I had submitted my site to about 300 directories (using semi-automatic software submissions as well as manual) about 2 months ago. Recently I checked with Google Webmaster Tools to check which sites link to mine and did not find any of those 300 directories. I know there are thousands of directories, but which one give you a link detectable by Google and/or bring traffic? Can you guys share "the good reliable" directories?
You are undoubtably talking about free directories. Nearly all of those 300 submissions you made are more than likely still sitting in que waiting for review. When you submit to free directories, for the most part you should expect free results. When you want to get serious about directory submissions look for quality pay for review directories.
You need to check first which of those directories approved your link. Sometimes Google Webmaster Tools doesn't provide all the back links you have pointing to your site. You can try checking again with Yahoo Site Explorer: http://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com/advsearch?p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourdomain.com%2F&bwm=i&bwmo=d&bwmf=u. Change yourdomain.com to your actual domain name. swedal was right in saying that you should try to get quality back links from pay-for-review directories. Coming to your question, I have this quality directory that does well not only in Google, but in other search engines as well. E.g. search with Google and Yahoo to see where the directory ranks for: the best web directory, high quality link directory, high quality web directory, the best web link directory, etc.
Check them by site explorer http://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com/advsearch?p=http://www.yourdomain.com/&bwm=i&bwmo=d&bwmf=u it shows you correct backlinks Google webmaster doesn't show any
Agreed thats one major problem with FREE directories (time game) as well as of those 300, about 100 will vanish since they are new directory owners whom have given up, and another 100 are spammy and the owners will just add everything in bulk and never give you custom descriptions, titles, which google frowns upon. Now thats not to say you wont get a few good free directories that will someday go paid and be around for a few years or longer and rember that when you submitted it was FREE...... He is correct... dont waste your time with google webmaster tools as they dont update for a long time compared to Yahoos... thx malcolm
Hard to know which ones will give you a link i think, depends on the link being picked up and indexed.
As a business model the full time free directory in today’s business world is a failure with few exceptions. Even the volunteer edited can’t keep up with the submission load. I don’t understand why so many keep trying a proven failure.
If your site cannot get approve, It's useless at all. Try to research the directory via google before you submit to!
I would choose 10 or 20 paid review directories and submit to those it will be better than 100's of free ones.
What I like to do is find directories that actually get traffic from the search engines. Usually it is niche directories, but some general directories get traffic too. Start with one of the various lists out there and search google for the page title or a snippet of text from the page in the category where you'll be listed. If the site shows up in google you've got a chance that the directory carries some serious weight in google's eyes. It feels like it takes more time, but in the long run your time is better spent.
I've received a lot of confirmation e-mails that my listing was approved from many of them. And thank you guys for all the answers but I wanted to get a list of specific directories that you could share with me.
Yes free directories need some time to approve your site, or just check manually where your site is approved then you can check how you are getting link.
From 100 free directories you will probably get 20 listings and with in a few months 15-20 of those will be gone because someone sold the directory and the new owner deleted all the free listings or the directory will just go under.
DigiDagi Is a good directory mate. You can also check Directory rate they have a massive list of directories
Alex, Go about it another way. Find a few sites related to your niche. Ie if your niche is "Stamp collecting" find a couple of "collecting" sites. Look into the backlinks these sites have using google and if any directories appear near the top of their backlinks then apply to those directories. Stoner, I don't know how much effort you put into your "free" directory but I spend at least an hour a day on mine and have done so for 18mths, each category has a unique intro and is SEO optimised, meta tags keyword density etc, categories relate, listings are all 100% unique descriptions and titles and guess what... Its useful to humans!!! It has a low-ish PR so I don't get spammed too heavily but then am I chasing PR? No way!! 13,000 unique listings over 3,000 pages results in approx 4,000 daily SE referrals.... and that my friend is serious money when we are talking specific business, leisure and shopping activities. All that from free content and a bit of hard work and dedication!