My personal opinion for the directory industry for 2009: 2009 is going to be a regressive year for directories, by this I mean the directory industry is going to basically go back to what directories were prior to Google placing value on backlinks. Large numbers of undeveloped link farm/directories will be closing or selling but some cultures will continue to breed directories like the rats in their streets breed. One the good side a handful of directories with good editorial standards and ethics has arisen from all these directories and they will continue to develop into great web resources. Google will probably continue to crack its whip at directories to get all directories to use the rel=nofollow for all submissions.
I see more web 2.0 stuff coming to directories. Directories have been largely away from Ajax etc. because they want to use 'links' to internal pages. Forcing nofollow for paid links is already there but I wonder if they will also force directories with good editorial standards to switch to nofollow.
I still remember the good 'ol days where a directory was the place to find new websites, and even though Google kinda takes that, nothing can replace a high-end directory... that I've yet to see.
I heard a few months ago that several directories were penalized by Google and lost their PR. I'm wondering how effective directory submissions for pure SEO purposes will be in 09. I generally outsource this kind of thing and it isn't too expensive...but it could end up being a waste really soon.
I'm quite confident that good sites with good content will always be useful to people whether or not search engines like it. I haven't set my site up yet but am sure that it will be one of the useful sites mikey1090 mentions.
The only guys buying links are the online casinos! Its a total waste of time imho, the sites turn to junk quickly and look too seedy.
Yip.... We will reduce some stock and venture into other areas to broaden our portfolio as we have been last few months Google will soon be changing how it ranks websites in there searchs and its going to be another game of (let me find friends to vote my site up) So the SEO world is about to get the wake up call soon enough. laterz malcolm
What does that mean 'shaded'? If the links in your sig are your directories 2 of them aren't working.
I don't think Google will go back to the way it was. You're absolutely right here. Yes, prime time to make action on how to better the directories is now. Not sure, I have no opinion on this.
directory business is going to under big change and the structure of directory needs reform to provide more useful info to visitors.
I think the only real 'useful info' needed is unique links in unique categories. Apart from that there is some link-related info which could be useful if it's aimed at giving the browser more information about listed sites. I like the idea of regression in that a directory is just that, and irrelevant add-ons aren't needed. However there are useful modifications which can be implemented for the benefit of the end-user.
Heres a thought to strike terror into the directory world. In 2009 a certain someone will return, a man of many names, who wants to bet some money on that? Theres 2009's entertainment sorted. And 2012 is suggested to bring something for us too, all hyped up and talked about. Thats right, the London Olympics, hehe
If you mean Jamie, it's doubtful. He's persuing a career in law and doesn't even have time to chat on MSN. BUT If you mean EK/RK then we certainly will be in for a laugh That's if he's not made too many millions with his important web portals
Oh I hope not. That would make me curl up into a fetal position and cry what is wrong with this messed up world. Those things are pure kiddie crap.
I think there will always be a need for niche directories, that's the only type I'll try to develop from now on.