Directory Submission

[stevelibby]

I am looking to promote my new web site. I currently have the site listed in yahoo and dmoz. Now i am looking to build more links and i have noticed web directory submission sites claiming to submit to loads od directories. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

[fred9989]

Apart from the possible click through traffic, what value is a Wikipedia entry, when they use rel = nofollow on the links?
Rod

[Helpinghand]

None that I can see. This has been built for the owner to generate tons of content for the search engines. My problem with this kind of thing is people's articles and work is open to deletion/editing, and when considering that, what use is it as a potential link builder - I can come along and edit whatever I want to.

Seriously flawed me thinks.

[Frida]

The "we'll submit you to 78 directories" offer isn't one I've seen good results from. The directories they might get you into seem to be poor, (if you actually get into any) and the cheap automated pitch doesn't seem to work for the high quality directories.

That's true and my experience prove it. Is automatic submission to a bunch (ok, even a grand bunch)of directories helpful? No. First, because these directories are sometimes far away from your specific niche. Second reason - submitting to a large number of directories won't raise your popularity. It is much better to focus on those good ones in the web.

Frida

[ogletree]

If you are having problems it has nothing to do with your directory submissions. I have seen sites rank for terms when mass directory submissions is the only thing that was done. Quit trying to blame directory submission on your lack of SEO skill.

Now remember directory submissions will not help you get some money term. This is for easy to get minor terms. It is just a small part of your linking strategy. Your linking strategy should include many different methods and none of them should be ignored.

[Rosalind]

I run a couple of niche directories. Most submissions are utter junk, and most submitters don't bother to read the guidelines. This is especially true of certain submission services.

It's not necessarily directory submission itself that's flawed, it's usually the way the submissions are done. There are loads of cheap services that will offer to submit to 500 or so directories, and they're often all working from the same list. But if you can't find someone to do it who has a basic understanding of how to write a Dmoz-standard description, and who will take the time to place your website in the right (and deepest) category, then don't bother.