High Quality Web Directories

Submitting to web directories is an easy and effective way to increase your search engine rankings. However, it is also important to note that web directories are not created equal. There is a few that can significantly to your site’s “authority” in the eyes of the search engines. At the same time, you should recognize that there are web directories that will do more harm than good.

Ever since the Google Panda update, being associated with only trustworthy sites have become more important. In fact, websites that have an extensive number of backlinks from “link farms” suffered a significant drop in rankings. Getting links from blacklisted sites can also do some harm to your website. That’s why it is critical to screen the directories, or any website for that matter, for relevance and authority before submitting.

General vs. Niche Directories
There was a time when links are considered “good links” no matter where they came from. However, ever since Google and other search engine saw that their algorithm was being abused, they cracked down. Webmaster forums are filled with stories of how websites got banned because of their promotional methods.

Does it really matter whether you submit to general or niche directories? Submitting to both is actually important. What you should do is be critical of the trustworthiness of the directories. There are some websites that will advise you to pay particular attention to niche directories because these are more relevant. But general directories can also give you a lot of traffic and “link love”.

For example, getting a link from a general site like DMOZ would be highly beneficial and you can’t say the same thing for a new niche directory. Another tip you should take note of is that backlinks should be built over time. Getting thousands of links at once will set off alarm bells with the search engines.

Paying to Get Listed in High Quality Web Directories
Once you get started with the backlink building task, you’ll notice that most of the high quality web directories charge a fee. Others will give you a “free” and “paid” option. So the question is, “is it worth it to invest in these types of links?” It all depends on your budget. If you have a tight budget, then concentrating on other promotional techniques such as guest postings may prove to be more beneficial.

On the other hand, if your budget can accommodate paid submission to high quality web directories, then go for it. It will pay for itself over time, especially if you intend to stay in business over the long term. Remember that in some cases, you’ll have to pay a recurring fee on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis to maintain the link. Do a cost-benefit analysis to find out whether this set-up is worth it for your company.

At the end of the day, submitting to high quality web directories is always recommended. But the decision depends, to a large extent, on your promotional budget.