Is That Directory Worth Submitting To?

It was interesting to see the number of questions that came in through comments and email after I ran the post below (Directory Submission Discount Codes) asking if Directories were still a viable link source.

If you follow this blog you know I think they have a place in your overall link building efforts but shouldn't be done as a stand-alone tactic. I consider them part of your foundational linking efforts and not your ranking salvation.

In my opinion, there are a lot of free and paid directories that are worthless for various reasons. Here's the short litmus test I use when trying to decide if a Directory is worth my time or money:

1. Is the directory page your link will sit on in the index of G and Y?

If the page your URL will be added to doesn't show up in the index, then it does you no good ranking wise. Then you have to decide if the traffic alone is worth it.

2. When was the page last cached?

If more than a couple weeks, you need to check for exclusions and nofollows. Or ask why. Or just move along.

3. Does the page have more adsense ads than submissions on it?

This is a particular pet peeve of mine. I don't think I need to compete with adsense ads when paying for a listing. If there's as many ads as submissions, I walk.

4. Does the directory allow you to deep link?

Linking to your main dot com is good, deep linking is better.

5. Does the directory allow you to use your own Title?

It's more advantageous for me to use "Link Building Firm" than Alliance-Link in my submission Title if I'm linking for rank. On the other hand, a handful of links with my company name doesn't hurt either.

6. Does the directory offer a lifetime link?

This is personal preference but - pay it once, be done with it, move on. If you go the annual route you may be asked to pay more the next year. My exception to my lazy-pay-it-once rule is Business.com

7. Is the directory listed in the Google Directory and/or the DMOZ?

The answer to that one should be self explanatory :)

http://www.google.com/Top/Computers/Internet/Searching/Directories/
http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Internet/Searching/Directories/

If you spend a little time poking around all the Directory categories on the DMOZ you'll find a bunch of juicy little aged directory nuggets to add your site to, buy mailing lists from or strike up a promotional advertising deal. Use them for all they're worth!

Directory Savings - BOTW & Aviva

Our friends at Best Of The Web are offering a promotion code for discounted submissions to their Directory now through the end of the month. Here's the details:

Throughout the year, we like to provide our valued members with savings on additional BOTW listings. It's been a while since our last promotion, so this month we offer you the opportunity to save big. From now until the end of March, you can SAVE 25% on All NEW Submissions and Sponsorship Advertising in the Best of the Web Directory and BOTW Blog Directory.

When prompted, enter the following Promo Code: SAVEBIG

Be sure to enter the Promo Code: "SAVEBIG" during the sign up process and you will instantly save 25% on new directory submissions as well as sponsorship advertising products.

The promo code may be used multiple times for multiple products and services during the month of March. Remember - the code will expire on March 31, 2008 so be sure to take advantage of the 25% discount before it's too late!

If you've bee thinking about submitting your site to BOTW, now's the time!

ADDED:

An email came in from Jeff at the Aviva Directory with a discount special of their own, here's what they're offering:

Aviva Directory has just turned 3 years old. We could not have made it this far without your valuable support. To thank you, we are offering all clients a third birthday special of$20 off all new submissions - both regular and featured.

To take advantage of this special offer, simply enter the following coupon code into the coupon field when submitting: birthday3

You can use this code for multiple submissions.This offer will expire at the end of March - on March 31, 2008. So, hurry and take advantage of it before the special ends. We look forward to many more birthdays in the future, and continuing to provide you with a top quality web directory.

Any other directories out there want to add a discount code? Bring.it.on!