I have been researching this question for a few hours now and unfortunately I have my answer is, the majority are not. So Google dished out some bad news, it is going to devalue paid links. The pain was compounded for directory owners as their only method of building links was through other directories. It is possible that Google is set to dish more pain out during the next updates, so have directory owners taken heed of their mistakes and started building quality links from other sources, the answer to that in most cases is a definite no. To see people run a businesses this way is remarkable to say the least.
I do believe that this is not why the directories where penalised as stated by matt cutts charging for submissions is fine the issue is buying links such as sitewides and buying links on high pr pages that has resulted in the penalties i promoted one with sitewides and high pr links and was penalised. I also promoted one purely and simply with paid submissions to quality directories and this has never been penalised.
To be honest I don't quite understand your idea and the reason why you decided to post this. When you talk in some other people's name it means that you really watch/research what other people do. Do you? Also do you care? Are you influenced somehow by other people's actions? I very much doubt. I'd say that everyone run its own site the way he thinks its better. If someone does not learn from his mistakes or other people's mistakes it is his problem and will get lost on the way or Uncle G will punish him.
Hello... Q: Are Directory Owners Learning? A: Yes Ive been doing some research myself and found that big "G" is about making profits threw adsence revenue and if they cant sell their own "PR" you sure as hell wont either... Now lets talk about "where" directories should get their links and advertise... Well lets see.... other directories, SEO related content, SEO blogs, ect ect Do you see a pattern? I do its called "relevant content" and advertising and theres nothing wrong with that... My question to you is why do you keep coming up with these contraversal threads /topics and exactly what do you plan on getting of it? thx malcolm
Putting my seat belt on tight and buckling up, in for a bumpy ride again. one could say it another BS post.
Little "speed bump" never hurt anybody and in "Life" what doesn't Kill you only makes you Stronger and Wiser thx malcolm
Never a more true statement. I for one have been making some adjustments. With link building efforts, editorial guidelines and some changes in the submissions process. Really our own site is all that we can control. I have been declining sites left an right lately and weeding through those already listed. If you look to those directories that are mentioned as doing it the "right" way the blueprint is there for a successful directory. Just need to read it and follow it. No need to be re inventing the wheel all the time.
Is it not good to discuss real issues, some people may consider this a valuable subject. Malcolm good for you, the ones who learn will always be the ones that prosper. In terms of links, there are many ways to build links, putting all your eggs in one basket is not a good idea, the same could happen with the web 2.0 addicts. As for niche directories, they have a great opportunity to build on theme links, however I guess directory submissions are seen as the easy option. Don't get me wrong I submit to directories for my own sites and that of my clients, however it is only one of many methods I use. My own feelings are directory owners brought a lot of pain on themselves by networking and link building on mass. That said they are just like any other forum post, my personal opinions and should be treated as such.
Is it possible that you share in gemneral terms a best practice / methods for link building across other mediums including directories ?
Down under I do a lot of work in terms of link building, it is a crucial aspect in terms of adding strength to a website, Have a look at a few terms on google.co.uk Business Services, seo services, free business directory, business funding, business loans p2 (businessservicesuk) although my holly grail is the term business however I am only on page 12. I am currently working on 7 websites all of which have made good progress in the rankings. So what is a good method to link build? Certainly not one area web 2.0 directories certain forums review sites blogs google groups adzooks gumtree viva street amazon Just to name a few, the main problem I have is not finding sites to link too, it is having time and sometimes language problems as not all sources are in English. Unlike some posters on here, I just state my opinion on a particular subject, I do not de-cry another poster even if I totally disagree with their comments.
Works for me cent, however all link building techniques are down to the individual, like I said there are 100's of places to build quality links Some places are not good for links but great for a business, places like google base fall into this category