A truly useful directory
-
Many directories on the net are just spammy annoyances, but some are quite useful, particularly when someone has really put some effort into a niche market. But how can Google look at that favorably? I would be willing to invest the time to put together a directory for our niche market, but if someone uses our directory, they would come to it, find the link they are searching for, then click and leave our site. They would visit one page on our site, and not stay very long. Is it possible to create and maintain a compelling directory and get credit for doing so? Of course, we would not have any spammy ads cluttering the directory, so that may help. Anything else?
Best,
Christopher -
"... and following one of your links, which isn't a bad thing."
Thanks, I did not know that. So, if they visit one page and return to Google, that's a bounce, but if they visit one page and click through, that's not a bounce, right? How far does that go? Does Google know if I sent someone to a useful site vs a spammy site? Is it partly a timing issue? In other words, if they visit my site and then don't return to Google for a while vs returning immediately, is that one of their metrics?
Best,
Christopher -
A directory is just that. A directory; if someone has used your directory to find a site they are looking for then great! Google won't see it as a bounce, because they'll be coming to your directory and following one of your links, which isn't a bad thing.
If you wanted to make more of a resource for your users, you could provide rich descriptions on the sites in your directory (this may also help reduce spam submissions). You could even create your own rating system for the sites. This may create a better experience for your users as they would be able to search your directory and get some useful and insightful information about the sites they are visiting... This increases the amount of text and information on your site, meaning you have a better chance of ranking and may set your directory apart from others in your arena that just provide links to other sites.
-
Is it possible to create and maintain a compelling directory and get credit for doing so?
Your definitions seem quite vague. What in your opinion makes a directory successful?
Google is a very successful search engine. Users go to the main page, enter their query, find a result and leave the site. Users often leave the Google site in 30 seconds and, if they find a good result, they don't return to Google. The low time on site doesn't mean Google isn't a good site. In fact, they are efficient.
The same idea can apply to your directory. Pretend you offered the "Green Business Directory". Many people prefer to do business with "green" companies. Users would go to the directory, search for "US web host" or another term, find a result they like and leave the directory.
In this example, your directory filled it's function perfectly. There is no other reason for a user to hangout on your site. Your "credit" happens as your site becomes more popular with users. Your site will be talked about socially, linked to and used by more people.
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
-
Why Moz use mz.cm for social link ?
Do you see that ?
Content Development | | Natifs
When you click on facebook post of Moz, the URL is domain is : MZ.CM ans after 301 to moz.com/article... Why ? Thanks2 -
How do I properly sitemap a site with static pages + Wordpress in it's own directory?
I apologize for the awkward wording in the headline. No to the issue, I have a site with static pages that are created as follows: url.com, url.com/page1, url.com/page2, etc. I then have WordPress install at url.com/blog. What is the proper method for creating a comprehensive sitemap for my entire domain. I like the sitemap feature provided by Yoast SEO plugin but I assume it will only index the wordpress directory (url.com/blog). Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Content Development | | Qcmny0 -
Translated text: should I use canonical link?
Hello everybody, I'm writing an article in Danish, which I have translated into English on a Danish blog. But I'm not sure if I have to use the canonical link from the English version to the Danish, or whether I should just publish both without using canonical link. What is your recommendation for this? Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks & regards, Jonathan
Content Development | | JoLinda910 -
I deleted an EzineArticle to reuse somewhere more useful, but...
I deleted an EzineArticle to reuse somewhere more useful, but now I find it has been copied (and links to competitors added). Anyway, that's not really the main point. What I am wondering is, as they have been reproduced 2 or 3 times, are they any use to me at all, or would they just be seen as duplicate content. They were good articles too. Much too good for an article directory.....
Content Development | | Cornwall0 -
What are the best widgets to use on Wordpress? And what is most useful on Wordpress for content syndication?
We are in the process of researching the best plugins and widgets for our clients' blogs. It appears that SEO by Yoast is most popular for 2013 so far. Any recommendations on which widgets we should be using or plugins for content syndication? If we use something like the Jetpack plugin, would this do the trick?
Content Development | | qlkasdjfw0 -
Does anyone use rss feeds to attract more visitors
Hi, i am wondering if anyone uses rss feeds to bring visitors to their site. My site is www.in2town.co.uk and i am not sure if it would be worthwhile in using rss feeds to bring visitors to my site. I must admit i have never subscribed to any rss feeds so this has got me thinking, do many people subscribe to them these days.
Content Development | | ClaireH-1848860 -
Blogger Outreach - have you used this service before?
Hi, Has anyone used blogdash.com before? It says it has over 100,000 blog owners registered, which does sound good but when you look at the sites own social following its very poor and when you start to dig a little deeper you can find blog owner profiles like this: http://www.blogdash.com/blogger/ari-herzog First view, you think Ari Herzog has signed up to Blog Dash and you can pitch him content for blogs such as Huffington Post and Mashable, took about 10 seconds to realise he isn't actually part of the network as the yellow box is asking him to signup if he ever finds that page. Has anyone used this service? I can imagine 2% out of the 100,000 are actually members who have signed up.
Content Development | | activitysuper0 -
Using Google Blogger
Hi, On my website I have a specific blog section, which like most people is linked to Wordpress. I have been advised that to achieve better SEO its also a good idea to use Google Blogger, because it will link back to your website from Google. Obviously we don't want to submit the same articles to Google blogger or else that would be duplicated, but is this something that could benefit and is anyone else doing this? Thanks!
Content Development | | Pulsar0