How to tell if a directory is OK

**MichaelMD** · 06-21-2007, 07:37 PM

It seem that google an others are discounting links from certain directories, how can you tell if a directory is a bad Neighborhood? What directories count as Paid links?

**chrishirst** · 06-22-2007, 06:18 AM

Quote:

discounting links from certain directories,

Wrong way around IMO.
Only valueing links from certain directories (if any at all) would be nearer the mark.

"Bad Neighbourghoods" don't come into it. That is a different concept entirely. Same with "Paid Links"

**MichaelMD** · 06-22-2007, 08:36 AM

would you kindly expand on that a little, am I to assume that paid directories don't count as paid links? Or are just some directories paid links?

**Learning Newbie** · 06-22-2007, 07:16 PM

When you go to submit a link to the directory, look at whether they charge or not. The same info and form is available to Google.

**chrishirst** · 06-22-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelMD

would you kindly expand on that a little, am I to assume that paid directories don't count as paid links? Or are just some directories paid links?

Nope, simply that the vast majority of directories have 0 value for SEs. Paid or not.

**Malatya** · 06-22-2007, 08:49 PM

Maybe human edited and family friendly sites are good.But on net, the power is your rating.For ex, if you have a porn site but have good rating google have to love it.Its the rule.

**wallstreeterww** · 06-22-2007, 11:24 PM

Why not check its backlinks? If it shows up on google shouldnt it be a good one to submit to?

**ADAM Web Design** · 06-23-2007, 01:27 AM

No. That's just a silly theory.

Simply put, if you're evaluating a directory for search engine reasons, you're evaluating a directory using the wrong criteria. As Hirst pointed out, 98% of them have 0 search engine impact anyway.

Look at it like this:

1) Can the directory potentially generate real, user traffic?
2) Is it free?
3) Can you get in without needing to give a reciprocal link?

If all three answers are "yes", then submit. if any of them are "no", don't waste your time.

**ForrestCroce** · 06-23-2007, 03:12 PM

I found this one following some links from a pretty unusual site. They don't even ask for payment or reciprocal links to be listed. Meaning directories like that do exist...

On the other hand, there are a lot of domains that seem to have been sold and parked on ad pages in their index.