Hello. One case here: My website is for US market. Do I need to submit it to US directories(I mean is better to use US directories and to have links back from US websites-hosted on US servers?) If I add it to Indian directories for example...does it help me in ranking my website in US Google? Thanks.
well best thing to do is check where the traffic for that site comes from, use alexa but it may not be very accurate. But when it comes to ranking I dont think that has too much to do with that...good luck!
IMHO, having links coming from a variety of locations can only help your SEO efforts as long as they are topical. Don't sell yourself too short with your intended audience. I have been surprised at how many folks are viewing my English only, US-based sites through translation programs. Even if you are offering products and services primarily for Americans, you could still attract customers and site visitors from other countries. Focus more on the quality of the directory and whether or not it is being maintained rather than the country of origin. The primary exception to that would be if the directory is location-specific.
You can submit to any directory, regardless of location. What matters most if you are targeting US traffic is to host in the US. Also you can set geographical targeting in Google Webmaster Tools if you only want to appear in Google US. Normally speaking any link helps improve your SERPS. Happy linkbuilding.
Geo-targeting can also be achieved by using Google AdWords, or Yahoo! and MSN Search Marketing. With these programs you can choose where you want your traffic to come from. All the same, you can go ahead and submit your site to as many directories as you want since this will give it more exposure on the internet.
I don't think it would give much edge on ranking. What you could do is get links from related ones, thats what gonna help you most.
Getting links form US related, hosted directories is the way to begin with. But, you should not limit your link building efforts to just one sector, it should be more than that.
No, many general directories are used by the North American market, my own demographics show a whopping 68% come from there. Not sure about Indian directories though, there are so many of them I think that any benefit would possibly be watered down but that could be said of any.
You'd be better off adding to related websites to yours. There is no secret knowledge and any good marketing book will tell you how to do this. Eg: If I sell books, then I need book readers to buy them. So you need to find out where book readers buy from/visit/dwell - then some way to get them to your site.
Also very solid advice. You want your links to relevant as possible. It doesn't meant directories are wasted effort though. Just spend your money wisely and try to keep your links in the most relevant categories. I wrote a post yesterday more related to traffic, but it gives some insight into the starter campaign I used for Lobo Links. http://www.lobolinks.com/blog/traffic-took-a-dump-and-it-stinks/