Direct Hit is missing me

A futile climb to the top

[jaeden]

If Direct Hits search engine results are based on link popularity, then how does a newbie have a chance of climbing up to the top unless those popular sites die off? Once they are up to the top, don't they keep getting hit more often than those that are at the bottom?

[agerhart]

Not link pop, click popularity

[rcjordan]

Supposedly, DirectHit analyzes how much time they spend [directhit.com], i.e., 'bail time.'

But any SE that factors in popularity has this advantage for the sites that are first listed. That's one of the reasons we urge everyone to stay ahead of the curve by working with any promising new engine that comes along.

<added>
The tough part is determining which SE is promising. The vast majority are just plain cheesy.

[Brett_Tabke]

>'bail time.'

This is why trick sites that break the back button or spawn endless popups always seem to be at the top of DH. It's a major flaw in the clickpop algo. Easily manipulated.

[rcjordan]

>bail time

It also works well for doorway domains, those that immediately unfold into a large array of themed secondary sites. It takes time to explore.

[toolman]

Direct Who?

[rcjordan]

Hey, I get DH traffic. 3rd tier, but traffic just the same. and it's FREE.

[jaeden]

The thing is, direct hit also powers HotBot and Ask Jeeves and a few others. Would be nice to get into those spots.

About not being able to go back, I hit a site the other day, that once I clicked on thier link, all the sudden, there was no back link, they simply closed the window I was in and opened another. That peeved me. So you think they did that to gain CLICK popularity (thanks for the clarification)

[rcjordan]

>That peeved me. So you think they did that to gain CLICK popularity

That depends, trapping is a common ploy among bottom-feeding affiliate sites. I'd say that is the more prevalent use.

Back to topic:
Ask Who? (kidding, well, sort of kidding)

[Liane]

>Hey, I get DH traffic. 3rd tier, but traffic just the same. and it's FREE.<

It ain't free anymore ... I wrote them a month ago asking why I couldn't get my site listed and they told me the free submit was no longer available and directed me to ask.com

Fat chance I'll pay for that!

[rcjordan]

>FREE

Correction: FREE to old-timers.

[jaeden]

So anyone know any LEGITIMATE ways to get higher in Direct Hit ranking? Or do I just have to focus energy somewhere else?

[Liane]

Optimize your site and then pay them for review!

[Brett_Tabke]

Quality description with "click me now" factor. Once you get into DH with a few listings, AskJeeves alone will out perform any and everything Hotbot can.

Forget Ink - get into DH through FAST/AllTheWeb. That click counter on Lycos also tallies them up for Lyco's Fast listings (and also sympatico.ca). You get into Lycos through Fast and then ultimately into DH and show up on AskJeeves - money.

[jaeden]

Brett,

Thanks for the info, I'll shoot for FAST to see if I can improve anything.

Jaeden