Are directories still an option for linkbuilding

[TopFloor]

I know that after the recent slate of Google updates, many free directories got taken down. We've typically used the list of directories placed on SEOmoz (www.seomoz.org/directories).  Before adding a site to a directory, we always check to see if it is indexed by Google.

Is this still a safe option or should directories be avoided?

[KevinBudzynski]

Eric,

Sure. If there are barriers to get in a directory, that will help prohibit many "spammy" type links. So a barrier made be a paid listing (TN, MacRae's, GlobalSpec & etc.), a vertical directory (where only sites that are contextual relevant apapera) or any directory that are selective.

Personally, we have had much luck with ThomasNet (not so much with GlobalSpec). However, like you said, it requires a bit of work. If you have any questions about TN, let me know as we have used for many years.

[MarieHaynes]

I do some directory submission but on a small scale and only in local, niche specific directories that I believe could bring us some traffic.

The biggest caution I would say is to be really careful about anchor text.  If you've got a pile of directory submissions all using keyword anchor text then that could be a Penguin trigger.  I mostly use my URL for anchor text now, with the occasional keyword where appropriate.

[TinaGammon]

I have to disagree with the people that don't think they carry much value these days. Over the last month I have submitted my site to 5 of the referred directories on the seomoz list and this week alone I have had 4 keywords move up +13 +3 +8 +45.  So I think they still carry some weight but I believe it really depends on how your entire back link profile is set up.

Think of it like a scale, if you have tons of junk links on one side of the scale, then you may not see any change because the bad links are weighing you down. However, If you have a good back link profile these links will carry more weight and help you out tremendously.

[TopFloor]

Great info, Michael.  Thanks for the response!

[Webrevolve]

Are you sure this is the 'Best' practice post panda/penguin?

[Webrevolve]

er, contrary to some posts on here i'd say that yes, it still does play a (small) part in the overall mix.

Getting a listing in Dmoz no longer has the impact it once had, and getting listed can take an age, so submit to it and forget about it.

Most of the manually edited directories can still play a part, and more than anything getting listed in directories is a natural process for any website.

If you have already visited the moz list and submitted your site to them then good work, as long as you worked towards getting listed in directories that are specific to your industry then a job well done.

Keep moving along with your day to day seo efforts and submit to directories as and when you find a good, relevant one.

Further more, as you have probably already seen on the moz list and by reading other Q&A posts there are some paid directories such as Yahoo and BOTW (others are available) that for me have proved worthwhile when submitting to, and I did see a ranking increase as others have in the weeks after I submitted to them.

[TopFloor]

Kevin,

Thanks for your reply.  Question, could you elaborate on "it its difficult to get in a directory".  We've had good luck with Thomasnet; with their directory, the difficulty getting in is that they require a lot of information about the client.  Is this what you mean?

[KevinBudzynski]

We still get relevant traffic and good leads from some directories.  However, we only use reputable directories in certain niches (industrial directories).  General rule of thumb, if it's difficult to get in a directory, it's probably a good place to be.

[lnietob]

Indeed the best practice is link exchange with good PR and relevant to your site. I totally agree Matthew Marley you don't get too much value this day using that technique.!

[EwanFisher]

I would only look at the likes of dmoz, local and maybe niche directory's

I dont think they carry much value these days.