Directories are Paid links right ?

[onlinemediadirect]

How are directories ok for buying links ? How can the funds be claimed to be used to review your submission when everyone knows you are basically buying a link ?

What experiences have you had god and bad with directories ?

Is it a free for all any directory will do or should you be more selective in your approach. If so what are the signs to look out for on a top quality directory.

[RyanKent]

Some directories offer a clear deal: pay us and we will list you. That deal is a violation of Google's terms. Google offers a site so users can report any violations: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/paidlinks?hl=en

Some directories offer a less-clear deal: pay us to review your site. If we approve your site you are listed, and if we don't approve your site then your money is refunded. Google clearly understands this deal was primarily designed to bypass their policy and views these directories as paid links. Use of these sites can lead to penalties.

There are a few high-quality directories which have legitimate standards and charge a fee for a site review. If you pass, you are listed and if you do not pass, you are not listed. The fee is gone either way as it was for a review of your site, not a listing. Sites such as Yahoo Directory and BOTW are the two most prominent directories of this nature that come to mind. There are many niche directories that offer a similar process.

In short, paying for directory links is a bad idea. If a client has funds and is starting a site then I can see the value of listings in Yahoo and BOTW initially. Niche directories can offer value. Otherwise, the only way I would suggest paying money to be in a directory is if you felt the actual traffic you would receive from the link was worthwhile. If your client sells wines and you were gaining a listing in a wine directory that was actually used by people interested in purchasing wines, then that listing could pay for itself.

Another point would be certain groups such as the BBB may offer a value for being a member. The BBB badge on a site is a trust symbol which has been proven effective to increase conversions.

[verdadmedia2]

I've had bad experiences using directory submission where it actually caused the website to get its rank lowered. However, as mentioned, Yahoo, BOTW, and DMOZ directories are known to be good.

[SEO-Doctor]

Everything in moderation I say. I would only get a few of the top ones. I created a list and looked at the domain authorities if you are interested:

http://www.garethjames.net/authority-directory-list/

[onlinemediadirect]

BOTW is is good one I agree it just seems Ryan there is a constant walking on egg shells with Google. It reaches a point where you feel like you can't add your site to anything ?

The thing that gets me is all the sites we research all have directory listings that would be classed as outright paid links. So it reaches a point where I think if its ok for those guys so why should we do it ?

So you can't buy directory links because of them being against the guidelines and you can't pay for site reviews as this is seen as a way around the guidelines ? So what sort of directories can you do ? It just seems a real grey area.

[onlinemediadirect]

thanks Gareth I will take a look. When you say moderation are you saying 10 - 20 top quality directories .

[seanmccauley]

Google clearly understands this deal was primarily designed to bypass their policy and views these directories as paid links. Use of these sites can lead to penalties.

This may be an often asked question, however here goes; If Google penalises sites for paid links, paid directories, etc  what is there to stop competitors buying links to a site to get you penalised. How can Google tell the difference? Or is more likely that they will stop any linkjuice passing from these sites which is not quite the same as a penalty. You would still have the linkjuice of your legitimate links**. Indeed as effect from these paid directories is little in any case, loss of their linkjuice might have little or no effect.**

[onlinemediadirect]

exactly the reason I bring this up is recently on open site explorer in the industries I am working its time and time again directories. They are passing on good authority also so its a difficult situation.

Why should my clients not get the listings and their rivals benefit from them. Its just seems like an injustice.

[seanmccauley]

It just seems a real grey area.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head there...;)

[SEO-Doctor]

I'd do 5-10