Using an auto directory submission

[BenFox]

You'd be hard pressed to find any automated directory submission that's white hat. In fact auto directory submissions are pretty much the definition of crap hat SEO.

This soon after Panda you'd have to be particularly brave to try en-masse directory submission. I'm not saying that it won't work or that it will have a negative impact on your site but I certainly wouldn't try it.

[Twinbytes]

This particular service for directory submission is not an automatic submission, but it provides a list of directories to submit to, and it tracks what sites you've already visited/submitted to, and which ones of those approved your listing.  It's good for keeping track of your link building as far as directory submissions go, it would be great if I can find one that tracks link building in general in a similar way.  Anyone know of something like this?

[ZephSnapp]

www.knowem.com is a username checker.  Their list is very extensive, but as Ben points out, I wouldn't suggest making submissions en masse.  I hope that helps!

[BenFox]

I use BuzzStream to track link building in the way you mention but there are other services out there. Even a simple Excel spreadsheet can do the trick.

[RyanKent]

Daniel,

I highly advise against any such method of link building. The proper link building technique is to earn links. If the links are given away free to anyone, you did not earn them. Google often views free directory links as manipulative and "inorganic".

You need to closely examine each directory. Is it a quality directory? Can anyone get in or are there authentic standards which cause a percentage of websites to be rejected? Does the directory comply with Google's Guidelines?

I have worked with multiple clients who have been penalized as a direct result of similar links to what you are describing. The result is the clients had to contact each linking site and request the links be removed. This process is very time consuming and expensive. It costs many times more to remove the links then to get them in the first place. Once again, I strongly advise against ever using any directory submission site. Even if you do not earn a penalty, the links simply offer no value.

[Twinbytes]

Very interesting...This creates so many more questions.  How can you find these particular directories in the first place?  It's hard enough to find a massive number of directories to submit to just to start building some link backs, but to be picky about them will take even longer just to find one to post to.  I figured, if it's posted manually, that would be ok, as long as it's not fully automated, which the one I mentioned is not fully automated, but it helps find the directories and track which ones you've submitted to and if you've been approved or not.  I'm thinking it's ok as long as I don't buy into their automated services.

[Francisco_Meza]

One $400 link from BBB will be better than all those put together! Spend some money on BBB, your local chamber of commerce, and Yahoo Directory. "REAL" businesses have those (well maybe not Yahoo Directory).

[Twinbytes]

Yes, I was with BBB at one point then a few clients said it was just a money grab and waste of my money.  I agreed at the time and cancelled my membership.  I never thought of it at the time about the value of the web link side of the membership.  I will certainly reconsider renewing my membership.  I am with the local chamber commerce for many years now.

[Francisco_Meza]

Your clients don't understand the value of BBB. I use the BBB on nearly every page of my site to lend credibility. In addition, I use it in the SERPs to show credibility. A+ BBB Rating!

[RyanKent]

Francisco is dead right.

On a personal level, I do not like the BBB. A few years ago they had a scandal where it was uncovered they were basically selling ratings. If you paid them money, you received a good rating, negative feedback could disappear, etc. Since that time they claim to have cleaned up their act.

The BBB is NOT a non-profit organization. Sure, the head office might be, but all the local offices are privately owned franchisees who operate for-profit businesses. Once again, I don't care for the lack of transparency where they present themselves as a non-profit business.

With the above said, I encourage clients to join the BBB. Why? Because the public sees the BBB as a positive organization and for the reasons Francisco shared.

[RyanKent]

The measurement Google uses to determine if a directory is ok or not is not whether or not the directory submission is automated, although I would share I am not aware of any directory which accepts automated entries that is compliant with Google Guidelines.

The question Google will ask...is this link you created on the directory truly helpful to users? Would you have created the link even if search engines did not exist? Or does this link seem like it was created mainly to manipulate page rank?

[SEO-Doctor]

You shouldn't be getting that many, so shouldn't be hard to track.  Just go for a few with the most authority.  I have a list here.