Directory owners: how many reciprocal links you get?

Those of you that own directories, and have the option of "reciprocal link listing", how many submissions of that kind do you get?

I'm planning to have 3 types of listings:
- premium (for some money)
- reciprocal (get almost the same perks as premium, but require a reciprocal)
- basic listing (free)


So, should I count on these reciprocal links, or don't think about them?

 

I get a reasonable amount, the reciprocal option does get used on my directories.

 

There is really no value in reciprocal linking imo - I had the option available on my directory but offered no incentive for reciprocal links - then a couple days I read how google was somehow mistaking the option for reciprocal links for the requirement of reciprocal links and using that as a reason for downgrading a directory so I removed it all together -

That was on this site http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2007/12/information-about-buying-and-selling.html

 

I really don't get any, So just removed that option from my directory. Also aren't reciprocal links against google's webmaster guidelines - read it somewhere but not sure.

 

Thing is, from a quick scan, and reading the 2 directories they mentioned, that isn't the case with those directories as far as i can see, unless they force a recip when you attempt to submit, is that what their talking about on that blog and in the replies?

 

I get Zero, but then again it would be nice to get people to submit to correct categories and only submit health links since its a health directory. You can only have so much i guess?

 

I get plenty of reciprocal links but not from their website index/homepage

 

You're right, they do not force the recip. I had mentioned they were mistaking the option for recip link for a forced recip link even though it clearly is not forced. That was Matt C making the mistake in that blog post.

I just figured since there is little value of having that recip option on site anyway I would just remove it so that there is no chance of the g men making that "mistake" with my site.

 

Its mental isn't it, i wonder what that guy could come out with next, on their submit forms of the two mentioned, its clearly seen that the required form fields are marked with * even non webmasters know what that means on an online form.

When i was first setting up my directories i was going to remove the recip option completely, then i changed my mind, currently im not sure what to do.

I still think the lack of porn and gambling sites on many directories is what annoys them all that money and nothing exciting when they come snooping.

 

I think I'll have just basic and premium submissions.
Under the form, or on the "Thank You" page, i will have something like: "Even though reciprocal links are NOT required, linking back to us is welcome"

 

I don't honestly like the reciprocal idea, mainly due to submitters usually choose the other option, and I don't think there is enough interest in order to have this option available at my web directory. If there was more submitters that chose this option, I would be more than glad to have this option available on my web directory.

However; I have to admit I've setup a separate page dedicated to linkbacks, page is dedicated for those users that wish to link back to our web directory, but this is just out of the users own free will.

Meti

 

I have no option for a reciprocal link but i still get links from sites that do send traffic.

 

Reciprocal Links are old school and desperate. Sheep i tell ya, sheep.

 

i own a free phpld web directory and get around 20% links that is reciprocal.
but i seldom check the link back via search engines.

 

Hardly any Just because it is not free I assume.

 

its like after 50 free submission get one reciprocal link.

 

Hmmm, so I guess the point is: if you offer some "bonus" for placing a reciprocal - people will link back.
Gonna try and do that

 

not quite....i have to admit that after reading this thread i am wordering how real this is...i would remove the reciprocal link option, but i get from time to time quality backlinks, like blogrolls on blogs and links on good pages, i even got a few backlinks on pr4 pages. So they are not always useless links..

 

I don't offer reciprocal options. I have a few reciprocal listings from years past though.