Are directory submissions dead?

[geester1]

I read some where that Google is not taking backlinks that come from directory's into its new algorithum, so my question is - "is directory submissions dead?"

Share your thoughts...:D

[vgjhav]

Just pick the right sites.

[~kev~]

"is directory submissions dead?"


Directory submission has been dead for almost 10 years, its just taking people a long time to realize that.

Back in the early days of the internet, back before search engines, there were directories. The main one was Yahoo directory. If you wanted to find a website, you went into the yahoo directory, and looked through all of the categories.

Then along came google and the rest of the search engines.

And then directories died.

When I first opened my forum I submitted to every directory I could find. This was almost 3 years ago and I probably submitted to over 100 directories. And today, not a single link from any of those directories shows up in my google webmaster tools, or yahoo site explorer.

Directories are like any other website - most of the close before they are a year old. So why waste your time submitting to a directory only to have it close a month or 2 later? Directories (like a lot of websites) are a fly by night industry. Meaning they could be here today and gone tomorrow. I am not going to waste my time submitting to a directory only to have it close.

Most directories want a recepical link, which I would give. And then it would take 1 - 2 weeks for my link to be approved? I dont play those kinds of games. If I give a link to your site, you should give one to mine within a reasonable amount of time, not 2 or more weeks later.

As for myself, I stopped submitting to directories a long, long time ago.

[korr]

Its definitely not what it used to be...

And although there are a few directories out there with strong PR and thorough indexing, the vast majority of them are overfull of external links and don't have the proper inbound juice to really help you out. To top that out, Google seems able to completely ignore directories that: sell links, don't editorially review submissions, or are otherwise "shady" in that they don't conform perfectly to the SEs imagination of what the web should be.

Finding a good directory takes way too much time IMO - you're better off writing a nice piece of link bait and submitting to a bookmarking site. Maybe the links there at a social site don't matter either, but at least lots of people will see it and possibly pass it along or blog about it themselves.

[onlinehowto.net]

I am still submitting every new site with a submission tool, and I was wandering whether it has sense.

It is true that I have never seen any link listed back to any of the sites.

[freelistfool]

I just spend a little time every day submitting to directories. My google webmaster tools back link profile has many web directories in it so I figure it's worth the time. If you focus on niche directories or high quality general directories you'll get more bang for your time.

[SiLvER]

Yes they are dead, but some people may still want to do it because they would do every single little things that would help their ranking but taking into consideration time spent > ranking efficency it's not really worth it today.

[mrandrei]

I don't think it's really dead. There are still quality directories out there where you can post your link. Just choose the ones with good reputation.

[contactusa]

Directory submission has been dead for almost 10 years, its just taking people a long time to realize that.


This headline has been popping up every week or so. Not again...
OK. Let's destroy this myth once and for all.

No offense ~kev~ but judging by your post you know very little about Web directories.

1. Submitting to ONLY 100 directories? Definitively not enough. How many backlinks did you actually get by submitting to only 100 dirs? I'll bet no more than 15, if that many.
2. Many directories have been here for years and they are not fly-by-night.
3. If what you said was true than how do you explain this:

We get clients with no backlinks and no PR and they sites have been around for 6 months to a year. We submit them to directories utilizing about 30 anchors and many unique descriptions. Guess what? After 3-6 months they get traffic, PR, SERPS and end up on Page 1 through 3 in Google searches for many of the anchors we've created IN DIRECTORIES.

How many Titles/Anchors and Descriptions did you use Kev?

Directories are Dead? Fine by me. Those that know how to properly choose, what to submit and how to submit will keep doing what they have been doing - BECAUSE IT WORKS!

[mflyer]

doesn't seem that way to me

[mflyer]

it also depends on the sites

[Jim4767]

When I first opened my forum I submitted to every directory I could find. This was almost 3 years ago and I probably submitted to over 100 directories. And today, not a single link from any of those directories shows up in my google webmaster tools, or yahoo site explorer.

"Not a single link"? I'm not sure what you did wrong. My Google Webmaster Tools shows tons of links from directories I have submitted to.

[vlerian]

I don't know whether it's dead or not, it's probably still effective, but I don't submit my sites on directories since long time ago.

[tommseo]

It is note dead, you in fact need some good dir website that accept link fast and have a good pr as well.

[xprifat]

I don't think dir submission is dead. you have to submit your link in do follow dir and a good PR dir as well.

[jitendraag]

I am sure directories are not dead. ~~kev~~, when was the last time you tried to promote a new site with web directories and monitored SERPs?

You can check some sites yourself and see if directories are being listed.

[~kev~]

No offense ~kev~

None taken.



1. Submitting to ONLY 100 directories? Definitively not enough. How many backlinks did you actually get by submitting to only 100 dirs? I'll bet no more than 15, if that many.

A 15% approval rate is not worth my time.

During the same time it takes me to sign up at a directory, set up a reciprocal link, and submit my link - I can join a forum, add a link to my signature and make several post.

And I know that with a forum post my link is on that page right then - because I can see it.

With a directory, it could take a couple of weeks to get approved. And then there is only a 15% approval rating?

No thanks.

[AndyBlack]

I haven't really submitted to link directories for a while. I don't think the average link directory would offer a valuable link, BUT it is still a link, and as mentioned above, if you vary your anchor text and description it certainly won't harm you. I think it's probably best to mix it up a little. Obtain links from link directories, article directories, answer sites, forums, blogs etc. This way it will appear more organic and you aren't putting all your eggs in one basket.

Just my two pence worth.

Andy

[Hoodala]

99% of all directories out there are useless. Just take a little time and find some good one, they are worth the time and effort.

[blackside]

There are still good quality directories which you can submit your site to

[~kev~]

"Not a single link"? I'm not sure what you did wrong. My Google Webmaster Tools shows tons of links from directories I have submitted to.

It was 2 - 2 1/2 years ago that I did most of my directory submission. I am going to guess that most of the directories that I submitted to are now closed.

A couple of months ago I submitted to some more directories, and those links are still not showing up. But like the other guy said, directories have around a 15% approval rating. So I would have to submit to well over 100 directories to build up any real backlinks. And at that rate, I would have to submit to literlly thousands of directories to build up any serious links.

[jaxrefinance]

I can't imagine what kind of link directories you were submitting to... there are a lot of them that have juice for the submitter.




Directory submission has been dead for almost 10 years, its just taking people a long time to realize that.

Back in the early days of the internet, back before search engines, there were directories. The main one was Yahoo directory. If you wanted to find a website, you went into the yahoo directory, and looked through all of the categories.

Then along came google and the rest of the search engines.

And then directories died.

When I first opened my forum I submitted to every directory I could find. This was almost 3 years ago and I probably submitted to over 100 directories. And today, not a single link from any of those directories shows up in my google webmaster tools, or yahoo site explorer.

Directories are like any other website - most of the close before they are a year old. So why waste your time submitting to a directory only to have it close a month or 2 later? Directories (like a lot of websites) are a fly by night industry. Meaning they could be here today and gone tomorrow. I am not going to waste my time submitting to a directory only to have it close.

Most directories want a recepical link, which I would give. And then it would take 1 - 2 weeks for my link to be approved? I dont play those kinds of games. If I give a link to your site, you should give one to mine within a reasonable amount of time, not 2 or more weeks later.

As for myself, I stopped submitting to directories a long, long time ago.

[contactusa]

It was 2 - 2 1/2 years ago that I did most of my directory submission. I am going to guess that most of the directories that I submitted to are now closed.

A couple of months ago I submitted to some more directories, and those links are still not showing up. But like the other guy said, directories have around a 15% approval rating. So I would have to submit to well over 100 directories to build up any real backlinks. And at that rate, I would have to submit to literlly thousands of directories to build up any serious links.

That's the Idea. If you do it yourself, yes it's a pain, but if it is done for you, that's a different story. :)

[cr34t1v3]

so, ideally, how many directory we should submit our site? there are thousand of directory out there

[affiliate.solutions]

I am going to help everyone out shortly with some great answers and even some really helpful information about automation with article directories, such as my 8,236 Massive Directory Index list....

I am just completing a post and setting up my how to guide on the automated article submission process....

Stay tuned and you will learn a couple things, hopefully :)

[Millen]

Directory submission has been dead for almost 10 years, its just taking people a long time to realize that.

Back in the early days of the internet, back before search engines, there were directories. The main one was Yahoo directory. If you wanted to find a website, you went into the yahoo directory, and looked through all of the categories.

Then along came google and the rest of the search engines.

And then directories died.

When I first opened my forum I submitted to every directory I could find. This was almost 3 years ago and I probably submitted to over 100 directories. And today, not a single link from any of those directories shows up in my google webmaster tools, or yahoo site explorer.

Directories are like any other website - most of the close before they are a year old. So why waste your time submitting to a directory only to have it close a month or 2 later? Directories (like a lot of websites) are a fly by night industry. Meaning they could be here today and gone tomorrow. I am not going to waste my time submitting to a directory only to have it close.

Most directories want a recepical link, which I would give. And then it would take 1 - 2 weeks for my link to be approved? I dont play those kinds of games. If I give a link to your site, you should give one to mine within a reasonable amount of time, not 2 or more weeks later.

As for myself, I stopped submitting to directories a long, long time ago.

I know what you are saying but i will have to disagree.
Backlinks are very much needed as of today. The key is to find the trust worthy once.

[lorenhoward]

No it is not true, Directory Submission is a Fantastic way improve your Site Keyword Ranking. For Example, If your Website Page rank is 3 So, try to Submit your website in those directory who have a Good PR Like 3, 4, 5, 6 and so on, If you try to submit your website in those directories who have Less Page Rank as compared to your Main Website it is Totally Useless.

I don't think so Directory Submission are Dead, It's a Great Idea to pinging Google

[affiliate.solutions]

I agree fully and here is my quick post verifying some of the benefits and misperceptions of directory submissions.... let me know what you think and remember I said I found a great article automation tool, which can sort the 1100 + directory sites within by PR... this was a $170 value that I was able to get for a demo copy working for about 6 years (free)... very simple :) I will be giving that information away later this week after I write the how to guide...

I think this is a great topic

http://blogging-to-make-money.com/how-to-use-article-and-website-directories-as-successful-marketing-tools/

[xpalaboyx]

I think DMOZ is one of the most important site you have to submit your site... aside from that... you can submit your site to directories only when your site is new just to give it some links...

[pdesigns]

As many people have said, it depends on the quality of the directory. I have had many sites move up in SERPs for targeted keywords even with just 300 directory submissions.

Directory submission should be one of many techniques however.

[mexabet]

Generally directories are not what they used to be. But the business is far from dead. Now you have to look at each directory individually for quality before you submit your link.

[Amrendra]

No its not dead... but now google and other search engines are not just counting directories.. they have more options not to measure the value of a website....

[jasoncreja]

Getting back link is never a worthless. whether you get from directory or any thing...
But yes you must submit in good directories it is required for sure...

[DJMC]

I just spend a little time every day submitting to directories. My google webmaster tools back link profile has many web directories in it so I figure it's worth the time. If you focus on niche directories or high quality general directories you'll get more bang for your time.


Freelistfool is right on the money!

If you choose the right sub-category (mine is "weddings") -- you will see the links appearing at GWT, even if the link is "no follow" (most are do follow).

I like the ones that organize their results (within each category) by PR.

Since my site is PR 4, many of my links appear on Page One of the category, near the top.

(Sites with a low PR, get buried on a subsequent page with less link juice.)

[journeyoftheanimals]

Well I know so little about this but I still feel I can post something about it. I have just started submitting to the directories. Here are a few rules I am following, let me know if any of them are wrong.

I am currently doing 25 submissions per day, because I have read that if too many are done at once then the search engines and soforth can view it as backlink spam.

I am writing different "description" for each set of 25. I am not about to write a different one for each submission, but I figure that for every set of 25 is reasonable.

All forms are filled out manually. No auto submitter program is being used. Really this is not as hard as some people might think. I have my description in clipboard so I just paste it in each time and this saves a lot of time.

I created an e-mail address just for directory submission because I am sure the address is going to start getting a ton of spam since I am submitting to 175 directories per week.


That is all I can think of at this moment. To the person that said they submitted to 100 directories with very little result I have a few things to say. I mean no offence with this. Just my thoughts and maybe it will help some people.

100 directories may seem like a lot. I know that about a week ago 100 would have seemed like almost too many to me. However there are 1000s and 1000s of directories out there, so 100 in a relatively small number when you compare it to the amount that is out there.

As far as the dreaded reciprocal link is concerned. Hmm Well when I started this I was going to create a page on my site with all the links but then it really sunk in just how much more work this was going to create for me. Having to add their link every time I submitted just seemed like too much work. So I trashed that idea after maybe 10 links and completely removed that page from my site. So far my experience shows that at least 85% (I think it may be closer to 95%) of the directories out there have three options for submitting your link. The options are as follows.

Featured links $.$$ LifeTime or a certain amount of time like monthly or perhaps yearly

Regular links free

Regular links with reciprocal free (not sure why I would go with this one if I can get it for free without the link.)


What is the number one reason I am submitting to the directories? The cost. I am willing to spend the time to submit to 1000 directories to get 100 - 200 or more backlinks and more traffic considering all it cost me is some time. I am not willing to spend the money for the "Featured links" because I do not expect too many people to even be finding my link directly on the directories.

Well like I said, I have just started this myself but these are my thoughts on it sofar.

[jasoncreja]

yes I agree quality directory submission will help you.....

[jaxrefinance]

Regular links with reciprocal free (not sure why I would go with this one if I can get it for free without the link. journeyoftheanimals

You would do that as a courtesy for the website owner as he is giving you a free link.

[contactusa]

Regular links with reciprocal free (not sure why I would go with this one if I can get it for free without the link.)


It's because the Free Link without a Reciprocal may take months to get approved, especially if a directory is a busy one.

A Free Link with a Reciprocal will most likely get approved very fast.

I think that's the only difference and logic behind this method.

[greg22]

hi
I do not think directory submition is dead.you can use good quality of directories.

[itop10]

"Not a single link"? I'm not sure what you did wrong. My Google Webmaster Tools shows tons of links from directories I have submitted to.

Can you please share some of those directories to whom you have made the submission. I am finding it difficult to make submissions to free directories.

[IndexedResults]

Directories (general and niche) are still worth submitting to and the sector will continue as long as the internet is around. Like everything you got to be selective and not put all your eggs in one basket, whether you're a site owner or link builder. Submit to directories as part of an all round link building campaign and the serps will improve.

[drjupitor]

I read some where that Google is not taking backlinks that come from directory's into its new algorithum, so my question is - "is directory submissions dead?"

Share your thoughts...:D

I dont think they are dead. I still do directory submissions to free directories of relevant directories.

[lauramarsh]

hi
just choose right site beacuse it depand on the site.