Are directories still effective to build links in 2023?

Discussion in 'Directories' started by tganga, Aug 10, 2023.

  1. #1
    I find difficult to find a directory where to submit my site and most of the directories look quite bad(the look cheap and spammy). So is still worth to spend time to submit to some directories?
     
    tganga, Aug 10, 2023 IP
  2. Nick Kastner

    Nick Kastner Peon

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    #2
    It depends on your organization. For most of our small and medium sized business clients that have a physical location, we still use this as one of our backlink strategies. You're not wrong in that most directories are cheap and spammy, but Google seems to still give them some element of value. We don't put all of our weight in the effort, but we do include it as part of any initial effort that we put together for a new client.
     
    Nick Kastner, Aug 11, 2023 IP
  3. Veloman

    Veloman Peon

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    #3
    If I come across a directory I tend to submit my site, but I don't generally go looking for them. I don't think I've ever found them useful for genuine tracking, but it does seem to help crawlers find the site
     
    Veloman, Aug 12, 2023 IP
  4. phoenixtropicals

    phoenixtropicals Active Member

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    #4
    I totally get where you're coming from. It can be frustrating when you're looking for good directories to submit your site to, and a lot of them seem sketchy or outdated. The thing about directories is that they used to be a big deal for SEO, but their importance has diminished over time.

    These days, search engines like Google focus more on the quality and relevance of your content, as well as the overall reputation of your site. If the directories you're finding look cheap and spammy, it's likely that search engines don't give them much weight in their ranking algorithms. In fact, submitting to low-quality directories could even have a negative impact on your site's credibility.

    That said, there are still a few high-quality, niche-specific directories that can provide value. If you can find directories that are relevant to your industry or niche, and they have a good reputation, it might be worth submitting your site there. But don't stress over it too much. It's better to invest your time in creating great content, building backlinks from reputable sources, and engaging with your audience on social media.

    Here's a list of some high-quality directories that can provide value for your website:

    Dmoz (Open Directory Project): Although it's not actively maintained anymore, it used to be a reputable directory. It's still mentioned by many as a reference.

    Best of the Web: This is a well-regarded directory that categorizes websites by topic. It's been around for a while and has a good reputation.

    Yahoo Directory: While it's no longer a standalone directory, being listed in Yahoo's directory can still provide some benefit due to its history and association with Yahoo.

    Business.com: This directory focuses on business-related websites. It can be a good fit if your website falls under the business or industry category.

    Botw.org: This directory has been around for quite some time and offers both free and paid listing options.

    Family Friendly Sites: If your website is family-friendly, this directory could be a good option for you.

    JoeAnt: This is a general web directory that's been around for a while and has a reputation for quality listings.

    DMOZ Alternative: There are a few directories that aim to be alternatives to DMOZ, such as Curlie.org (formerly known as the DMOZ alternative). While not as widely recognized, these directories still maintain a certain level of credibility.

    Industry/Niche-Specific Directories: Depending on your industry, there might be niche-specific directories that can provide more value. For example, if you're in the travel industry, sites like TripAdvisor can be relevant.
     
    phoenixtropicals, Aug 15, 2023 IP
  5. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

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    #5
    That has got to be the most pathetic and embarrassing AI generated post I have seen here. @phoenixtropicals , you have just made a major fool of yourself ... and if you do not know why, then that is why you should not be posting such really bad info.
     
    Agent000, Aug 15, 2023 IP
    Sumit_Singh likes this.
  6. phoenixtropicals

    phoenixtropicals Active Member

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    #6
    I sure do apologize if my previous response didn't quite tickle your fancy. Let me give y'all a more in-depth lowdown on the whole DMOZ situation. Back in 2017, the Open Directory Project, or DMOZ as folks called it, called it quits on its regular upkeep and operations. Now, let me tell ya, that was a fair few years back, and when it comes to the world wide web, six years can feel like an eternity, I tell ya what.

    Now, let's mosey on down to the nitty-gritty. In the year 2017, they made the call to put the kibosh on DMOZ. It had once been a heavyweight in the web game, sorting and categorizin' websites back when the internet was still in its diapers. It helped folks find their way 'round the digital wild west, you see. But as time marched on, those fancy search engines like Google rolled into town with their slick algorithms, making it easier than wranglin' cattle to find what you're lookin' for.
     
    phoenixtropicals, Aug 15, 2023 IP
  7. Agent000

    Agent000 Prominent Member

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    #7
    FFS, we all know DMOZ and the Yahoo! directory no longer exist! .... read what you posted in your AI generated post. Embarrassing.

    Oh, and "Botw.org" and "Best of the Web" are the same thing!
     
    Agent000, Aug 15, 2023 IP
  8. phoenixtropicals

    phoenixtropicals Active Member

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    #8
    Which directory do you think is the best to submit to?
     
    phoenixtropicals, Aug 15, 2023 IP
  9. Sumit_Singh

    Sumit_Singh Well-Known Member

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    #9
    None. It is just to increase the submit counts for the SEO report (that many "so-called SEOs" do, nothing else.
     
    Sumit_Singh, Aug 15, 2023 IP
  10. Scarletioshub

    Scarletioshub Greenhorn

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    #10
    It can be tough to find quality directories these days, as many look outdated or spammy. While submitting to directories isn't as effective as it once was, niche-specific, well-maintained directories can still provide value, especially for SEO. Focus on trusted, relevant directories that offer quality backlinks rather than just quantity. Just be cautious and avoid those that seem spammy or low-quality.
     
    Scarletioshub, Feb 14, 2025 IP
  11. Zlatana87

    Zlatana87 Greenhorn

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    #11
    Directories are so 2011 and Google really don't like them anymore
     
    Zlatana87, Jun 13, 2025 at 6:59 AM IP
  12. bcdxer

    bcdxer Well-Known Member

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    #12
    Even in 2025, the role of web directories in backlink building shifted dramatically. Gone are the days when mass submissions yielded significant SEO benefits. Google's algorithms became far more sophisticated, penalizing low-quality and irrelevant links. However, directories weren't entirely obsolete.For local businesses, listings in reputable local directories like Google Business Profile remained crucial for visibility and establishing NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency. Similarly, highly niche-specific directories with strong authority could still provide valuable, relevant backlinks. The key was a focus on quality over quantity and selecting directories that truly added value. While not a primary backlink strategy, strategic directory submissions, especially for local SEO, continued to play a minor, supporting role in a diverse link-building approach.
     
    bcdxer, Jun 14, 2025 at 12:31 AM IP