Any free directories worth it anymore?

[Craig_F]

Just wondering if there's any decent free directories left to submit to, aside from ODP. By 'decent' I mean sends some traffic, or is a solid link popularity wise. I used to be on top of this, but haven't been following closely enough for a while now. So, anyone care to share?

[brotherhood of LAN]

Hi Craig,

I see where youre coming from. Free traffic is good, and directory listings are relatively stable.

IMO many directories are getting niched into geographical or categorical sites. For instance, a site in the UK offering business listings, or a "links page" on some respectable site.

Its pretty hard to tell the difference between your "stamped authority" directory and the niche sites that deal with a particular subject area. IMO a good bit of traffic lies between your standard link pop and directories/SE's.

Its just the way I 'see' it, but if you lookup directories + your keyword you might find a few directories that you otherwise missed

[chris_f]

If it's a non-profit site them Zeal is always good at driving traffic to your site through Zeal, it's partners and of course L$.

[brotherhood of LAN]

Oh yeah, definetely.....forgot about that one :)

That now accounts for 10% of my SE referrals

[Craig_F]

Yup, Zeal is good, but I need listings for mostly commercial sites.

[vmcknight]

Take a look at [selfpromotion.com...]
He has links to all kinds of specialized and business directories.

You can also look at applicable categories in ODP, and see if there's a Directory subcat.

[Craig_F]

great idea! I forgot all about selfpromo..

[okedokeseo]

Zeal is good since it gets nonprofit sites listed on MSN, but it does nothing for Google popularity.

[NFFC]

There are plenty of topic specific directories about, link pop and a trickle of traffic at worst. If all else fails, build your own.

[Laisha]

Zeal is good since it gets nonprofit sites listed on MSN...

This is something I think has people confused quite often. Zeal is not for nonprofit sites. LookSmart lists nonprofit sites free of charge.

Zeal is for non-commercial sites.

[Brad]

>There are plenty of topic specific directories about, link pop and a trickle of traffic at worst.

Good advice. Although the traffic can vary widely, in my little niche if you put the trickle traffic from several of these together, as a group, they can out perform Ink or Fast. The traffic tends to be prequalified too. Worth checking out.