Event_King - 6:32 pm on Aug 2, 2005 (gmt 0)

Alexa Rating

Alexa rank is a rough measurement of traffic to any site only, but it's still the only way of 'ranking' websites for traffic. (As far as I know)

Google PageRank

PageRank is a guide to 'quality'. Actually popularity is more accurate, as a site's links have a lot to do with the end rank. The more links, the better the site. I prefer to make my own mind up about a site's worth, than have a decision shoved down my throat.

Directory Selection Criteria

Selection of a directory has many factors, and the main one being relevance. Some companies shouldn't be advertised in a diectory full stop, as directories aren't often the most effective medium for promotion.
Although, budget wise, they might be your only reasonable traffic generator. Directories can be a good
long term investment, and effectiveness will very much depend on if/how each one advertises, enhanced services offered and popularity.

Directories are the poor man's method of advertising - used because 'it's another link out there' and is therefore spiderable, or for the PageRank boost. The long term link is more advantageous, in that most directory services are for 12 months, thus are guaranteed a link at a low price. Low price is why directories are used, but that will surely change over the years, as some directories become highly popular.

Popular directories do deliver the visitors and can give very good exposure for services, but this depends on each publication's development budget. A word of warning - Many directories won't deliver the traffic you think they will. The only way of knowing this 100% is to test each one, but this really isn't possible as there are far too many to test.

Why are directories used?

1. PageRank Boost

A good link placed in a popular directory can help increase PageRank. Website quality is another issue entirely, and I don't believe any directory is capable of raising a site's quality. That's down to the webmaster and content.

2. Link Count

Links are good, sometimes free and directories can help a good site to gain free links over time.

3. Brand Recognition

Ah, yes the battle ground for major companies. Very expensive indeed, but necessary for the likes of Coke Vs Pepsi etc to maintain market share and to drive sales. Great if you have millions to burn.

4. Search Accurancy/Time Saver

The reason why directories are cool! Some directories are a Godsend, if you can't find certain important stuff fast.... use one.

These are the most popular reasons for use, in no particular order of importance. Speed is obviously a factor as is the brand thing.

This year I'll use Yell.com and will post my findings on here for all to see. I'm most curious to see just how much traffic Yell can send me, but I'd be surprised if it amounts to more than 100 visitors for a year's advertising. I'm more interested in the brand promotion that Yell could deliver..... I'm fed up with the claims of "We'll send you #*$!xxx visits this year, and it's only going to cost you £1000"

Hmmmmmmmm.