Directory Submission - That important?

[Brokerstar]

Hey guys

I've been thinking about directory submission and how important it is in relation to the actaul impact it has on your site?

I've come across a site called: Web Directories List - Free Directory Submission Tool - Auto Submit To Free Web Directories | One Way Text Links and wondered if anyone has used them and if this kind of thing is a good idea for getting more links?

I'm thinking of starting out with the free directory submission and am keen to see what you guys think about the difference between the free and paid directories and agin if you see this as an essential component to your SEO campaign?


Broker

[Unknown Webmaster]

Submitting to high quality directories that require a fee and/or do serious reviews of your site are benefitial.

Automatic submission to a gazillion free directories probably won't help you.

The harder it is to get a link, the better the link (usually) is.

[Brokerstar]

Any recomendations?

When I Google the subject I just get lots of self promoting sites and no real objective view of the best directories to submit to?

Broker

[Lenny]

Dont think it can hurt,
when you have free time submit to a few, but dont center your life around submitting to directories

[tiburon]

anyone knows well known paid directories with international categories? (non english)

[Steve20]

For me as a Link Builder. I doesn't matter if it is paid or free. What is more important is, that submission site you are using is Quality Site.

Quality Backlink matters most than others.

[Michael Martinez]

Write a list of criteria you'll apply to any directory in deciding whether you'll submit a site to it. Here are some examples to illustrate my point. You need to find your own comfort level.

DO SUBMIT TO:

• Directories that receive an estimated 100,000 monthly visitors (check Quantcast, Compete, and Alexa for traffic estimates)
• Directories that put their listings first and their ads second (if you're not sure whether a directory is doing this, skip the directory)
• Directories that have at least 10 listings in every category
• Directories whose most important categories are updated frequently

DO NOT SUBMIT TO:

• So-called "SEO friendly" directories
• Directories that require a link back (asking for a backlink is not the same as demanding it)
• Directories that contact you about having added you
• Directories that have more advertising on the page than listings
• Directories that receive little to no estimated traffic

You can come up with your own guidelines. They can be as stringent or as loose as possible. Just set a bottom line and don't compromise your demand for quality.

Most directory sites are not worth visiting, so why would you want a link from them?

In my opinion the best directories are the niche-focused directories whose operators don't do anything but add listings to their content. They don't advertise or promote themselves as being great resources for Web marketing; they don't talk about PageRank; they don't offer any value propositions; they don't explain how important links are; they just find good sites and link to them.

These high-end specialty directories tend to be stingy linkers. They don't link to just anyone. They often won't link to affiliate sites. Those are the best links to get, especially if you're operating affiliate sites.

While there are some affiliate-friendly directories out there, think about how your site can emphasize good solid information over its affiliate marketing. If the stingy linkers evaluate your site as a resource first and as an affiliate site second, you'll usually do pretty well.

[Steve20]

DO SUBMIT TO:

• Directories that receive an estimated 100,000 monthly visitors (check Quantcast, Compete, and Alexa for traffic estimates)
• Directories that put their listings first and their ads second (if you're not sure whether a directory is doing this, skip it)
• Directories that have at least 10 listings in every category
• Directories whose most important categories are updated frequently

DO NOT SUBMIT TO:

• So-called "SEO friendly" directories
• Directories that require a link back (asking for a backlink is not the same as demanding it)
• Directories that contact you about having added you
• Directories that have more advertising on the page than listings
• Directories that receive little to no estimated traffic

That was a good quality post. This is all what you need to know in looking for a quality directory sites. Thanks anyways.

Just an addition in these guidelines, Do consider also Site's PageRank in submitting your site in directories. Give priority in those Directories having high Page Rank.

[Michael Martinez]

I'm not a big fan of looking at Toolbar PR myself. It can be faked and temporarily inflated pretty easily.

If you're reasonably certain the PR has not been faked or inflated, then a high PR directory probably has a lot of inbound links and trust. Look for credible directories. Be choosy.

[Steve20]

I'm not a big fan of looking at Toolbar PR myself. It can be faked and temporarily inflated pretty easily.

If you're reasonably certain the PR has not been faked or inflated, then a high PR directory probably has a lot of inbound links and trust. Look for credible directories. Be choosy.

I know, Page Rank can be faked but not at a reliable SEO tool. no no no...

BE CHOOSY! -- right!