Bidding directories slammed (as usual) by Big G - Too much this time?

Hi,

I've noticed that my bidding directories and many others that I know of is dropping in PR.

Whilst we all know that Google hates paid links, but the penalty is harsh these days. I saw established, high quality, PR3 bid directories slammed to PR0 - if that's what happened to the quality ones, what happen to the low quality ones?

Is it time to go out of bidding directory business?

In my case, I'm definitely out - All my bid directories are slammed by Big G, including one that has numerous PR6 links... I guess it's also time to stop my advertising at DirectoryRate...

Any thoughts or stories to share?

 

This is my first time hearing about bidding directory. How do you usually build it up (and its PR) and later manage it? If you don't mind me asking, that is. I am curious about this with normal web directories too. Do they buy any domains with high PR and then just install phpLD? Most of the directories I came across only have high PR on their domain root, the subcategories don't really help in the PR of links, even featured ones.

Also pertaining to your worry, don't go completely out of the business. You must change your modus operandi though. Convert your bid directories into an editor-reviewed paid directory instead. No doubt the earnings will be less, but at least your earning potential don't go to zero immediately if and when Google punishes you if you continue to sell links.

 

When this starts happening to any directory that you have, not just bidding directories it tests to see if you were in it only for the pr if you stick around and keep them you will see there is life beyond pr, its a little bit different but directories live fine without pr.

There is an afterlife for pr stripped directories.

If you jump ship everytime something happens you will spend most of your time splashing around in the water.

 

@ bobbyt - Many (including me) buy a domain name with PR and build a directory on it (either PHPLD or PHPLinkBid) - unlike many, I buy non-dropped domain name. My network consists of bought domain names and pure startups - all dropping in PR the same way - I'm highly considering your tips... Thanks

@ pipes - I own dozens of sites, and to tell you the truth, this is happening only to my bidding directories (not my general directory) - So, I guess it's safe that Big G is punishing my bid dirs for selling links (By any chance, are you the owner of CannyLink?

I experience the rise and fall of PR, but not as severe as this one - so I guess, I'm kinda fed up with the bid dirs biz... But I, of course, won't drop my directories altogether - I agree to bobbyt, I thought about converting my bid dirs into something useful... My main doubt is, how's my responsibility to my clients? They are placing link bid for a permanent placement. Any advice on this? Thanks

 

noobpreneur, I am flattered. I do not own any directory, but is considering purchasing my first copy of phpLD soon, don't think I deserve to give any tips but a reminder will be a good term

How about stop the bidding feature and retain the existing clients' links? Next, do not leave any trace of link sales, instead set up a form for editor-reviewed paid listing business model. I am not really sure if this will help though, do Google even pay attention to the changes we make to our house once it sets sight on us?

I mean it is weird that editor-review paid listing is tolerated but blatant link buying is prohibited. Also, dofollow links without payment is absolutely normal but I wonder whether Google will look at it that way. How will they know if we received payment? I mean paid advertising should be labelled as nofollow, then what are dofollow links meant for? Will Google misunderstand our dofollow links as a paid link?

P.S. bookmarked your blog in the location field.

 

No its not mine, its a rented sig.

 

Excellent advice.

 

you can jump out the business,
But IMO the bidding directories still has their values besides general directories.
Well said pipes!!!

 

You can't let Google run your life. Noob you have some great directories. Even though it does seem that Google is being harsh I agree its a weeding out process. It wasn't long ago only about 6 or 7 months that Google gave a boost in PR to bid directories. IMO if you build your site or directory for the sole purpose of PR you will be a frustrated and disappointed webmaster. Build for humans and not bots baby.

 

Thanks for the great opinions, guys! I guess sticking to bid directories would be a short term goal...

@bobbyt - There are many loopholes where Google can learn what your site's doing. For instance, in Google webmaster tools, you can actually report sites that involves money in link activities. So, not only Google, your site visitors can notify Big G about your wrong-doing. In bid directory case, having a phrase "buy a link" will raise a red flag on your dir! Btw, thanks for bookmarking my main site

@1nspire - yes - I agree that building for the sake of PR will disappoint. I try to balance human vs. SE, but I came into a conclusion that ppl submitting a link to a bid dir are for SEO purpose first, advertising second. I could be wrong, though...

 

It was time a year ago. G has said that if you are selling PR (and that's what bidding directories do) you will receive no PR.

It's theirs to give, and theirs to take. It's their game. They make the rules. So why bother? I can't see how it would be worth the trouble.

 

Anything showing the slightest success that has pagerank is going to get 'slammed' by gaygle, unless of course, you are the digg's and twitters of the web, which of course we are not(for now at least)

 

Woohoo, inspire!
Totally agree with you! But any directory can still make profits without google search?

 

I think you can keep the paid feature as long as you call it "moderators fee" and actually do editorial moderation and only let go through the quality sites. In the long run, that will make your directory survive any PR trips.

 

wonder if anyone supports this statement

 

@longcall911 - Yes, the signs are out there last year, but I thought I could find a way to run away from Big G. But yeah, it's their game. I guess Google has to play God balancing the web universe...

@an0n - LOL - the irony...

@web-fanatic - no comment

 

web-fanatic -- Based on my experience, Bidding Directories usually don't need alot of Traffic to be profitable (just targeted Traffic). However, G**gle is the most popular Search Engine, and their importance to the Traffic (and ultimate Profitability) of a website cannot be minimized (in my opinion).

 

You gotta be kidding me?! There's no point at all in having a zero PR directory. If you can't persuade Google to un-penalise you then just get rid of it.

Name me one directory that thrives on a PR0 after being penalised.

 

If you run a bidding directory that blatantly sells links you will be whacked - if you give a certain amount of money and you are guaranteed to get on the frontpage.

Google started slamming bidding directories a couple of years ago now and I don't know webmasters are still bothering with them

 

my bid directory is 1,5 year old and it have been stable pr4 from the first update till now.So if you are handling your directory well without cheating or make it a link farm then it is a valuable resource of link either is a bidding directory either is a normal directory.So go and tell to the submmiter that have invest 86 euro last year and still stand at the frontpage that he did something wrong.