Apsense.com, small social media sites and local directories in link building

[BobGW]

What do you think of these popping up social media sites like that are fairly strong, like:

http://www.apsense.com

Also, if you have an address but no brick and morder location, should you subscribe to local SEO NAP directories that will eventually give you a backlink?

Doing link building for two new sites and one old site.

Thanks.

[EricaMcGillivray]

Going to ping one of our local experts to answer the second part of your questions, but in general, when new social sites pop up, their profile typically grant everyone all the links. Eventually, people start scamming them and they make all links nofollow. You really shouldn't invest in a new social media platform unless you have the time to manage it and actually want to be there, links aside. It may be a temporary link building boost, but it will go away.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Bob,

On the local side of your question, are you asking whether it is worth it for a local business to purchase directory listings? If so, the answer is: it depends on the strength of that directory, and while the value of a link from it would be part of the equation, more important considerations might include how well it ranks for your keyword/geo combo and whether your customers use it as a resource. If I'm not quite catching your meaning, please feel free to expand on your question. I always enjoy your threads!

[BobGW]

No, we are a national listing with a non-brick-and-morter address. Do some local directories still apply?

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Bob,

If by national, you mean virtual (you don't meet with clients face-to-face) then local business directories would not be a good fit. But, if your national business does meet face-to-face with clients, then it may be eligible for inclusion in local business directories. Without more details, it a bit hard to say.