Reputable Directories

[Selkirk]

I think looking at the inbound links for deep category pages is a good proxy for how a directory develops its traffic and PR. If a directory got its PR by buying links to its top level, chances are that google can detect that. Matt Cutts has been quoted as saying that google doesn't give much weight to most directory links.

I agree that links from crappy directories probably don't hurt you. However, I think another thing to look at is what the directory links to. If the category page has links to shady stuff, then a link from that page probably isn't work much.

Lets say for example, that I created luggagespamshack.com and did a bunch cloaking, blog spam, link farms, etc, then google would probably detect me as an "unreputable" site. Now lets say genericdirectory.com puts me in their luggage category. I believe that google would then discount the value of the links for everyone on that category page. In other words, if genericdirectory.com links to known garbage, I think google is smart enough to realize there is a lack of editorial control and discount those links, on a page by page basis.

Additionally, I think google is smart enough to weight links based on the context in a page. For example, a link inside a verbose blog post would be worth more than a link on a page full of links with nothing but short descriptions and navigation. Especially if the description that accompanies the link is the same on a bunch of different sites. I think a link inside a navigation section would be weighted even less.

Maybe I give Google too much credit with my crazy theory of relative link value.

[FPU]

The links from a link farm won't damage a site unless said site links back to the link farm. At worst these paid one way links are just a waste of money.

Maybe Ken, but if you have hundreds of one way links pointing to your sites from these link farm directories you could be a big loser too!

[KLB]

Keep in mind guys that I only said the crappy inbound links won't hurt; I did not say that they would help. Personally I wouldn't spend my efforts trying to get links from link farms, but I wouldn't stress about my site being linked to by said sites.

Like FPU said, if the only links your site has is from crappy link farms then maybe you are a loser.

[Kyle]

The topic of this thread is "Reputable Directories".

Don't worry about the pagerank of some second tier category. If the directory is a reputable one, getting listed is helpful, and a great start.

Example: JoeAnt. My friend's extreme niche site, www.dust-mites.org, has a link here from PAGE 2 of a 3rd tier category. The category page itself is Pagerank 2 according to the toolbar.

Do a backlink check on Google for www.dust-mites.org. You'll see Google chose to show JoeAnt in this sample link listing.

In my opinion, reputable directories are an EXCELLENT start for a new site where you don't wish to participate in link exchanges. As long as the page has at least a PR1, go for it. These links will probably give you greater weight in MSN & Yahoo than Google, something else to consider instead of always relating things back to Google.

[Chris]

Well.. what a discussion... maybe I should elaborate a little more.

The article I'm working on right now is called "Link Building Methodologies"

It is going to be around 10 pages and should cover more or less every method commonly used to get incoming links for your website. In the directory section I cover most of the points already made in this thread about picking a good directory.

However, it would be so much more useful to users if I could get them started by referring them to a list of reputable big directories.... so I need a list.

So we could save the discussion until after I publish the article... but I need a list made first before I publish it

[KLB]

Well, I don't know of many directories, but I really look forward to your article.

[MaxS]

Definitely - it should be a great article. I'll scour the web for some well-known directories.

[ozgression]

I need a list made first before I publish it

I think you've already pretty much completed the list... to be honest. I'd probably add business.com maybe?

[Emancipator]

an article on this topic would be great.

[KLB]

Well I was approved by BOTW, but they put my site in the wrong category. I've submitted an update request and we'll see if they move my site to a more appropriate category. My site is so large that it can be hard to categorize and as such when left to their own devices editors tend to put my site in categories that don't really make sense when the site is looked at as a whole.

[FPU]

Chris, even some of the paid directories are becoming scams because they have a ton of affiliates out there trying to sell links for a commission.

My opinion is that most directories are scams of some type today, only a few are worthwhile and they all should be looked into before submitting to or purchasing a link.

Are they just link hustler directories that run a pyramid scheme paying commissions to affiliates to find customers.

Do they run reciprocal link programs, how many of their listings are actually reciprocal links?

Do they encourage reciprocal linking or give free links or a discount for reciprocation?

There are a ton of factors here to consider before you label a directory a great directory to be linked from.

Does it actually give traffic to those listed within or is a listing just an SEO tactic to garner PR ??

[Chris]

Yes, I cover all that in my article.

[KLB]

Following up on my BOTW submission. They were very nice and quickly moved my listing to the directory I wanted once I explained my reasoning.

[sagetips]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see Business.com listed as a quality, reputable directory. It's not free ($149/yr, I think), but (I think) worthwhile. You get 4deep links in addition to main link.

oops! was mentioned in ozgression post above. Well, 2 votes for Business.com then

[Prince]

I just paid $299 (a few weeks ago) to get one of my sites in Yahoo and the traffic went through the roof.

I have also paid to get two sites into JoeAnt.