Directory Quality for Citation Building

[Whebb]

Hello All,

Just started to work on a new clients site that has been hit with multiple google penalties. I was looking at their backlink profile and noticed they have numerous links from what seem to be very low quality directory websites. My question is, when building citations and looking for directories to submit to, what makes one directory more credible then another one? If most of them are just publishing links and business information, why does google consider one credible and the other spammy? Clearly with some it's easy to tell if they are credible or not, but with some it is not as easy. Should you only really be submitting to the best of the best or are some lower lever ones ok too? Have read a few things on this topic, but most is older and just want to hear what people have to say on this today. Thanks.

[EveronSEO]

Hey jStrong

Generally a lot of web directories are seen as spammy but you can separate the wheat from the chaff by looking at the DA and PA using the Moz toolbar. Normally your first impression will tell you whether you should be leaving a listing or not. My advice would be to stick to well known local directories and ones that are attached to reputable news/media outlets that have enough readership.

Incidentally we have a blog post on our website at the moment with a list of must have citations that are normally our first port-of-call with new websites. PM me if you want the link as i'm not sure if its classed as advertising on the forums.

J

[Whebb]

Hey Jamie,

Thanks for the response. Yes I agree that the eye test is usually a good barometer for determining the quality of a site and good to hear this applies to directories as well. I'll check out the post, pretty sure I can find it, thanks for the heads up.

[EveronSEO]

No problem.

A big give away is normally the URL, for instance anything with numbers in is a big red flag.

I have just updated our profile as I noticed we hadn't included our websites. Hope you find some useful citations on the list!

J