I am so confused! With all the changes from Google, Im just looking to be number one or two for a very low competition keyword. Are paid links to directories good or bad? Thanks for your input. If this thread has already been submitted, apologies all around.
as I understand it, buying links is OK, *unless* your intention is to deliberately manipulate serps. After all, you can buy a directory listing on yahoo. Which always makes people ask... so how does google determine your intention when you buy a link? Which makes them ask... how do Google even know you paid for the link??? Ah, what a business.
Most likely you won't be penalized as long as the directory itself has a good reputation. Google has said that there is nothing wrong with paying for placement in directories as long as the payment is for reviewing your site for quality and they don't accept everyone. Lots of gray area to work with. If you notice lots of spammy sites I'd stay away. Fortunately, it is now in the best interest of directories not to link to spammy sites since it can affect their own rank/reputation. They are a dime a dozen so be selective.
do you know?? Yahoo directory is also a paid portal.. and numbers of webmasters are eager to add their website in Yahoo directory via paying yahoo or free... so buying or selling links will not penalized your website... Regards