

• If you choose not to use software or a third party, you can find web-based programs that will submit your site on your behalf. Most of them require only that you fill in your pertinent information and then click SUBMIT!

• Agencies that specialize in manual submission have been known to falsify their documentation. They may tell you that they've submitted your site to hundreds of directories, and they may even have a spreadsheet to prove it, but the reality may be far from the truth. In this case, automatic submission may work in your favor.

Automatic Directory Submissions: The Cons

• Each directory has its own submission regulations and much of the automatic submission software is unable to customize submissions according to those regulations. Because directories are edited by humans, you run the risk of forfeiting your listing if it doesn't conform to the regulations established by the directory editors.

• Many directories regard automatic submissions as spam. They frequently block automatic submissions and may not allow you to resubmit in the future.

• Automatic submission software uses a list of thousands of directories when determining where to submit your site. Because many directories are short-lived, your automatic submission program may be submitting to sites that no longer exist. While your software may report to you that it submitted to 2000 directories, it may have only actually submitted to 750 when all is said and done.

• One of the most important aspects of submitting to directories is researching the most important categories and subcategories for your site. Directory editors will often reject submissions to categories that are not relevant to your site's content. Categories and subcategories vary from directory to directory, so your submission software won't always submit your site to the correct category since the software only recognizes a select list of categories with which it is familiar.

• Directories vary with regard to use of keywords and titles. Some directories will allow you to submit keywords along with your title while others will only allow you submit your title. Automatic software may cause you to forfeit the opportunity to list your keywords along with your title, or it may cause your listing to be rejected because you've included keywords along with your title.

• Automatic software takes control away from you. It may submit to sites that are little known and not considered authoritative by search engines. It may seem like a great idea to submit to 2000 directories, but if half of them are unpopular or not recognized as high-quality directories by search engines, then you're not benefiting your business.

Consider consulting with an internet marketing professional to determine whether or not automatic submission programs are appropriate for your business goals. You'll be glad you did!