Directory Listing Quality

[kchandler]

Have any of you ever purchased a directory listing with Absolute Directory (http:www.absolutedirectory.com)?

I was thinking about suggesting it to some of my clients since it was inexpensive, had a good domain authority (58), moz trust (5.81), and didn't seem to be filled with any ads or obtrusive content. Any thoughts? Is this to good to be true?

Regards - Kyle

[RyanKent]

Each SEO will have their own opinions on this matter. The best I can do is share mine.

NEVER EVER EVER advise a client to pay for a link.

I view SEO along the same lines as the doctor's oath "first do no harm". Paying for links is a clear violation of Google's policy. You are trying to assist a client to improve their ranking, and the result could be a removal of the site from Google's index. It's a bad choice.

Make great content and promote it. That is the best means of obtaining quality links.

[kchandler]

You made a very good point. What about directories like dir.yahoo.com? Or association sites that are directly related to their industry?

I am not disagreeing with you i am just trying to understand if there is a line of black and white or if it is gray.

Thank you for your reply!

[IPINGlobal54]

In general I would agree with Ryans comment - paid links are a no-no as far as google is concerned.

Yahoo directory and business.com appear to be the few exceptions to the rule though (many companies list in both without any detriment), there may well be a specific reason for this, but one I won't claim to know!

With association sites, most will word their t&cs to state that you are paying to be a member, and by being a member it entitles you to a link, thus escaping googles TOS. As to how viable associate site links are will be dependent on the site on which the link is, it's traffic, rankings and so on.

[kchandler]

I see what you are saying, just seems so strange that some directories are okay and some are not. Maybe the its authority they have for instance yahoo vs absolute directory?

None-the-less, thank you for all the feedback, definitely helpful in making my decision.

[RyanKent]

There is a very clear line in this regard.

Yahoo directory does not charge to be added to their directory. They are charging to review your website. They have specific standards. They do not accept all sites. If your site passes the review you are included in their directory. If your site does not pass, the fee is non-refundable and your site is not included. That is the line which Google permits.

If a site charges and any site which pays is included, that is not acceptable. If a site charges and any site which is rejected receives a refund, that is not acceptable.

Yahoo and BOTW are two examples of permitted directories where a fee is required to be added. BBB and other organizations charge a fee to be accepted into their organization then, once accepted, you receive a listing in their directory. That is accepted as well.