Is link building via Directories White Hat?

Hello!

A few of the directory lists I've found caution that this strategy should only be used sparingly, I was wondering if anyone has had any negative experiences using directories as part of a link building strategy?

Or if I'm completely off base and you can go hog wild submitting to directories, affirmation of that would be awesome.

Thanks

 

In my personal view, the focus should be on the quality of the links. There are some directories that are popular, and actually have quality traffic going to them (usually more niche specific). But if you just go hog wild, and submit to a bunch of directories such that your website link is co-mingled with a bunch of junks sites, it is likely this would either have no impact or a negative impact. So I would recommend erring on the side of being selective. Spend more time researching where you want links, and then choose the best ones you can find.

 

This strategy doest really work anymore. It worked a long time ago. the focus should be on your sites with quality content

 

Submitting to a few decent directories with standards and good traffic would be good. However submitting to loads of low quality directories for link building would be considered link spamming.

 

To a point this is something Google recognizes is also used for blackhat to take down a site's SEO. So you might not get a negative impact by submitting to a bunch of junky directories, but you also could if you lack any good quality links beyond that. I have a couple of sites that have many low-quality directories linking to them and they are okay, but I don't feel comfortable advising you to do this. I don't think it would be a good idea. It's just kind of a waste of time and you could spend your time more wisely. Also remember that producing good content is a really good way to get more traffic to your site.

 

Unless its a top quality hand moderated directory, I would not advise you to use diretory links. We got burned in the past for it.

 

I agree with what many others have said...To get much "juice" from web directories they need to be quality directories with traffic and DoFollow links.