Paid Directories

[nvs.nim]

As we all know paid links can harm your SEO efforts because Google doesn't like these type of links.

I was wondering, if paid links are bad, why does SEOmoz includes so many paid directories in the SEO Web Directory list???

[esztanyo]

Very helpful Ryan, thank you.  Was just on botw.org and had Paul's exact question.

[RyanKent]

The short answer...there is a very distinct difference between directories which charge you for a listing and those which charge you for a site review.

If you are charged for a listing it is simply advertising. You pay a fee, you get your link, and that is a violation of Google's policy. The directory will still do it, but Google will basically nofollow the link internally so no PR flows through it.

Sites like Yahoo directory and BOTW.org charge for a site REVIEW. There are several key components:

1. The review fee is charged regardless of whether the site is actually listed or not.

2. A percentage of sites must not pass the review. If everyone passes, it is considered a fraudulent process.

3. No refunds. The site cannot offer a refund to those who don't get in otherwise the charge was not really for the review.

4. Reasonable quality standards must be in place.

A more detailed response can be seen here: http://www.seomoz.org/q/current-thoughts-on-directories

The directories in the SEOmoz list were likely accurate at the time the list was last updated, but it may not be perfect. There are likely directories in that list which may violates Google's terms, and other directories not listed which comply with Google's terms. The list should be used as a guide, not a bible.