The goal of any website is to make visitor stay. The desired visitor response might be that they make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, enter a competition or simply complete a survey. The end result is same - you need web surfer to hang around your website for as long as possible.

There are, however, aspects of your site which can stop visitors from staying. Some of these are:

Sin #1 Slow loading The ultimate website sin. Your homepage must, must, must load in 30 seconds or less. This is not optional. If a visitor has to wait more than 30 seconds they will stop what they're doing and move on to next website. Optimize your website to load quickly by using as few graphics as possible and then only use JPEGS and GIFS. Your website should be no more than 20% graphics and at least 80% text. Why? Text loads faster and also keeps your visitor reading about your site as it loads up.

Sin #2 Poor layout A visitor should be able to find what they need on your website in 3 clicks of mouse or less. Any more than that and you're losing valuable visitors. Your navigation menu should be easy to use and every single link must work properly. Make use of a sitemap. Do not use fancy cursors. Do not use complicated menu systems. Text should be legible but not too big. Keep it simple. Imagine how a new internet user would react to your website. Would they love it or hate it? Could a new visitor to your website easily find information they're looking for?

This guide will take you through steps that will ensure your site gets listed.

What are directories?

Unlike search engines that use spiders to crawl Web looking for content and links, (Google, Inktomi, Alta Vista) directories are powered by people.

Many charge a fee to get listed (paid inclusion or pay-per-click). They include Yahoo!, LookSmart and The Open Directory. It is possible to list your site for free but paying for listings will speed up process and generate more search engine related traffic for your site.

Before submitting to directories you’ll want to sit down and prepare a 25 word or less description of your site making use of two or three key terms or phrases that describe your site. When deciding on your phrases think about what words people will use to search for your product or service. For example, if your site sells window coverings you may want to write your description like this:

“Purchase custom draperies, blinds, shades, wood shutters, sheer curtains, and other window coverings plus browse our drapery fabrics”

Don’t be tempted to use “marketing speak” in your description. Use facts and include as many relevant keywords as you can.

If you’re planning on using paid inclusion services you’ll want to establish a submission budget beforehand. Currently, I’d estimate around $800 or so, although prices have a habit of increasing so you may need more.

Submitting your site to…

Yahoo!

Yahoo! has two submission options: