These are the top directories that accept free submissions. Listing your web site within these directories may help improve your link popularity and aid in getting your site spidered by Google, Yahoo & Bing plus other search engines.

Web directories are a type of Internet search engine which use human editors to review, edit and list websites based on their topic and categories. Sites are listed within the most appropriate category or a new category may be added if none are applicable. Many directories rely on volunteer editors who contribute to the development of the directory for no cost, while others have paid employees who edit listings submitted and browse the web for new additions. Directory listings may be important for some search engine marketing, as many search engines use directories within their results and often spider them to include websites. For example, Google uses dmoz.org as its directory, so if you are listed with dmoz.org then you will also be listed within Google's website directory. Additionally search engines are commonly thought to trust the content included within diretories more because the listings have been approved by editors.

01 Web Directory provides free and paid directory listings.

Only some categories have a free option.

Typically the top level categories do not have the free option available.

To submit your site, locate the relevant category and select the submit url link. If there is a free option for that category, toward the bottom of the submit url page will be an option selected as -

Free Standard Submission

Unique web directory with social networking features and patent pending review and rating system. Free to list one site. Winner 2007 WebAward - Standard of Excellence for Directory http://www.webaward.org/winner.asp?eid=9375

A searchable directory of various topics, each run by an expert guide. Requesting to be included is free, but not all sites are included. About.com stresses quality over quantity.

To be considered for a listing, find the category that is most relevant to your site. Then, send an email message to the guide requesting that you be included.

Make sure to identify the guide that is most relevant to your website and remember that you are emailing a human on the other end ... so be kind.

The Open Directory Project (ODP), also known as DMOZ, is a volunteer built and maintained directory currently owned by AOL. ODP is more important than most for search engine marketers because Google and many others use it for the source of their directory listings. To submit your site, you will need to find the most appropriate category. Don't try and submit to a top level category, drill down through the general categories to find the most specific category you can for your site. Before submitting, it is a good idea to review the guidelines. Known for often taking a long time to approve submittals, there are steps you can take to increase the likelihood that your submission is accepted.

Gimpsy has limited free submissions due to overload, although they do open the queue periodically for submittals.

An Internet directory that only holds carefully reviewed interactive sites, using a unique action based classification method that involves at least two editors reviewing each website included. Gimpsy does provide free site submission. Be sure and review their submission guidelines.

In particular, only sites with interactive functionality are accepted. Professional editors who review the listings frequently determine classification and edit title and description submitted. Frequently sites qualify to be classified within multiple categories.

Other Free Offers
Reciprocal Promotion Agreement

Resources & Links
Free Submit | Guidelines | Forum

Reviews & Comments
The site currently states the following status -

"We will have the option available at least once per week but we aim to have it open once / day."

Check free submit to see if available now or for their notice providing the current status and further explanation.

A volunteer edited website directory which reports they have almost 200,000 websites listed. Sites included within the directory are reviewed based on a variety of criteria including presentation, ease of use, and reliability of information.

To submit your site, first check to see if it is listed by searching. If not, then drill down to the most appropriate category and select "Add your Site to this Category". Many top level categories do not have an add your site option. Guidelines are provided within the submission

Resources & Links
Guidelines | Editor

Reviews & Comments
If you have many sites to submit, Illumirate suggests you apply to become an editor. Level 1 editor priveleges include adding sites and opinions to their database. The editor application process is easy, requiring user information along with submitting an example listing. Previously known as Hotrate.com.

Directory with 30 languages and 30,000+ categories supported by volunteer editors. As of Jan 07 they report 368,713 listed. Navigate to the most specific category related to your website and select the "Add site" link located at the bottom of the page. Editor Forum.

Human edited general research directory allowing users to search, rate, submit, and review sites.

World, local and regional search engine and directory featuring one of the webs most comprehensive topic structures and free submission.

The following directories provide free inclusion only to individuals who sign up to be an editor or guide.

These directories provide free inclusion only to non commercial websites. Commercial websites must pay a fee to be included.