I would assume paid listings would be more powerful than free ones. Is it true that yahoo is like $300 bucks? I had a weblink that gave prices to some directories...Ill see If I can find it.
I prefer free directories. They have usually low PR, but later their PR will improve, and they turn to paid directories. But your link probably will be there. If you need improve your PR rapidly, then is time for paid directories.
It seems as though its not worth paying for directories that are lower ranking? Is is worth paying for them at all?
This is true. But free is free more links the merrier but internal structure, bookmarking, articles and in the end traffic is what it is all about. http://www.omg-1.com is an experiment from o indexed pages with 0 back links and will free directories how high can it go?
Free and paid. Paid and free. Both sides of the same coin. You will have the same value friend. Cheer up!
This is most important. This is no act of science here people. On a 90% scale, paid directories are more well promoted than free directories. Which in turn gives there pages more authority. Authority, is simply the key. While I read a post that argues free directories will not hurt your ranking and will increase your SERP position. This is true, but paid directories (due to more authority) will increase them more. It is not about paid vs free directories at all. It's all about authority. The real question here should be how to judge authority. Might I add that my beliefs on authority are age and inbound links, but that is surely an arguable point. My thoughts are if you can afford the time to submit to free directories then do so. If your budget will allow paid listings (for sure top level categories), that is a great option. If you can afford both then by all means. You are not going to hurt your SERP position regardless.
Yes this is important idea. If you have enough time, or some good paid submit service, free directories are a good opinion. Otherwise invest into paid dirs. But you must be careful to choose good one.
Durrr.... A web directory gives you a relevant backlink - a link from a page with similar links - same topic/category. So how exactly is a paid web directory link irrelevant? Its simple - you get what you paid for. If its free its not as good quality. Free directories accept all sorts of spammy sites, and only exist to create some revenue occasionally from featured links. Paid directories are much better and give much better results...
Not meaning to put the cat amongst the pigeons but perhaps you are getting some biast answers. Everyone on this forum knows that google has startedd viewing paid links as bad recentley, just read through the directories section to see that many are loosing pr etc - i would stick to finding relevant links for now and concentrate on articles and content. Paid directories are not what they used to be with regards to benifit to your site.
Yeah, the past has taught us that relevance is key even more know than ever. I think the wave of the upcoming future is in context links like blog post etc. My minor studies and experiments have shown they have a 60% better chance of indexing as far as Google is concerned. Don't get me wrong. Directories are far from over, but the ground is kinda soft atm as to what is good advice for any directory. This coming from a directory owner.
No backlinks are bad. All backlinks are good. Even if they are free, exchanged, or paid. A backlink is a backlink, it just happens that most paid backlinks will be worth more because of their PR.
See directory as a website whether it is free or paid. Getting link from any good website that is relevant to your subject won't hurt and same rule applies to a directory. How much to spend depends on you. Spend wisely, buddy.
I've always had the best results (paid or free) when I submitted my sites to relevent directories. I own and operate a number of sites and I have always received good residual traffic from the sites and directories (paid or free) that were closely related to my niche. That should never be overlooked.
There are a number of people on this forum, including myself, that would disagree with you. There are a handful of people here that achieved mid level pr from listing at free directories only. Toolbar pr is a snapshot from the past. And pr predictors are just that - predictions. If you are going to spend money, do a little research. I've seen pr 3+ directories that have minimal backlinks, which makes their pr suspect (dropped domains, etc.). As far as paid links go, look for directories that do not advertise "paid links." Paid or fee for reviews are fine. It's no different then what Yahoo Directory does. A directory that approves anything and everything is spammy. No need putting your paid links there. Deeplinks help too, and you may want to look for deep link directories - one payment will list 3-10 of your url's. The bottom line is this: If you are serious about promoting your Website, you should be using any effective promotion strategies that are within your budget. Free directories are simply that - free. Each link counts, but its about traffic as well. The more links you have out there, the more people that will find you. Good luck.