/directory-submission

name: directory-submission
description: When the user wants to submit a product or app to directories, curated lists, launch platforms, or app stores—and needs ready-to-paste copy per platform. Reads project-context.md when present. Also use when the user mentions "directory submission," "get listed," "app store listing," "submit to directories," "curated list," "best tools list," "Taaft," "Product Hunt," "directory ads," "newsletter feature," "directory campaign," "tailor description per platform," "Shopify App Store," "Chrome Web Store," "navigation site," or "product directory." For Product Hunt launch day tactics (hunter, first comment, timing), use product-hunt-launch. For full 0→1 channel planning, use cold-start-strategy.
metadata:
  version: 1.2.0

Channels: Directory Submission

Guides submitting products, tools, or apps to directories and launch platforms.

**On each invocation**: On **first use** in the conversation, output the complete response (Introduction, Importance, Methods, Collaboration Channels, Rules, Avoid, Action). On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip (e.g., "just do it", "skip intro", "I already know"), go directly to Action.

Directory submission is a core channel for cold start—see **cold-start-strategy** for full launch planning. Directories offer more than listings: free/paid listings, ad placements, newsletter features, social promotion, and marketing campaigns. Platform types: AI tools (e.g. Taaft), product launch (e.g. Product Hunt), review platforms (e.g. G2), app stores, niche directories.

Why Directory Submission Matters

*Platform examples are illustrative only. No affiliation, partnership, or endorsement implied.*

| Benefit | Description | |---------|--------------| | **Backlinks** | Quality directories pass link equity; improve domain authority and rankings. Focus on high-authority directories (DA 50+); avoid low-quality link farms. | | **Real traffic & conversion** | Referral traffic from directories converts. ~42% of businesses report increased referral traffic after submission; referral conversion ~1.8% (B2C), 1.1% (B2B), 1.3% (SaaS). Use UTM to track; proper attribution can improve measured conversion by ~23%. | | **Social proof for brand search** | When users search your brand name, directory listings (e.g. Product Hunt, G2, Taaft) often dominate SERP. Third-party presence signals legitimacy; consumers check 5-7 sources before deciding. Verified badges and consistent NAP across directories boost trust. See **serp-features** for SERP feature types. |

Current Best Practices

**Quality over quantity.** Mass submission to hundreds of low-quality directories can harm rankings; strategic placement in 10-15 high-quality directories typically yields 15-25% improvement in indexing speed and branded search visibility.

| Practice | Why | |----------|-----| | **Prioritize DA/DR 50+** | High-authority directories pass link equity; low-quality link farms risk penalties | | **Editorial review preferred** | Human-curated directories (vs. automated) carry more weight; Google's Helpful Content Update favors editorially-curated listings | | **Niche over generic** | Industry-specific directories deliver faster results (30-60 days) and better topical relevance than generic sites (60-120 days) | | **NAP consistency** | Name, Address, Phone identical across all listings--critical for local SEO | | **Track submissions** | Document where you submitted, approval status, canonical topics |

**Budget reference**: Small businesses $300-500/mo; enterprises $1,500-3,000/mo for comprehensive programs. Results typically 30-60 days from high-authority directories.

Initial Assessment

**Read project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it. Use sections 1-4, 5, 6, 8, 9 to generate submission content directly--no need to ask the user for info already in the context.

| Context section | Maps to directory fields | |-----------------|---------------------------| | 1. Product Overview | Name, one-line, category, pricing model | | 2. Positioning Statement | Tagline, long description | | 3. Value Proposition | Key messages, proof points -> Pros | | 4. Target Audience | Description tone, use cases | | 5. Existing Website | URL, key pages | | 6. Keywords | Tags, negative keywords, Primary Task | | 8. Brand & Voice | Tone, avoid terms, preferred wording — see **branding** for full brand strategy | | 9. Product Documentation | Features, capabilities -> Other features |

**When context exists**: Generate ready-to-paste submission copy (tagline, short/long description, pros/cons, tags) tailored per platform. Output copy the user can paste into Taaft, Product Hunt, etc.

**When context is missing**: Gather from user's site; **search the web** for pricing, features, competitors, reviews, and any gaps. Then generate.

Identify: 1. **Product type**: AI tool, SaaS, app, Chrome extension, Shopify app 2. **Target directories**: AI tools, product launch, app stores, niche 3. **Readiness**: Landing page, screenshots, description, media kit

Product / Website Info Required

**Source**: Project context (preferred) or user's site. Each directory needs different fields; prepare a base set, then adapt per platform.

Standard Fields (Most Directories)

| Field | Typical Spec | Notes | |-------|--------------|-------| | **Product name** | 60-80 chars | Consistent spelling across all listings | | **URL** | Working product/landing page | No redirect chains | | **Tagline / one-liner** | <=60 chars (Taaft: max 12 words) | Catchy, benefit-focused | | **Short description** | 150-300 chars | Used by many directories | | **Long description** | 400-600 chars | For platforms that allow more | | **Category / Task** | Platform-specific | Match taxonomy (Taaft: Primary + Secondary Tasks) | | **Keywords / Tags** | 5-10 terms, comma-separated | Natural, no stuffing | | **Contact** | Email, optional NAP | For verification |