Directory Listings with anchor text = Should we just Delete them all?

[supps]

Hi Dr Moz'ers

So our ex-contracted SEO "experts" have a enlisted our website to 40 odd directories with the same key word and copy.

Is it best to just delete them all to avoid a possible negative SEO/Google outcome?

Cheers

[vivekrathore]

I suggest you delete them not because of same anchor text, but because of directory links which is of low quality and it may harm your site.

[JaneCopland]

Exactly as Anirban says. We're seeing a lot of directory SEO questions lately, and it's worrying. Both the exact anchor text and the fact that directory links are more often than not junk is why you should remove them.

If they were directories that were HIGHLY relevant to your business and frequented by people looking for your type of services, they might be fine. For instance, if you found a directory listing gardeners, plumbers, electricians and builders in Los Angeles and you happen to be a gardener in Los Angeles, there is some sense here.

However, the vast majority of directory submissions we see are made-for-SEO and should be removed ASAP.