I have submitted my sites to a lot of directories in the past, but I think that I've been doing it wrong. 1. Should I only send my site to relevant directories about the same topic? 2. Will it help me out any if I submit my site to a high PR directory that has a similar sub-category that my site might fit into? 3. Is it more harmful to a site to have it listed in any old high PR directory?
I would send your site to all directory submissions you can. While they probably wont get you traffic, a lot of them will provide a great quality back link. If you had to choose, I would defiantly go for the directories that have high PR.
This is the primary mistake. Directory links are not valued by search engines any more and hence you will get no real benefit submitting to it. Do not waste your time if you are adamant YES
I have to disagree. Directories are treated just like any other site by Google. Some sites/directories are complete crap and others very good sites. Google loves good sites and loves good directories. A good directory that is well edited and has tight categories helps Google determine what sites belong in certain niches. The secret is finding the good directories among all of the crap.
I have a massive list of excellent, high quality directories. Let's say that I have a site about washers and dryers (lame example I know), I guess I'm torn between whether I should submit that kind of site to washer and dryers directories, or to a good directory that has categories like house ware, furniture, cleaning products, etc. Or maybe both is good. I'm not sure if I should implement one or both. I would love to be able to do both if it didn't hurt my sites authority.
I suggest you only submit your site to web directories that have good reputation. Look into the pagerank, traffic and domain age details. Most of the directories today are crappy. It's the quality of links that counts.
1. Should I only send my site to relevant directories about the same topic? Sure niche directories are great and might be able to send you some traffic as well. 2. Will it help me out any if I submit my site to a high PR directory that has a similar sub-category that my site might fit into? Yes it does. Choose your category carefully, it's okay even if it's empty, you know other sites of similar nature should come there sooner or later. 3. Is it more harmful to a site to have it listed in any old high PR directory? No, I don't think it can be harmful in anyway.
Directory submission always give you good return in the long run if you choose same niche to place link , in directories with good reputation no matter how high the old PR , penalty (or what ever filter) from GG is just for directories who not comply to the rule , not for links that listed in that directory.
searchengineland.com/google-removes-directory-links-from-webmaster-guidelines-14921 seroundtable.com/archives/018387.html Have a look here (include www. as i am not yet able to post live links)
Again, thanks guys - you all keep offering wonderful advice, and I am taking it to heart. Thanks eBusinessCorporate for the links - I'm checking them out right now.
No mention. Just see that you focus on your site content quality. Do not waste time in building links from directories. If at all they give any value they will not be worth the time and money (If you are planning to hire others) you spend on it
Just checked out those links - it would appear that google is trying to isolate its competitive friends. I mean I have both gmail and yahoo, but I prefer yahoo mail. Google still lacks in areas, wish they wouldn't make it so difficult for everyone. Is there any pleasing them?
You have the site to the directories to the relevant categories.Then only the site is listed otherwise it is not listed.In Many directories your site will be listed only after approval.It takes time.But directories are an excellent way to get the backlinks.