Is purchasing internal page links from directories worth it?
-
Since data suggests that only the first link on a page to a singular URL is counted, are the deep links purchased from directories worth the money/provide any value?
-
As others here have addressed the merits of directory links, let me address your question more narrowly. Do deep links, if they are from the same page, count?
Short answer, yes. Results from several experiments over the years have shown that Google only counts the first link on a page to a particular URL, but links to multiple URLs still count. (although there are ways to get around this as well.)
Think of them like links on your homepage, all pointing to various internal pages on your site. Each link passes value, although certain links pass more weight than others.
Almost always, the first link in any price of editorial content carries more weight than all the others. Multiple links to the same domain carry much, much less value.
Best advice: Deep linking from directories may carry value, but in light of Penguin and Google's mass de-listing of several directories, I'd be careful to only obtain links from the highest quality of human-edited niche and specialty directories. I'm no longer a fan of general directories at all, although more testing needs to be done.
-
If you notice, the list of directories on SEOmoz is very very short, but I agree that Google's policies may not be the most helpful to someone in your situation. if you notice many of the directories SEOmoz recommends are niche directories with a very narrow focus and a strong editorial policy.
Just as book publishing moves from pay for play vanity presses to esteemed academic houses, so do directory link values move from cheap spammy free and pay sites to directories like DMOZ and Yahoo and BBB.org which provide true value.
You should certainly submit to yahoo and dmoz, of course. I think it all comes down to PR and authority when Google looks at directory links and the nature of the editorial policy. You have to ask yourself "is this directory designed to make the owner a profit only or is this directory meant to add value to the Web as well."
I think a good alternative to buying directory links is to start building links through social properties. Sites like Twitter, Delicious, and Pinterest act like directories in many ways.
So, I would start building some stacks, creating some twitter lists, and pinning all that great content your client is producing along side a few strategic directory submissions. And good luck!
jonatdrpower
-
What about all of the directories the SEOmoz.org suggests as "good" directories? Are you saying Google sees editorial reviewed directories that require payment for that review as bad "paid" links?
-
Business.com external links are no follow, which is in accordance with Google paid links policy, so you would get no seo benefit from buying a link from business.com. I don't think many people would use business.com to find a service or product anyways...They would most likely just use google.
-
This is a little confusing as even SEOmoz produces a list of "good" directories to submit your site to, many of which require a payment for editorial review. Are you saying that Google is now looking down on directories like Business.com. BOTW, etc?
Let's say that you only focus on quality directories that editorially review submission (with a cost). Would multiple links on the same page to internal pages of yours be counted?
-
Mj775,
For me purchasing links of any kind is too risky.
That being said, I don't think these deep links are worth the money. Depending on the size and quality of the directory, you could pay from $5 to $100 a month. That's per keyword of course, and over a year or even six months this could add up.
If I were in your shoes, I would look to expand the number of linking root domains and not the number of links per domain. And if I did buy directory links, I would make sure my link had its own real estate.
And of course, stay away from site-wide links.
Thanks,
jonatdrpower
-
I think google's stance is that any paid links for search engine ranking purposes is bad. Purchased links for advertising purposes is ok. If your purchasing internal links from directories for the sole purpose of rankings, I think google will pick up on that and end up penalizing you sooner or later.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Is it a good practice to get link for your original page by shorter URL links
Hello Moz Community, I have a question regarding getting links on bitly, tiny, or an other url shortner, Is it a good practice to get link for your page by shorter url I mean lets suppose i am getting natural guest post link from content for my blog home page
Link Building | | JoeySolicitor
https://coupontoaster.com/blog/ ; and shorten it with bitly and then hyper link so is it a good practice am I getting the same power and SEO consideration as if i would have done this without url shortener. And what anchor texts shall i be using like rich anchor text or any other like click here, visit here, bitly or etc Please kindly help me with this thanks1 -
BBB links - worth it?
This is a "paid link" so I'm naturally skeptical. But I'm wondering if the SEO value plus the usability of a potential client clicking the BBB link to our site would be worth it.
Link Building | | Harbor_Compliance0 -
Internal Links and Page Authority - Best Practices
Hello, Is it bad (in terms of ranking in the SERPS) if i have a link from a page with PA of 18 going to a page with PA of 21? In other words, does it matter if the page containing the link has a lower page authority than the page receiving the link? Page A links to Page B Page A page authority is 18 Page B page authority 21 could this negatively affect my rankings? Thanks
Link Building | | Prime850 -
Penguin Recover: Remove links vs Burry Links
The best is to do both. However with those with limited resources, would building more links with branded and naked URL anchor links be a better solution than painstakingly asking every webmaster to remove links.
Link Building | | reprisemedia10 -
Is it better to link back to the root domain, or the specific page you're optimizing for?
I'm working on a project our site - building links for iPhone Repair. For the term "iphone repair miami" - is it more ideal to link to the root domain (xxx.com) or to the subpage that is about iPhone Repair (xxx.com/iphone-repair)? I would imagine the latter - but obviously that page has less authority than the root. Thanks!
Link Building | | preemo0 -
Link Building for a website with 170 K Pages
My website is having around 170 K webpages and every web page is meant for individual keyword. e.g. keyword for every page is height of a movie star. What should be my link building strategy Should I link other sites to index page of my website (if yes then what should be the anchor text) ? Should I link other websites to individual web pages of my website.
Link Building | | ArtiKalra0 -
Recommended number of links on a single page to a different domain?
Hello fine SEOMOZ people, I have looked around and hope I have not missed an answer to this. The big picture: I know that when multiple links on a page point to the same external page, only the first link is considered for ranking purposes (at least for moz rank). What about multiple links on a page to (different) pages on the same external domain? The task: Using a client's network of sites to help build links (and advertise features) to the site they need optimised. The emphasis is on the usefulness of the info the the respective site's user but I am using the opportunity to create some meaningful anchor text links.The target site is feature rich and I could conceivavbly link to all the key site features (top level pages). However, my SEO spidey senses flagged the possibility that a few links on a page to the target domain (though to different pages on that domain), may carry more weight than many links on the page. I am talking about whether I can go ahead and put 10-15 links on a page to the key site features or whether I am (significantly) better off just selecting 2-5 key target feature pages and using other domains to link to the other features. Caveat: I think I am aware of all the peripheral concerns - not duplicating the page on other sites, varying the anchor text, not implementing the links all at once etc, etc.. Am I overthinking this?
Link Building | | LoweProfero-AU0