Are directory listings still appropriate in 2013? Aren't they old-style SEO and Penguin-worthy?

[Crumpled_Dog]

We have been reviewing our off-page SEO strategy for clients and as part of that process, we are looking at a number of superb info-graphics on the subject. I see that some of current ones still list "Directories" as being part of their off-page strategy.

Aren't these directories mainly there for link-building purposes and provide Users no real benefit? I don't think I've ever seen a directory that I would use, apart for SEO research.

Surely Google's  Penguin algorithm would see directories in the same way and give them less value, or even penalise websites that use them to try to boost page rank?

If I were to list my websites on directories it wouldn't be to share my lovely content with people that use directories to find great sites, it would be to sneakily build page rank.

Am I missing the point?

Thanks
Scott

[GuillermoOrtiz]

Scott,

You are right - the majority of directories don't really seem to provide much real value to actual users. I would suggest being extremely critical and conservative if you do decide to pursue 'general' web directory links.

There are niche directories out there such as directories that feature businesses that are green, and electrical contractor directories. These types of hyper relevant directories both add value and Google responds well to them. The more general type of directories are the ones that tend to attract the penguin's wrath. Hope that helps!

[irvingw]

95% of directories are for passing PR and I wouldn't use them for link building. There are only a few like Yahoo or Dmoz that I would consider safe.

[RickyShockley]

I think any directory that is either niche relevant or local is still valuable! Especially in terms of local optimization because they also serve as citations!

[Crumpled_Dog]

Hi, thanks for you reply. One of my clients, build garden offices and I have explored a lot of garden related directories. There are loads. Defining which is worthy isn't always straight forward. Some sites look good at first glance, but when you dig deeper, they seem pretty spammy. I got caught out with one website which when I added my listing it appeared on thousands of pages in a number of sites under an umbrella called Durokon. All horribly similar. I still can't work out if that site is real or not. I tried to contact them, but no luck, so I'm now assuming it's a link farm of sorts.

I suppose we need to be more critical when doing work like this.

Thanks
Scott

[Crumpled_Dog]

Thanks, I appreciate your response.

Scott