10 most important things to look for in a directory (when it comes to Google)
When starting a directory submission campaign, just don’t assume all directories are created equal. For those that are new to dir submissions, or (good reminders for you) old timers, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the 10 most important things to look for when submitting to a directory (at least as far as Google is concerned)
- What is the age of the directory?
- Is the page you are submitting to indexed?
- Is the indexed result supplemental?
- How many outbound links does the page you are submitting to have on it? (It is ideal with less then 20)
- Is the link a “nofollow” link? (in other words can it help by not passing rank)
- Is there a ton of pharmacy or casino sites in the listings? (If yes, stay away)
- Does the directory really have a relevant cat/sub-category? (or option to create new sub-cat)
- Does the submission have a review process? (or can anyone get in)
- Does the site allow anchor text to deep pages (sub pages)?
- Can you actually get traffic from the site?
If you can take your focus away from trying to build up “as many” links as you can through directory submission, and focus more on the quality of the directory you are getting in, and what that listing can do for your website, then you have won the battle. There are some people that cringe at the thought of paying 299$/year for a listing in the Yahoo! Directory, yet a listing in that directory can take your site to a whole new level that you never knew.
For 2007 make it your directory submission goal to focus on “quality of directories” rather then ‘quantity of directories”.
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I hadn’t really thought about the category / sub-category specifics. In most cases I’ve either settled for best bet or moved to the next directory if it didn’t fit. Directories and link-building are my focus for Q1, thanks.