There’s been a lot of buzz about the value of directory submissions on my forum, so I thought I’d do a video that gives my opinion on this topic.
If you’re reading this post via an RSS reader or email, click this link to view the video on my blog.
Here’s the link to Matt Cutt’s video that I mention in the video where he discusses what Google thinks of directory submissions.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Follow on Twitter: @ysdata
I have my root domain posted in the DMOZ and that was back in 2000. However, since then I have needed to update the information and can’t. So, I too do not try getting additional site in the DMOZ.
Yvette´s last blog … Frugal Dollar Money Saving Tips
Follow on Twitter: @atcblog
Great advise as usual! Keep up the good works.
Follow on Twitter: @1galla
Hi, Lisa. Am I lucky I saw your video today! I am in the process of working on my 1st site. I am using Thesis. I got so wrapped up in all the hooks and other bells and whistles of Thesis that I forgot about other aspects I had to cover. Your video was a good reminder. Thank you.
Alla´s last blog … Hello world!
Follow on Twitter: @DaveMoore1
Great Videos I guess is the right way to say It. I’m sure I just screwed up your time on spent on site stat…Sorry.
I got lost over there at the webmaster tools channel on You Tube for the last 2 and a half hours, all I can say is WOW.
It’s funny…
I know that I’ve gone out and spent thousands from the “experts” who charge money for their info and I’m sure others have done the same thing for all the things we need to know about Google and what we need to be doing to be number one or at least the first page.
Thinking back on the stuff that I’ve paid for versus the 2 plus hours I just spent watching Matt Cutts videos I would have to say that I wasted a lot of money and didn’t really get the best information.
People I used to respect in the information sales world have managed to fall right off my list today.
The secret to Google is simple really, it goes kind a like this put your “user hat” on always think like your audience what would you want, what do you like or not like about sites you visit. Always think about things in the “is this the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do.” Not in the well maybe it’s OK, I’m sure this gray thinking is not looked upon well by Google and just because you get away with it today does not mean that tomorrow you may get slapped for it. Lastly don’t be evil or do anything evil.
If you are truly looking to solve your Google Night mares and have your site do well go find Lisa’s Thesis theme banners and get on the thesis theme I know I did and I absolutely LOVE it.
Thanks again Lisa for making me get my own fingers on Google’s pulse and not relying on anyone else to tell me what they think I should know.
Dave
Wow, Dave! What a great summary. I especially love your comment about “putting on the user hat.” You couldn’t be more correct!
The strange thing is I’ve seen some worthless sites on DMoze and Yahoo Site Directory(not to mention sites that don’t exist anymore). I wonder what that’s about.
Yup… I’ve run across that a time or too as well, RJ.
Follow on Twitter: @Tanhak
I wish it was hot in Ireland
good!
Haven’t watched your video yet. But I do understand that a link from a major directory carries much more weight than that from a small website, which can improve a website’s ranking. Plus, (I think) directories are much more proactive in fighting against bad sites; search engine companies may be reactive, they wait for bad sites to be reported. On this last point, methinks you can’t fool a human editor most of the times.
Follow on Twitter: @christiantjr
NEESH!!! ha. just kidding
I agree. Mass directory submissions are not the magic bullet they are believed to be. I think everything has value, but you have to prioritize, and that means (to me anyway) that making sure I’ve submitted to every directory out there is not at the top of my list.
Christian´s last blog … How to Use Twitter Professionally
Lisa,
Awesome video – really helpful insights. One really interesting point you highlight is regarding inbound links from blog posts on topically relevant blogs. You mention that blog posting is a good way to get inbound links and may make more sense than the universe of directories (other than Dmoz and Yahoo). However, I have noticed that most blogs these days will “nofollow” your link. I would be really curious about your thoughts on that? Do you believe even though the links contain “nofollow” there may still be some pure “link juice” value to blog posts on relevant blogs? Or, is this more about building a name in the community and getting traffic that way? I see both as very important and just curious about your opinions on “nofollow” links. Love you site – thanks so much for so much valuable information. It’s truly appreciated!
I’ve never posted comments for the link juice/backlink benefit and don’t concern myself with the nofollow or dofollow. It always comes back to quality. If you post comments of substance and build up credibility, that will help your traffic in the long run. Especially if you post on blogs relevant to your niche.
Thanks Lisa,
This totally makes sense! Thank you! This is an area where I’m personally really trying to improve – I’ve spent a lot of time building up my site, but not as much participating in the community and can really see the value in doing so.
Best wishes,
Ian
Follow on Twitter: @bakejim
I HOPE some directory submissions have a positive effect because I’ve just paid for some. I live and work in Spain and there are various sites for the English-speaking community here with Directories of Services. They seem to be popular with other businesses in my sector, Legal and Tax services, and mostly charge for a listing so they must be doing something. Hopefully this is like your Dogs and Dog niche situation.
I have also submitted to the Open Directory but after seeing your video I am not optimistic about that!
Good stuff though, thanks
JamesB´s last blog … Spanish law, tax and more: advice and practical assistance for English-speakers in Spain
Follow on Twitter: @ZanMarr
Great vid, saved me $300! I’ll still try to get listed even if it is the free ones, never know but it wont be priority no 1.
Thanks for the info Greatly appreciated!
Iskander Marrero´s last blog … Click all the way to the bank? or NOT?
Follow on Twitter: @krenee76
I’m glad I finally had a chance to get back to watch this video. I’ve mostly had a positive experience with article directory submission, but I do find that the amount of traffic that comes from some of those directories isn’t really worth the time and effort spent submitting.
I found a good site for my niche early on and even now I’m still receiving traffic from this particular site. But sites like ezinearticles, goarticles, and sooperarticles just don’t pack the punch that most need. I still submit to ezinearticles, when I have time – I do so because even though the amount of traffic I get isn’t major, the readers who come from that site for some reason are more likely to purchase. It’s just one of those things you have to feel out and see what works best for you and your site. Thanks again, Lisa for quality information. You are my inspiration!
The Affiliate Marketer’s Help Desk´s last blog … Get Real Help With Starting Your Affiliate Marketing Business
Follow on Twitter: @yourblogsite
Yes. Every link helps.
Links for Yourblogsite.com
Rob´s last blog … The Right Mountain Bike Parts Make Your Mountain Biking Experience Protected And More Enjoyable
Follow on Twitter: @Ileane
Hi Lisa, I looked at some of the discussion about this on your Website Babble forum and I think this video answers some of the questions there. At the end you mentioned Squidoo and I would like to hear more about listing there. I’m also interested in hearing your thoughts about the importance of listing with Technorati. Would you value them the same as Squidoo? Thanks for another insightful video!
Ileane´s last blog … Twitter meets Buzzom
I use Sliq submitter which can submit to several hundred directories (mostly very poor). You can rank them by PR and submission takes around 10 seconds per link. I think submitting to the top 50 or so can be worthwhile, particularly as you can choose the anchor text, and many directories are valued by google, such as simpy, JoAnt, BOTW etc. I also think that Yahoo and Bing may value sheer number of backlinks as they often include them when searching for links to your site. If they can be done in 10 seconds and affect ranking slightly in lesser search engines ( I think they do counteract the lack of authority a new site will have) then I’ll continue to use submission software, particularly if i’ve spent a lot of time gaining just a few high quality links without the anchor text I wanted, or if a particular directory listing appears in my google backlinks.
In DMOZ, check the bottom of the page you wish to submit to. If it offers you to volunteer to edit that page, it has no editor and your submission will not be recieved by anyone until somebody takes that position. If it does not, the editors often respond quickly to new requests, as they have no backlog of submissions.