Is there any link building value to design showcase websites?

[IrvCo_Interactive]

I am interested to hear people's opinions on this. We are launching a microsite that is for branding purposes only, no real SEO strategy beyond optimizing for branded terms on it. However the design of the site is strong in my opinion. I think it could get picked up by "sites of the day" websites, showcases, galleries, etc.

Would there be SEO benefit of in being featured on those sites since they tend to be curated lists of only the best sites and therefore editorial links? Or is there danger of those not being seen as quality links that could get you into trouble?

[Oren.]

If you're getting editorial links from authoritative sites tap yourself on the back and go home.  As long as the links are earned and the sites are legit you shouldn't worry about spam.

[IrvCo_Interactive]

Thanks.

Playing devil's advocate, strictly speaking those sites are not topically relevant from and SEO perspective. Those sites are just collections of links to sites with cool design. No theme or topic, or at the very least the theme is about web design. If your site is about "widgets" it may not have any SEO value to get those links?

[MickEdwards]

Those sites are just collections of links to sites

That doesn't sound good if you mean thin content as you are moving into the realms of Panda.  Each and every site needs to be rich with unique and valuable content.

[IrvCo_Interactive]

To clarify, the thin content is on the linking website, not my website. So if anything that sounds like I would be heading into Penguin territory, not Panda. Right?

I was thinking about a service such as this
http://thecssgallerylist.com/

[Oren.]

Oh, I didn't realize how thin the linking site was.  I was picturing some design sites I'm aware of that have detailed write-ups with examples.  Analysis of your page is fine, a link among a sea of links I would shy away from.