To list in paid directory or not to list in a paid directory?

[ebowdublin]

Can anyone give a yes or no as to whether paid directory listings are any use from an SEO perspective or is money better spent elsewhere?

Thanks!

[xoffie]

There's a few key directories that are mentioned time and again as supersafe, Yahoo, BOTW, DMOZ, Business plus a few others. I'd be interested to know what biz you're trying to promote. For example, I've heard (and someone can correct me please if im wrong) that the mor niche you are, the more likely you are to get buried and the less the link means - ie, if you run a B&B in Kensington, you'll be HOME>TRAVEL>ACCOMMODATION>HOTELS>EUROPE>UNITED KINGDOM>LONDON>KENSINGTON - this may be an ott example, but you get the jist.

anyone?

[ebowdublin]

I'm in the wonderfully and head scratchingly competitive world of men's clothing - specifically boots, jeans and leathers...! bootsjeansandleathers.com

Basically what I seem to be seeing is that the more expensive directories with a high PR still have SEO value? Would you agree?

[xoffie]

OK, so a wide range of clothing options cuts out the niche problem, WW delivery?

Guess it also depends on how far you are with DA already. With a newer, low DA site may well be worth it. As long as you're happy to never get a hit from it, and absorb it all into your link budget...

[ebowdublin]

Yep, WW. We reckoned keeping it to the 3 main areas wold help from a promotional point of (at least keeping us away from the tee shirt market anyway)  My DA is low so have to start somewhere so I think i'll go with the better directories and one or two of the SEOMOZ list and see how it goes. Definitely no reciprocal links ones though or I get the feeling I'll end up with a Penguin at my door!

Thanks a heap for your help, much appreciated