Hi I don't understand why directories keep offering free reviews when they still have thousands pending. One had 30000 or so and something stupid like links added today 2. I've finding it very hard to find a list that doesn't have a back log. There are the ones offered here on DP, but I for mean an actual list, so if anyone has one they would like to share Dee
Free directories are typically monetized on some fashion. Often times they have adsense on them, sometimes it is just to gain email addresses for their list, sometimes it is just a directory that they popped up on a dropped domain with page rank that they want to populate so they can flip it. Whatever the reason - the primary reason is self serving and not just to offer you a free listing there. A result of this is free directories typically could care less about taking the time to actually review the sites submitted. They will either let them just build up or they will mass approve all the spam submitted making the directory itself worthless. I dont want to lump all free directories into one basket and say that every single one is like that, but unfortunately the vast majority of them are. If your expectations are for a quality, well maintained directory which will actually benefit your site by being listed in it - you are much better served by submitting to directories which have a review fee. That ensures there are quality controls in place and that reviews will be completed timely for those who submit.
The backlog of sites to be reviewed is a common problem for submitters. Those directory owners are hoping that being on a free directory list will send them some traffic and a small percentage of those visitors will actually pay for a review. It's a poor strategy, but some of the bigger free directories do this as well. The best bet is to submit to new free directories. New directories tend to have owners which want to list your site so they can populate their directory. And there is less competition in the categories so your chances of appearing towards the top, even if temporary, is good. Many free directory owners do not realize the work that is involved with running a free directory. Many get overwhelmed. And when the money does not come pouring in like they thought, some simply abandon their directories. Don't overlook some of the good premium directories. For example, I choose to list my sites at the gentleman's post above mine.
I am glad you haven't put all free directories into one basket swedal. I could also put a very large list up here of paid directories that are absolutely worthless, with no quality control. Being paid does not ensure quality control, it also does not mean your site will be reviewed in the advertised timeframe. People should try a different mindset being, "is the directory I am submitting to a quality resource", regardless of being paid or free. Being paid or free has nothing to do with quality, it is the editors and directory owners who determine quality.
I brought up this subject before about the ones with many pending, one owner did bring to my attention that although some may have many pending, his/her own for example, that it doesn't mean they are not bothering and that they will review properly so it means a big backlog. But thats not the case for all those free ones of course. Its impossible to keep a list up to date of fast approval directories because at any time any of them can slow down and if they approve fast and get hundreds of submissions a day then they're probably letting in everything.
A free directory can receive upto 10k submissions in 1-2 months, those who believe in approving quality links take time to review each submission. You aren't paying for a faster review, What else do you expect for free?
At least a backlog that big would sggest there is some sot of human editing process going on. The number of directories you see with any old links in the wrong category always has annoyed me!
There are a couple of reason for so many pending approval links . The robots submit too often and the directory staff can't process the pending list quickly . Some of those free directories offer poor services to free pre-listed links .
i offer for free review but very sad.. i think it start from 2 weeks ago.. there have a lot medical site (spam site) that submit to my forum directory... it very sad because they not understand what mean "FORUM DIRECTORY" they still submit store,blog,and few spam site.... p/s: sad + mad = daily submit 20-30 for spam site, don't asking me if your site take time to review
Ye I didn't really expect anyone to have a list to be honest, and of course as stated above even if someone had a list it could change within no time. I do understand that it must be difficult for directory owners to keep on top of the submissions, but it's the ones that approve 1 a day that miff me. Thanks anyway Dee
if i see ridiculously high pending numbers compared to the number of listings already in the directory i just skip it and apply to another one. not worth my time for a free directory.
Good point. As long as the pending numbers look reasonable compared to the approved listings then it may be reasonable to submit. I try to keep track of the sites that are not actively adding free submissions. See my list of 2800 free directories. Any input is appreciated.
Did you try this free directory list? It's one of the best and up-to-date lists with newly released directories. Updated daily. You can easily outsource the directory submission if you don't have time to even build your own directory list.