Are Directory links relevant?

[Viewpoints]

What are everyone's thoughts on directory links now a days? I'm talking about the old tried and true ones, like Yahoo directory and DMOZ?

We had previously been on a couple and removed the links, thinking it was hurting us. But we've been falling in rankings for a while now, and I'm trying to think of some ways to bring us back up (even if they're small). Do you think it would be worth it to be added back in?

Anyone's thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[dsinger]

I would approach directory link building, as with any other form of linking, as a way to attract new traffic to your site.  Pursue a link opportunity, not because it will provide link juice to your site, but rather, drive an engaged consumer who will ultimately convert.  The goal is all about getting more traffic to your site, not to rank on Google/Bing, right?

I manage 5 national brands with over 900 locations across the US.  Our link profile is heavily weighted on directories that are both popular and industry specific.  This helps drive a very large amount of visitors to our pages that ultimately become a lead.  We don't go after a directory listing unless it will deliver a visitor who will fill out a form or call.  otherwise, what's the point?

[Ebtec]

Contrary to popular belief, I find that _some _directories are still worthwhile. Not the cookie cutter scraped sites, but relevant industry directories that have editorial control and are highly ranked can be excellent sources of links. It may cost you some money,, but they can be worth it. You just need to do your research and use the tools here.

[MickEdwards]

Apart from reaching retirement age before your link is live in DMOZ and spending a fortune for Yahoo I wouldn't bother. I would only consider doing these as 'an also' activity.

I would focus on reaching out to high authority, highly relevant sites and seeing if there are ways you can work with each other to get great content on their sites with a natural link back to your domain.

If your rankings are still faltering you may need to go through your link profile with a fine tooth comb and remove anything that is not good quality or spammy.  Also ensure all your content is unique and you don't have multiple pages with thin content.