A truly useful directory

[ChristopherGlaeser]

Many directories on the net are just spammy annoyances, but some are quite useful, particularly when someone has really put some effort into a niche market.  But how can Google look at that favorably?  I would be willing to invest the time to put together a directory for our niche market, but if someone uses our directory, they would come to it, find the link they are searching for, then click and leave our site.  They would visit one page on our site, and not stay very long.  Is it possible to create and maintain a compelling directory and get credit for doing so?  Of course, we would not have any spammy ads cluttering the directory, so that may help.  Anything else?

Best,
Christopher

[RyanKent]

Is it possible to create and maintain a compelling directory and get credit for doing so?

Your definitions seem quite vague. What in your opinion makes a directory successful?

Google is a very successful search engine. Users go to the main page, enter their query, find a result and leave the site. Users often leave the Google site in 30 seconds and, if they find a good result, they don't return to Google. The low time on site doesn't mean Google isn't a good site. In fact, they are efficient.

The same idea can apply to your directory. Pretend you offered the "Green Business Directory". Many people prefer to do business with "green" companies. Users would go to the directory, search for "US web host" or another term, find a result they like and leave the directory.

In this example, your directory filled it's function perfectly. There is no other reason for a user to hangout on your site. Your "credit" happens as your site becomes more popular with users. Your site will be talked about socially, linked to and used by more people.

[PeterAlexLeigh]

A directory is just that. A directory; if someone has used your directory to find a site they are looking for then great! Google won't see it as a bounce, because they'll be coming to your directory and following one of your links, which isn't a bad thing.

If you wanted to make more of  a resource for your users, you could provide rich descriptions on the sites in your directory (this may also help reduce spam submissions). You could even create your own rating system for the sites. This may create a better experience for your users as they would be able to search your directory and get some useful and insightful information about the sites they are visiting... This increases the amount of text and information on your site, meaning you have a better chance of ranking and may set your directory apart from others in your arena that just provide links to other sites.

[ChristopherGlaeser]

"... and following one of your links, which isn't a bad thing."

Thanks, I did not know that.  So, if they visit one page and return to Google, that's a bounce, but if they visit one page and click through, that's not a bounce, right?  How far does that go?  Does Google know if I sent someone to a useful site vs a spammy site?  Is it partly a timing issue?  In other words, if they visit my site and then don't return to Google for a while vs returning immediately, is that one of their metrics?

Best,
Christopher