Some do very well. The general ones seem not to last for long, as it's an old model and now our clients want the right traffic, not untargeted traffic that won't convert into paying customers for them or even visit their businesses. The interest has to be there for conversion, and that is about matching the right buyers to suppliers. Sending a load of traffic, because it's large in numbers - is a basic business mistake done all the time.
That seems to be the fashionable thing to say now. I would say that it is clear that directories are worthwhile. Otherwise why would Google penalize directories for selling links? The fact that they have to manually punish it should indicate to a logical person that directory links must carry weight in the algorithm. Google likes links surrounded by similar links, and that’s the essence of what a page in a web directory is–it’s just a collection of links surrounded by similarly-themed links.
Yes, but that's just SEO stuff, and it's not the main reason why businesses buy links and advertisements. See, directories need to stop thinking of themselves as directories, and start acting like other websites that do sell advertising, and not just links. If you just sell links, then the worth will be seen as low and small time, and you'll get treated as such. People will only use directories for backlinks, PR and serps boost because, BECAUSE - that's what people know and expect them to do. Do something they aren't expecting, and things will improve, you'll make more money that's for sure.
FWIW, I do my best to rewrite my own descriptions because I believe that it's pretty much useless to bother with duplicate content. Why spend your time submitting when there are only pages of content that the search engines will reject? If everyone would make their content pertinent to the category it would build strong directories with good pr that actually does some good, right?
Look- When a business is in it's infancy, those who are early to the scene have a chance to "feel their way around" and even make a few mistakes. To enter a business that is somewhat matured and highly competitive, you need to know exactly what you are doing and how you are going to make money at it.
Hey When u submit ur link on directories you are making increase on ur back links and it will help you to increase in your page rank and i experienced with it. And if do it daily you will get better result in future.
That's it. You hit the nail on the head my friend. Personally I don't think it maters if you have a niche or general. Neither will spring up over night as money makers. It will take time and mucho hard work. Dedication! Then you may still not make any real money.