Are directories still an option for linkbuilding
-
I know that after the recent slate of Google updates, many free directories got taken down. We've typically used the list of directories placed on SEOmoz (www.seomoz.org/directories). Before adding a site to a directory, we always check to see if it is indexed by Google.
Is this still a safe option or should directories be avoided?
-
Eric,
Sure. If there are barriers to get in a directory, that will help prohibit many "spammy" type links. So a barrier made be a paid listing (TN, MacRae's, GlobalSpec & etc.), a vertical directory (where only sites that are contextual relevant apapera) or any directory that are selective.
Personally, we have had much luck with ThomasNet (not so much with GlobalSpec). However, like you said, it requires a bit of work. If you have any questions about TN, let me know as we have used for many years.
-
I do some directory submission but on a small scale and only in local, niche specific directories that I believe could bring us some traffic.
The biggest caution I would say is to be really careful about anchor text. If you've got a pile of directory submissions all using keyword anchor text then that could be a Penguin trigger. I mostly use my URL for anchor text now, with the occasional keyword where appropriate.
-
I have to disagree with the people that don't think they carry much value these days. Over the last month I have submitted my site to 5 of the referred directories on the seomoz list and this week alone I have had 4 keywords move up +13 +3 +8 +45. So I think they still carry some weight but I believe it really depends on how your entire back link profile is set up.
Think of it like a scale, if you have tons of junk links on one side of the scale, then you may not see any change because the bad links are weighing you down. However, If you have a good back link profile these links will carry more weight and help you out tremendously.
-
Great info, Michael. Thanks for the response!
-
Are you sure this is the 'Best' practice post panda/penguin?
-
er, contrary to some posts on here i'd say that yes, it still does play a (small) part in the overall mix.
Getting a listing in Dmoz no longer has the impact it once had, and getting listed can take an age, so submit to it and forget about it.
Most of the manually edited directories can still play a part, and more than anything getting listed in directories is a natural process for any website.
If you have already visited the moz list and submitted your site to them then good work, as long as you worked towards getting listed in directories that are specific to your industry then a job well done.
Keep moving along with your day to day seo efforts and submit to directories as and when you find a good, relevant one.
Further more, as you have probably already seen on the moz list and by reading other Q&A posts there are some paid directories such as Yahoo and BOTW (others are available) that for me have proved worthwhile when submitting to, and I did see a ranking increase as others have in the weeks after I submitted to them.
-
Kevin,
Thanks for your reply. Question, could you elaborate on "it its difficult to get in a directory". We've had good luck with Thomasnet; with their directory, the difficulty getting in is that they require a lot of information about the client. Is this what you mean?
-
We still get relevant traffic and good leads from some directories. However, we only use reputable directories in certain niches (industrial directories). General rule of thumb, if it's difficult to get in a directory, it's probably a good place to be.
-
Indeed the best practice is link exchange with good PR and relevant to your site. I totally agree Matthew Marley you don't get too much value this day using that technique.!
-
I would only look at the likes of dmoz, local and maybe niche directory's
I dont think they carry much value these days.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Do You Risk A Penalty From Local Paid Directories in 2022?
Hi there, I have a client who wants to advertise in a local directory along the lines of "find your nearest plumber". The directory only has paid listings and they are follow links and they also mention your site or generated landing page may get a nice bump on google. Is there a risk that they may get a penalty for using this directory? The client wants to use it regardless of if it gives them an SEO boost but obviously wants to avoid any penalties at all costs. Thoughts on this? Thanks in advance
Link Building | | Scottlinklater0 -
How many Directory Web sites still active?
After a long period, near about 6 years I want to know what kind of Web Directories still active? Is that kind of Directory links help SERP for gaining Ranks?
Link Building | | nopain8100 -
What directories do you guys recommend to pay to be listed?
With so many in the web is hard to decide what directories are worth it... Anyone has suggestion? Thanks!
Link Building | | ewiart0 -
What should I look for when choosing a good article directory for SEO purposes?
I have been writing SEO content for blogs for the past year or so, but I am fairly new to article directories. With SEO in mind, what makes a particular article directory valuable? Currently I'm using EzineArticles and Squidoo; I liked Ezine in particular because of their thorough review process. I saw that recently Squidoo also amped up their checks for original content as a result of Google's stricter policies. I was interested in using HubPages also since they are good about reviewing content. I'm just curious how much factors like this reflect on an article directory SEO-wise. Are there any additional factors that set a a good article directory apart?
Link Building | | Madlena0 -
Back to Basics: Lets talk link directories :)
Hi, Ok, bit of a muddy subject for me because lots say it's a good method, great for getting things started and some say it's a complete waste of time and it's spammy. But I guess the difference between the two opinions is quality! I have stopped using directories but think it's time to add some diversity to my link profile. In the past I have used this - http://www.directorycritic.com/free-directory-list.html What are your thoughts on that list? Does it actually fall into the spammy category and I should be looking for a much higher quality list. Cheers
Link Building | | activitysuper0 -
Directories
Hello, We are a UK based business targeting the UK market (at the moment), we are looking at placing our sites URL in directories that are based in the UK as well, should we stick to this market or should we be placing our URL in non UK based directories? Thanks Daniel
Link Building | | LushDuck0 -
Is this a directory or are they selling links?
I came across a website that at first looks like an informational site, but they also have a directory. On their directory page, it says that if you would like a link placed in our directory email sales@site.com. Do you think Google would consider this a purchased link or a directory link? Can people get away with selling links on your site if you framed it as a "directory"?
Link Building | | SparkplugDigital0 -
Directory Submissions
Hello All. Our site has 17,000 links from over 300 route domains but none from directories. Using open site explorer i've found tons of paid and free directories but Its so time consuming manually submitting. Is it better to take the time to check each directory manually or should I look at some kind of automated service? Cheers Todd
Link Building | | toddyC0