Is this a directory or are they selling links?

[SparkplugDigital]

I came across a website that at first looks like an informational site, but they also have a directory.

On their directory page, it says that if you would like a link placed in our directory email sales@site.com.

Do you think Google would consider this a purchased link or a directory link?

Can people get away with selling links on your site if you framed it as a "directory"?

[ninjamarketer]

Traditional online directories are losing its value in the eyes of search engines and a good example is DMOZ. Even though DMOZ was one of the most popular directory before 2009 (it still has some value) it is not the best link source.

Local search prominence has allowed local directories to become stronger than a regular web link directory.

The question a user should ask before investing in directory link building is

• are users going to appreciate the availability of this directory? Is this going to provide benefits to the end user?

• Is this a vertical directory within high authority website or is this just a collection of links?

• Is the directory locally targeted (think yellowpages.com , cityguide.com) (applies to local ranking)

If the answer to these questions is no then clearly this is not a good source for getting links.