I ordered a directory submission service for 500 directory from someone here at DP. I got a PM today saying the order was complete. Out of 500 directory submissions, I only received emails from about 100 of them (20%). Previously, when I've done my own manual submissions, most of the directories would send an email - accepted, denied, or pending review. The rate of returned email was much higher than 20%. Does this smell fishy?
Well, it may be the other ones aren't done reviewing your site yet. Still, if in a week or so the situation is the same, I would think something fishy is going on. On the other hand - the best directories (dmoz, botw etc) don't tell you when your site has been reviewed, because they are there for visitors, not webmasters (revolutionary concept, I know).
It sounds like something worth looking into. On the other hand, I have noticed a trend where fewer new directories are send comfirmation and approval emails.
there are directories that do not sent email confirmation...but IMO it is better to do the submission manually rather that to use some softwares...
Very few directories sends confirmation email, especially for free links. I don't think so. Manual submission time is over ...
I think a 20% response rate is about right. Depending on the directories, many do not send email notifications. You may get more email as they are reviewed/accepted. If you furnished a list of the submissions you can review them yourself but that would take as long as doing the submitting yourself.
Sounds about right if you used a submitter..in anyway, you can always check how many accepted your site through a backlink check in a couple weeks..that will also give you a pretty good idea of how many directories your site was submitted to.
OK - thanks for all the feedback. The directory submission service that I used submitted to some UK-only directories (I'm in the US), some Florida-only directories (I don't live in Florida), and a bunch of directories that require reciprocal backlinks. Oh, and they listed my business address as San Diego, which is not where I live. So overall, I may be a bit paranoid, but not without reason.
most good submissions services will offer a excell file after submission where you can check which were submitted too
Not all the directories will send emails to confirm the submission. Usually, I got about 35% to 50% confirmations, depends on the categories. Most submission services provide a report after the submission. A few of the services provides screen shots to prove that they did the job. I used this before: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=137266 , I think it is good. Bear