I think its more a question of whats practical and whats not. Directories are a high volume, low value asset. Whilst I do change the submission profile I do my submissions in batches and only change the wording periodically. The problem with directories and free directories in particular is that its a game of hit and miss. There is a lot of attrition in this industry and when a directory goes belly up, there goes all your hard work. The most important thing in my mind is to find those that are still going to be around in five years time and submit to them. You can never tell with free directories so dont waste too much time sweating over the submissions.
Similar to what workshop stated. I do a bunch of free directories at one time, between times I will sometimes change the wording of my description, but don't worry to much about the description. But I almost always change the anchor text each submittion. I feel changing the anchor text that directly links to me as being much more important and have 75-100 variations I use. A lot of free directories take forever to list you, if they do, so I don't spend to much time on my submittions.
Yes, it can be beneficial. Even low-PR pages may increase to a better PR over time. (And if the category is PR0 consider that it may also be newly added & will get PR next time around.) PR isn't the only thing I look at - it's the overall quality of the site more than anything. (For instance: Are the listings well-written, relevant, non-spammy? Are new listings added regularly? Is the site bombarded with ads? Is it well designed? Is someone putting some effort into it? etc. Are the sites on the page you want to be listed on good ones? Do you want to seen in their company? More here: http://www.quantawebdesign.com/tips/directory-quality.html) Just submit to good quality directories and you should see some PR benefit when the next PR export rolls around. I do this for all my webdesign clients and have never had any debut with less than a PR3 - and it's usually a PR4 - right out of the gate. Niche directories are especially good for getting relevant links & some traffic. (I should mention in the interest of full disclosure, that I also have a directory submission service. And, I own a niche directory.) cheers ~ Denise
It used to work this way for me but think that has all changed. The last google update was a tooth cruncher for some. You dont submit to free directories for PR and I personally dont see any point in wasting time and resources chasing PR at any time. In fact given googles aversion to link pimping I would stay away from high PR sites for as long as it takes for the dust cloud to settle. They are looking for sites that are buildng artifically high PR. They are looking for sites that are selling their PR. Quality can be summed up in one word and thats oiginality. Who is running the site and why? Once again there is little point in wasting time on window dressing and I spend as little as I can posibbly get away with on install and design. That can all come later when the directorymaster has settled in and is convinced that the directory is viable and that its what he wants to do. What visitors should be looking for are organic links and if the listing is not free look for those charging a reasonable once off review fee. The chances are that a large percentage of the directories currently offering good deals on their high PR are going to go belly up when it comes time to renew the domain name. Its already happening. I work with a long list of dirctories I submit to regulary and the attrition is alarming to say the least.
it is worth the time. i submit to directories everyday and its after 3 months or so that i see my site being notice by search engines. msn love it but for google, you must not submit to directories only.. combine it w/ a few blog post and some link exchange then viloa! your in the top 10
Our directory is new, basically an add on to our main business. I did wonder initially if it would be useful, now many months down the road it is starting to show its value. Some of our directory listing are actually making it onto page 1 of google here is one at number 4, sorry about the link not made enough posts yet www (dot)google.com/search?q=uk+retail+handbags&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLJ