SpamSense, Scraper Sites, and Directories NOT to submit to:
I still can’t get over how much I have been thinking of directories since ZEAL decided to close down shop. I have been asked so many directory related questions in the last two weeks its not funny anymore. These questions have not drove me mad, but they have made me consider a few things when it comes to directories.. To answer (again) the biggest question: NO DIRECTORIES are not dying!!! With that said you can be more careful about the ones you decide to submit to. Things to consider:
- Is it a SpamSense Directory?
- Is it a scrapper site clearly a part of the black hat seo world?
- Does it have casino/gambling related ads all over it?
- Do they allow porn related sites?
- Is the directory banned by Google? (I will answer how you check in a minute)
What is a SpamSense directory? Its a directory that is full of Google Adsense Ads in the most “spam-erific” places such as right next to the “submit button” or “add url” button. They are almost tricking you to click on the ads to make them money. My feelings is that this is a breaker of the Terms of Service with most of these kind of programs and you start to get involved in click fraud and that is NO GOOD. ( I know you have seen this and know exactly what I am talking about.)
You can go to Google.com and type in the URL of the directory in the search and if they are not listed, or do not show up as a result it means one of two things:
- They are such a new site that they have no credibility in Google
- They have been blacklisted.
(Either of which submitting to will do you no good) Think about the big picture with directories, they help you build credibility, improve rankings and increase traffic. If you go to a directory and there is no way they can do any of that then stay away. Remember you don’t want your site showing up next to the Porn site for credibility!
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