Is purchasing internal page links from directories worth it?

[mj775]

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?

[Cyrus-Shepard]

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.

[DRPower]

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

[mj775]

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?

[anthonytjm]

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.

[mj775]

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?

[DRPower]

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

[anthonytjm]

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.