Multiple Categories or Deep Links?

No I know the simple answer is "both". But I wanted to get a feel for what you would choose if you could choose only one:
1. Would you like to have 3 deep links in addition to your main link in a directory?
2. Or would you prefer to have your main link in 2 additional categories? (so total 3 categories and no deep links)

 

Deep links that last are difficult to get so there is a real value there. Whereas multiple categories raises questions about the editorial policies. When does it become link spam?

 

I would choose deep links.

 

I prefer to choose first one, deep links.

 

Multiple categories are pointless as far as I’m concerned.

Extra links are useful and add value for the end user, the only problem is that detail pages offer less value than category deep links. I’m looking for ways around this problem.

One idea is to add the deeplinks in the category like Google does with Sitelinks.



Another option is to have a unique description on the listing detail page, I have used this feature on Your Submit directory.

Thanks Brian

 

The answer is not that simple, yes, deep links may have more value, but it depends on where are they placed.
If all these deep links are on the same page as the link to your homepage, Google may choose only one link to count, so you have an illusion of plenty, but the deep links are wasted here.
If the deep links replace the main link, or are on different pages, you may have a benefit from them.
The second solution gives you the same link but on six different pages( category and detailed ), which may be useful for some other reasons.

 

I choose deep link. but most of the directory will allow only home page link

 

Go for whatever is natural - but concentrate on quality content.
If you have a health site, for example, it might make sense to use categories for men, women and childrens health problems.
But if you are targetting a more specific niche - such as back pain, then deep linking may be better

 

Ya i also choose deep linking, its very beneficial for our website compare to choose multiple categories..

 

Assuming when you say deep links that you mean extra links within the original listing...

My answer is multiple categories but with a twist. Many of the sites in my niches fit perfectly in more than one category. For example, it's quite common for the same crafter to both crochet and make jewelry or only crochet but have a fabulous selection of Christmas-related pieces. In that case, they can have listings in both categories with the primary link being a deep link to the appropriate section of their site and a unique description for each category.

Once in a while I'll use the cross-listings but I'm not really a fan of that since both occurrences of the listing have identical content. The only good thing is that they then share the same details page and visitor count.

I did see one directory somewhere where they wrote, or the submitter wrote, a review of the site and within the text were the deep links. Seemed like that would make a great idea for a premium package as long as you had someone involved who had the time and ability to write the reviews.

I saw another one somewhere that added pretty much the same 3 deep links for everyone automatically - About Us, Contact Us and Services (when appropriate). Another added links that duplicated the primary menu on each site.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I can see that deep links are more highly regarded by most.

 

No second thought form me.. I would choose deep links.

 

Yea, so it is easy to configure phpLD to do both at the same time, but I wasn't sure which had the greater appeal.