Hey all, I was wondering in what state a site should be when it is submitted to a directory. Should it be finished already, or can I start submitting while I'm still building my site? Thanks in advance!
Most directories have in their terms of service that the site must be completed. That said, I did start submitting a site that I knew would have additional sections. If your site is set up in such a way that a visitor today would not know what is missing, I don't see why you couldn't - that's what I did. But, if the site in any way shape or form is obviously under construction - wait. It will be denied acceptance and some directory owners ban sites that they deny. If you are simply looking to get the search engines to visit, you could add the site to your signature on this and any other forum you frequent and it should help the engines to find you.
I would say that the site should be functional at least. Maybe you should consider only publishing the pages that are complete and adding the others to your host as you complete them. NO UNDER CONSTRUCTION STUFF! Just be sure you do not add content that would cause the directory to delete your site after it has been accepted. All web sites change to some extent or are added on to.
SHould be fully completed. Most directories will not take under contruction. In one case where I thought I was almost done I submited and up popped a bug so I had many indexed paged that were dynamic and it messed things up for about 6 months. Best to wait until completed you will always be adding a page or two here and there as it never is "truly" completed. What I mean is when you know the bugs are gone and the content and pages are right.