Niche directories white hat?

[BobGW]

Hello,

I only submit to general directories that are extremely strong - DMOZ, Best of the Web, Yahoo Directory.

But I do submit to all fairly strong, fairly high quality niche directories that any competitor is listed under.

Is this completely white hat and useful now and in the future? I don't want to be penalized. I do try to get a variety of links as well as the niche directories.

Thanks!

[TakeshiYoung]

Yes, directory submissions are completely white hat (unless you're spamming anchor text) if they're reputable.

To make sure that a directory is in Google's good graces:

1. Do a site: search to make sure they are indexed
2. Search for their brand name, to make sure they aren't penalized
3. If it's a paid directory, look to see that you are paying for manual review and not paying for a link

On the off chance that the directory gets penalized, your will not be penalized, their link will just stop passing value.  Unless you're submitting your site to hundreds of directories, you should be safe.

[BobGW]

This is interesting:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/web-directory-submission-danger