Yahoo listing still important?

Does it help ranking

[moomelman]

In the past I have found being listed in Yahoo along with ODP really helps, but now that the Yahoo directory is sort of all on its own (Google searching 100% correct me if Im wrong) is the directory as important anymore.

Also like to know any opinion on whether a Looksmart listing actually helps ranking.

I know ODP is a near must.

Thanks

[Birdman]

It will still give you the same pr boost, but maybe less direct traffic. I don't think it's worth $299, but that's just opinion.

[TinkyWinky]

Agree with sentiment over whether it's worth the $299 every year. I have a number coming up for renewal and I think I'll forget it (plus let it lapse and resubmit to get the "new" tag - does this work?)

I'm based in the UK and £199 for a one off for .co.uk is just about worth it for big sites - but my traffic has dropped big time since the change recently so am very hesitant to bother doing any others.

re: PR - still important I think

:)

[egomaniac]

Looksmart does nothing for your listing in Google - no PR contribution, no relevancy contribution. I believe that it is not spidered by Google, if I recall correctly.

Yahoo is only worth whatever PageRank contribution the directory listing page can offer you these days. For some categories that is good (PR6 and up). For other categories it is small.

There are two other less tangible things to consider with Yahoo though. Just like ODP, a Yahoo listing helps to define a theme or context for your site. Noone knows for sure yet how much or whether this matters today, but most poeple believe (myself included) that Google will factor this into their algo, if they aren't doing it already.

Secondly, the Google results relationship at Yahoo these days is up in the air since Yahoo bought INK. I expect some major changes out of Yahoo later this year.

[moomelman]

looks like its sort of a gamble on Yahoo ...

one question though... why wouldnt google spider a looksmart listing?

also besides an Odp listing where else might google look for directory listings?

Thanks