Paying for directory inclusion
-
I just wanted to see what the general opinion was on paying for directory entries. How high should the PR be to justify paying for it? Or how much is justifiable for entry into a directory with a lower PR?
I have recently submitted my site to Yahoo Directory but I have only seen my rankings increase in the Yahoo search engine. Are there any directories that Google like?
-
Some directories are great.
An example is in the industrial marketplace and directories like ThomasNet. Thousands of companies pay ThomasNet to be listed in their directories where many engineers look for their services and get a great roi .
-
My experience with directories: I have 2 sites, one is in 3 directories (Gimpsy, JoeAnt and Galaxy) and it not in top 50. The other is on no directories at all but has a free eBook which is linked to and distributed in some other places and no less than 2 weeks later got to top 50 in google US for a bout 5 keywords, the highest being 23 (from not being in top 50 at all). I'm relatively new as are my campaigns.
I'm working on the free eBook thing for the site in the 3 directories, I really hope these directories aren't detrimental and it's just a case they aren't as powerfull!? if anyone knows?
-
I had previously been told that submitting to directories was the best way to improve your PR. I find all the other ways of creating backlinks rare - due to the industry and when I do find something of interest, the majority of the time it has a low PR so not really worth putting a link in. Also, we're in a position where we can't really create any new content on our website regularly - there isn't much else to say other than what's on our website.
-
I agree with @Anthony save your money and time. Directories are becoming less and less relevant and paying for a listing in one is showing reduced returns.
-
Save your money and your time. Put them both towards creating something of value on your website. Pay a designer to improve your best piece of content. Pay a writer to create a new piece of content. Do it yourself with your free time.
Sadly, sometimes Directories can still work. However, it is not a safe, long-term tactic and you can get more value by putting your resources somewhere else.
SEOmoz has a list of directories that you can consider. http://www.seomoz.org/directories
-
Yahoo Directory entries (but depending a lot on location and niche) are still ok for referral traffic. Some US Yahoo Directory niches are still receiving a lot of traffic and the ROI on the entry can get positive.
I would't do it from an SEO point of view though on Yahoo or any other directory. Some very "good" directories got penalized by Google for passing PR so you are on the safe side if you keep away from it.
No follow links from directories are good though - you balance the follow vs no follow ratio so that can also help.
-
It's dependant on what the directory is. Yes Google doesn't like paid links, but some customers may still use online directories so from that aspect they are good. Look at a directory and see whether they are ones your customers will use.
As William Lau said, Directories, for ranking, don't work as well as they used to anymore.
-
Directories don't work as well as they use to anymore. Don't forget Google doesn't allow paid links, for that purpose, you can see their stance on paid inclusion.
But if you are insisting, many users have agreed that Yahoo and BOTW are the better directories.
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
-
Is it worth to get links from startup directorys?
Hi, I have a startup that connects people with lawyers. There are a lot of directories of startups. These are legitimate directories and not like the spammy directories. Is it worth getting links from these types of directories? Let me know.
Link Building | | RafeTLouis0 -
Directory sites in 2013
Are there any directory sites or article/press relies sites that are worth getting links on in the post panda/penguin worked of 2013?
Link Building | | mark_baird0 -
What multi directory submit services should one use?
ubl.org, getlisted.org, localeze.com (neustar now), yext.com ? They all have some overlap, but what is worth paying for? Can you cover 90% of the market with e.g. just Yext and ubl.org or?
Link Building | | yvonneq0 -
Links from Directory's
I have been looking at the Directory's recommended on the SEOMOZ site. All of those that I have looked into do not appear to have a page rank for the actual page that my link would be appearing on. They all appear to offer N/A as the reply.Is this a problem? Thanks in advance for any replies!
Link Building | | Babyshoe0 -
Would you keep Paid Directory Submissions a part of your SEO Strategy?
We've been debating this. We've had some budget allocated to quality paid directory listings. We read that SEOMOZ analyzed some 2685 directories, 20% of which were banned from Google. So our question is, should we keep paid directory submissions with keyword rich anchor texts as a part of your SEO strategy or should we drop it. Thanks!
Link Building | | globaleyeglasses0 -
Beaten to death but still have to ask, low comp area spammy directory links
I have a client that wants to rank for low comp local keywords (i.e. service + suburban area). Would several well written blog posts on relevant blogs be more effective than 100's of low level spammy directory links? I just want to give him an initial base of a few links, aside from submitting to the local search engines such as those in whitespark citation finder..... please keep in mind this would be a low competition area where on-page would probably rank in the middle of the 2nd page.
Link Building | | ilyaelbert0 -
What is the best company to use when building links to feature on multiple directories online?
I am looking to build links for my clients who are in a very competitive industry 'airport parking', can you advise where I can submit their URL to generate good quality links without being penalised?
Link Building | | shami0 -
What are the best paid directories today?
Looking to do some paid directory submissions and was wondering if a) they were still worth the money and b) if you have $500-$1,000 what paid directories would you submit too? I am assuming that BOTW is still on the list, but I rarely every see a BOTW link in any backlink report. Are they still relevant or are they more a sign of quality to the engines rather than an actual link? Same with JoeAnt
Link Building | | BraveheartDesign0