how long do directories offer links/featured links for? most directories have NO guidelines regarding the length of time listings last for... do they ever update? surely they would be somewhat stale? what is a good guideline? (especially regarding featured links) TIA....
If you are asking about paid featured links -- the site needs to make a clear statement what period is being purchased. Is it for the life of the domain -- one year -- three months -- monthly? Some of the directory packages I have been reviewing lately contain a rebilling feauture -- which would show a period. But, I do not recall any of the paid listing defaults, which would include featured sites, stipulated a time period. That needs to be edited before the site goes live, and also be clearly stated in a site FAQ or in the payment terms. If it is missing -- do not pay and do not assume you paid for inclusion for life as a featured or partner domain. This should be clearly stated in the contract. For free listings: I would not remove listings unless the domain was dead. If unstated, this is generally assumed to be the policy of the directory. If the policy is different, the directory should state that free listings need to be renewed/verified once a year or once every two years to be retained. The directory software might issue an email to the registered email address. If there is no response, assume the directory owner is not interested in the listing and delete it. If they used a short term "anti-spam" email address when they requested the listing, they will need to go back themselves once a year or two to see if they still exist. Hopefully, the site hasn't switched from free tp paid in the meantime because it became insanely popular. However, most directory programs include the ability to check that the domains are still live. It should also be able to tell the difference between live and parked -- but I do not notice this as a feature so far. It should mark domains which fail the test as inactive so the admin can remove them latter. Inactive results should not be displayed. A more difficult problem is when a domain lapses, but is quickly assumed by another person, who immediately starts a new website. They could go from tech to trek-porn and your directory program will not know the difference. A solution might be for the directory program to store the IP address and alert the admin to do a manual verify of the site when the IP changes. It might also mark the domain as inactive during such a period to prevent connections to inappropriate sites. This approach also solves the redirect to a parked location problem.