A lot of people don’t understand the importance of quality directories and how they can help your rankings in Google, however in this post I’ll be discussing the topic and also referring to a particular directory called “Best of the Web” that I think is pretty decent.
Directory submissions often get a bad name for being an old school way of building links, and something that doesn’t work anymore, and to a certain degree I understand this argument, however not entirely, which I will explain now.
Not all directoties are the same, some make you pay for submission, however this submission guarantees that you will get a listing in the directory. This is not something that Google likes, as this the same as buying a backlink, which is clearly against the terms of Google.
However other directories make you pay, but they do not guarantee you will get accepted, but you still have to pay for the chance to be. What you are paying for is a human review of your website from the directory staff, and if they think your site is decent then you’ll get accepted. Google does like these sort of directories, because they are BIG on human reviewed content.
In fact if Google was able to, they ideally would like all website content to be human reviewed, and although they do have their own human reviewers, there is no way they can ever keep up with all the websites on the net, so they look upon other human reviewed content as a good guide for the rankings.
Best of the Web
One particular directory that I think is worth submitting your sites to is the Best of the Web. I only submitted this blog to them today, hence why I’m sharing thsi with you now. What I like is that they said they assess all new submissions within 2 business days.
Compare this to the DMOZ directory where you never hear back from them ever on the progress of your submission and good luck getting in there anyway. I wonder if they even check half the sites that get submitted to them anyway!
Best of the Web does have a cost, and the way I see it, if you’re serious about your site, then costs like this just need to be factored into the equation, because Google does take notice if you have quality human reviewed directory links or not.
Another good one to consider is the Yahoo directory, something I’m heading off to do right now with this blog, and I’ve been meaning to do for a looooooong time now, but just keeps getting pushed to the bottom of my to do list, which is not good on my behalf.
Affiliate Marketing Sites
Often people are concerned that these kind of directories will not accept affiliate marketing websites into them and will knock them back. However this is not the case, as long as your affiliate site has decent content and is a good resource for someone, then there’s no problem with affiliate links in the content.
Short but sweet today folks,
Matt
Related articles
Matt,
Do you still think there’s any tangible benefit in shelling out for a listing in the Yahoo directory?
Thanks,
Mark
Matt Carter Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Hi Mark
Yes I think it is worth submitting to these directories as explained in the post
Thanks
Matt
Ross Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Matt,
I think he is asking specifically for your opinion of Yahoo?
BOTW and Business.com are a sure thing, but I also wonder about Yahoo these days?
Do you do the Yahoo directory?
Ross.
Matt Carter Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 4:54 pm
right ok, well I think Yahoo is still good as it is human reviewed and I have even hard Matt Cutts from Google say that he says the Yahoo directory is good
Boris C. Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:32 pm
I heard that instead of renewing your Yahoo Directory listing it is sufficient to pay one-time and your listing will be kept long time there until they get to you listing and find out you did not renew.
Dustin Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 9:22 am
I think having a Yahoo directory listing is still valuable, but it also depends on how big your SEO/marketing budget is. If you have the money to get a Yahoo listing, I think it’s definitely worth it, but if you have limited funds, you could maybe use that money in a better way by paying for content or sponsoring a website for a link or getting guest blog posts.
Enrique Esquivel Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Don’t forget to submit your websites/blogs to your local town directories or local sites. Your city or town usually has a website about your city/town and can help you get recognized locally and worldwide. To your success!
Very interesting, but the cost is a bit out of our league at the moment, when we start making some money I will definitely give it a go. Come on sales…..frustrated.
good information Matt, is that your affiliate link to Best of the Web?
Thanks for the excellent article and all of the content you provide. I need to do the same thing for my website as well. It really will make an impact on SEO. Thanks again and continued success. CreateAwebsitePlan.com
Hi Matt,
Just wondering what your thoughts are about trying to capture an expiring domain or find one that is already expired that has a Yahoo directory listing?
Yeah I always knew that directories were powerful. I include directory submission as one of my first steps whens tarting to promote a new website. I usually outsource it on fiver or to one of my VA’s. But yeah I don’t like to pay for directories.
I agree with JayJay above, these are pricey for beginners.
Thanks for the post Matt
Good article, I did some work for a client few months back and noticed a very large increase in his rankings after he contracted me to submit his site and perform some basic SEO work on his site. CotyEwans.com
Thanks.
Matt:
You said you had submitted this blog to Best of the Web. In reading their terms, it sounds like all blogs must be submitted to their Best of the Web Blog Directory.
Is that what you did?
Thanks.
Its a good option if you are earning a bit, its a stretch for newbie, but its another way of promoting the site.
As always Matt, thank your for a good post.
Hi Matt,
I know my question is not directly related to submitting to Site Directories, but its somewhat related, its about submitting to Article Directories. I am just wondering about this thing, whether you can submit your same article ( that you wrote all by yourself , an unique article ) to a number of Article Directories without getting it tagged as Duplicate Content. Would appreciate for your views regarding this matter.
Thanks
Kochi97@gmail.com
GuitarsReviewer Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 2:36 am
If I may add something, not entirely related to the paid Directory sucject matter but in answer to your question, Kamrul. Do NOT worry about the concept of duplicate content. I have spent quite a lot of time looking into this and the fact is Google do NOT care how often your article is posted. They will only show the most RELEVANT but will count your “Duplicates” as Valid Links. I won’t go into how I discovered this but either take my word for it or don’t, your choice. Personally, as soon as I learned this I went into overdrive on Article Posting, four well re-written versions (Not Spun) and was really happy with the search position increases. (5 keywords first page!) Also, on the subject of directories it IS well worth the effort to post to FREE directories as long as they are NICHE SPECIFIC. Hope this helps someone 😉
It might be worth trying, just as a test. But, 150 bucks for a listing could get you a ton of backlinks, SEO, videos and other services from Fiverr and Warriors for hire. As I said though, it’d be good to test it for one site.
Thanks for the post Matt. Great ideas.
Thanks for another great post Matt. I am currently working through Rapid Profit Formula and will definately check out Best of the Web as one of the directories that I try and submit my site to.
Great Point Matt! A handful of quality directory submissions, out-weighs blasting your site to 1,000s of low quality, start-up directories.
I tried DMOZ ages ago and never heard back so chalked it up to experience. I could never justify the fees for yahoo and now botw but as you say if you are paying for content, seo services and the like, paying for a directory is just part of the promotional costs that you should expect.
Can you track the ROI on such a cost though – like will you see visitors coming from these directories so that you can say x dollars brought x amount of visitors. Or is it something that is a bit intangible – improves your rankings but you can’t credit it directly ?
I’m always skeptical of BOTW, but I have submitted several sites to them. I only submit a site to them if a competitor has done the same. It’s better safe than be sorry…if you can afford it. BOTW isn’t too bad but Yahoo charges a ridiculous annual fee.
Thank you for the information-Just a bit expensive for me at the moment-I used to do this with another company some years ago and was very effective-I have been using Fevvr.com for a few weeks to get people to do my backlinking for me at $5 a pop-have you ever tried this site? I found certain ways of picking the correct people to outsource to as I found the testimonials to be a little untrue-Anyway that is getting away from your post-A fellow marketer I know swears by Best of Web and has cut down his ppc advertising and gets better results-
My view is at some stage you need to spend money to expand your web presents and outsource work as you just burn out trying to do it yourself-Any newbees here can do really well by spending a few hours on your site and join up for your emails and coaching-Thanks again Matt
I do know some businesses pay for that, but not for SEO purpose, but for the name of “Best of the Web”.
I agree with this blog post. I have submitted my site to Yahoo and Dmoz and the backlinks has improved my rankings.
I will submit my website to Best of the Web. Thanks for the heads up.
Hi Matt,
It cost a little but it does pay off in the long run…maybe I will give it a shot.. thanks again.
WOW!!!! That is way too pricey for me at this stage of the game, but it is definitely something I will be looking into once I make a lil’ $$$!!
Thanks for the info….
C
Hi Matt
I have tried some of the directories including Yahoo and then did not pay for a renewal. Just too costly. I will try best of the web.
Thanks for all your good info.
Farmer Dave
http://www.family-gardens.com/gardening-course.html
Hi Matt
These high class paid directories are way to pricey for me.
Apart from that I am wondering if it is really worth the effort to submit to hundreds of free directories on the off chance that they will accept your site and then wait months for a backlink that you may not even get.
I tried submitting to directories before and my experience was not good. Maybe one out of ten will respond after your submission but most of them you never hear from again.
I personally think submitting to directories is a mugs game and a waste of time.
Regards
Deon
That’s fine Dan, but I am subitting to them as I am now convinced this top directoties are worth it
Matt
Matt
it is a good idea, I agree.
But what gives them the idea that it is fair to charge you the fee even if it is not accepted into their register.
They should at least refund the majority of the fee, even if they keep some for their time.
Lin
Hi Matt,
Do you have any evidence to support the idea that these paid directories actually deliver any tangible SEO benefit?
By the way, your BOTW link actually goes to a bank, not the directory…
Oops!
Hey Matt, great shout.
If you get your site listed in Yahoo can you post the link you use on your blog please. Been trying to get one of mine in for months and nothings working 🙁
Cheers
Hi Matt,
Love your blog and the free course, soon will buy Rapid Profit Formula. I’m sure the advice is sound, and I will look into it once I start making some money. Right now It’s a little pricey for me.
I would like the same question answered that Kamrul Hassan asked. Do you need to submit a different or spun article to all article sites?
Thank you
Matt Carter Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Hey Jeffery
Yes you do need to submit a different article to all directories
Matt
Our yahoo listing did pay off for one of our sites. The price is steep, hence most of the low quality non professional sites will not join.
BOTW was a different story, did not see a big change from them traffic wise, so YMMV compared to ours.
Cata Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 10:33 pm
You are not even listed in the Yahoo directory, so I guess your comment’s purpose was just to get a link from this blog. Better luck next time, because this blog is nofollowed, friend 🙂
I would not pay $300 for a link in the Yahoo Dir. It’s outrageously expensive, and it’s still just a link. I think I could get the same “juice” with about 20 PR1 or PR 2 links obtained for free from blog comments.
Matt Carter Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:57 am
Well that is what you assume, but link volume is not everything with Google, I know this, as I have webpages that get to positon 3 and no matter what you throw at them they don’t budge in some cases, and I am pretty sure Google looks at the overall link profile and anything human reviewed plays a role, Matt Cutts from Google even says this plane as day in one of his videos.
Seems like a pure scam, for the 5 minutes it takes to review a site $399 is insane!
I too had had no luck with DMOZ so gave up on them. I have of course done the “free” submission to many directories but I can see how a human reviewed site would carry some weight.
Thanks for the great post Matt.
I like the idea in this post, and I am happy to hear that it is worthwhile submitting to these directories. I am bookmarking this for future use.
As for right now I have to agree with a lot of you, and that is that I need some money coming in before I invest too much more!
Thanks Matt.
Just horses for courses I suppose. If it’s just one of hundreds of adsense type sites you have then it wouldn’t make all that much sense to pay for these type of submissions.
If on the other hand you are attempting to build a site that has a bit of authority and earns some income then the investment will probably more than pay for itself.
Hi Matt
Submitting to paid directories is only feasible if you are making money from your site(s).
I submitted to Dmoz last year but heard nothing back.
Submitting to Yahoo for the first year would be sensible and worthwhile, the others-I think not?
German Shepherd Dogs-Don’t You Just Love Them!
Thanks For the advice Matt.
Great Post.
Thank You
I stop submitting since the existance of Panda. I may have to reconsider submission again.
Thanks for your advice.
Thanks Matt for sharing another SEO idea/possibility. I, for one, really appreciate your input and suggestions. I know you’ve been around for awhile in the affiliate marketing business and doing well at it, so I take to heart everything you share. If you think it’s worth a shot, then I trust it is.
I really appreciate your efforts at helping others do well online.
Thanks, Karleen
I’ve read a post from you not too long ago that if we keep on submit to DMOZ, there is a chance to get accept because “different reviewers get your site each time..we submit it”.
Does it still apply as off today? That was a good post.
Oh yeah one more thing, did you get the chance to get your site on DMOZ as well? Please keep us update:)
http://mattsmarketingblog.com/seo/how-to-get-listed-in-dmoz/
Thanks again for your post, always.
Very enjoyable
A little off topic here Matt but I want to ask you a question since you are the seo expert here and I have been following you for a while.
Why does google show your site with quotes ” ” and then with no quotes your site is now where on the first page. You know your site should be there because the competition is really low and site is well targeted but Google chose to not show site.
Why is this?
Wow. Such negativity from so many aspiring internet entrepreneurs. While some directories are a waste of time and money, some are well worth the investment. If it will get you great listing, strong backlinks, traffic and ultimately $$$, then do it or put away some of your commission money until you have the fee. The benefits will be worth the investment.
Matt,
What is your opinion about listing with yahoo director for the first year and then dropping when renewal comes around. I have read that in many cases even after not renewing, Yahoo does not pull the listing.
Matt,
Another great blog post. But, can I ask you this question.
If you were down to your last $149 would you spend it on “Best of the Web” or would you spend it on some other SEO service?
If it was on some other SEO service, which would it be??
Just a quick thought on the actual discussion at hand. Personally, I would prioritise link building through Yahoo Answers, for free, long before considering shelling out the ridiculous fees charged by the Yahoo Directory. It’s worth a lot more to your site in the long run to build authority this way than to just pay, pay, pay for short term gain.
Matt Carter Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:53 am
Hey GuitarsReview
I have to disagree with you as Yahoo answers is no where near the same quality link as what I am talking about here, and the link from there is no follow anyway
Matt
I like it too. Now I want to do the same thing for my website. Who knows maybe this will really help my rankings in Google. Thank for the idea Matt
Yeah i really would like to start submitting but the cost is very hefty. Another factor that is not mention is that these links would be adding to the variety of links to your sites.
Good post Matt. Just referenced it over at DP (not leaving the link, it’ll show up in your logs I’m sure) when someone asked whether directory submission is still effective. You covered a lot of important points, including IMO the biggie… the reason there’s value in directories that ENFORCE quality standards.
Every so often I see someone trying to say “a link is a link no matter what the source”. Bottom line that’s hogwash. There are a zillion fly-by-night spamalicious auto-accept directories that are worthless, but that doesn’t taint the value of submission to quality directories.
Directory submission is just one tool in an effective campaign to increase the visibility of a site, but if the directories chosen are quality… it’s a great tool to use. ~ Regards, Rob
Matt Carter Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:52 am
Thanks for a great comment Rob….I had so many people commenting saying it’s too expensive and asking if it works….but you my friend seem to be one of the few that actually get it!!!!!!!!!!!!
The current fee for BOTW Directory Submit for initial consideration in the Directory is a NON-REFUNDABLE fee of US $149.95 applicable for each web site submitted. You acknowledge that the payment of this fee is for consideration of your site AND DOES NOT IN ANY WAY GUARANTEE THAT YOUR SITE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DIRECTORY. Your payment only guarantees that an editor will consider and respond to your request within three business days, by either accepting or not accepting your site.
All the best
Ray
Matt Carter Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:49 am
yes I did explain that it the post Ray….
Directories are somewhat overlooked as sources of links these days. I always submit to a few directories every now and again. Its good for homepage link diversity even if the links are not that high quality a lot of the time.
Hi Matt,
don’t take offence but I have to say that your comment “but you my friend seem to be one of the few that actually get it!!!” seems slightly unfair!
It’s not that we don’t “get it” but that for a lot of us none of our sites are at a stage where it is a reasonable investment (yet).
Of course if building up an authority site I would scrape it together, but for mini affiliate sites that aren’t bringing in a regular income yet it’s harder to justify investing that percentage of our SEO costs into one directory submission.
Just my thoughts on it anyway, Jillian
Matt Carter Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
HI Jillian
I’m not talking about whether you can afford it or not, I am referring to the comments by people asking if I think this techniques works and also saying it is a waste of time. I explained my reasoning in the post and the person I responded to was one of the few people that understand the logic of “WHY” to do this, it has nothing to do with if you can afford this technique or not
Thanks
Matt
Hi matt,
Great post. It remind me back the first thing to do when to setup your backlink exercise. Submit to directories.
Hi Matt
Of all the so-called Guru’s out there, you are the man to watch!
What makes a directory a good directory – How do I know where to list and where is a waste of time?
Hey Matt,
Thanks for sharing…
But to be honest, I would much rather pay an outscourced worker that money to build a steady flow of backlinks, from different web properties of the space of 3-5 months.
All in all though, I see what you were saying, but I’d rather hand of those menial tasks to others, when they’re more than happy to be compensated for it, and, they probably could do a better job than I could.
Cheers,
Paul
Hi Matt
What comes first making money or spending money to get your site ranked in Google? These site are good as you say but I would like to make some money before I spend any more. A catch 22.
Neil
Hi Matt,
I have been getting quite a few backlinks from directories using Directory Maximizer. Do you have a view on them?
Great information Matt- directory submissions aren’t talked about much anymore, but are certainly worth considering in light of their effectiveness.
Hi Matt I agree with you the Best of the web makes a difference. I found that your site domain is the link text you will get back so do not try and put your keywords in your name they will change them, how ever they do put your keywords in your description and yes a good link is worth every cent. Remember they do go to your site so if you have to change your page for 48 hours until they have accepted your site do it and when you get that great link change your page back back.
Hi Matt ,
I have submitted to Attracta directory, that one is free with Hostgator.I am not sure if it is helped or not, because I am new to this business, but have made first few bucks already thanks to your course RPF.
Hi Matt!
I want to say THANKS for sharing your knowledge and experience!
I’ve wasted a LOT of time and money on other programs (Guru’s) that don’t come close to delivering the depth of information needed to go from start to finish like RPF.
It’s almost like they don’t want you to succeed. Always leaving some piece of the puzzle out.
I have gone through the RPF once, as recommended, and am now ready to start implementing the strategy! Just do it, right?! (can you guess that I’m new?)
BTW, I took advantage of purchasing the Rapid Rewriter during the RPF purchase and was awarded with some great bonus material!
Thanks again! Here’s to your continued success (and mine!) 😉
Hi Matt,
I have been submitting to the free directories, and to be honest it’s time consuming but as you mentioned quality is better than quantity. But again better to do something than nothing. Hope it will pay out someday.
I have submitted to about 70 directories over the past couple of years but it is hard to tell if they have made much of a difference.
I have had other suggest that BOW and Yahoo are decent to submit to but the cost is pretty crazy. With this post however, I am thinking of doing it if my site continue to gain traffic. I just keep putting it off due to the annual cost!
That and a little more research may push me over the edge.
Hey thanks Mark for another ripper post. Very clearly explained and to the point. I have come to understand the value of getting a variety of links and those directories are another source indeed but probably not the best, regards…..Grant
Yahoo’s directory, Imagine paying the amount, and not being approved. They should at least give back your money, if you are not approved.
More great advice on the back of a good course , thanks for the information.
Thanks
Jon
The cost of yahoo & botw is quite far out of my reach at the moment.
Which leaves DMOZ, where I agree that getting back links from these sites is very important and a ranking factor, it seems getting on DMOZ can be quite difficult, sometimes taking months to review or just kicking sites to the curb for unclear reasons.
It would be nice to know why a site hasn’t made it, but I understand they’re volunteers.
I have heard of some people volunteering as editors so they can add their friends websites, think this is rare though.
Hi Matt,
Very few people will give such information as you ‘ve done. Thank you.I’m heading right now to the best of the web to submit my own blog.
Yes And I here people saying directories are no good but they are !! and you should use them in your strategy daily
Thanks Matt,
It looks as though the BOTW site does have a certain standard for their listings, and therefore probably gets more respect from Google and the other quality search engines.
With the non-refundable fee, I would guess that lower quality sites don’t even get submitted very often either.
Hi Matt,
There is a spelling mistake in third paragraph,
“Not all directoties are the same”
I thought that you would like to know. Please just delete the comment once you have corrected it 🙂
Hi Matt, this is slightly off topic because I could not find a suitable place to post it.
Whats your opinions on scrapebox, and what automation tools do you use.
Thanks !
Matt Carter Reply:
June 14th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Its a good product for indexing purposes, not for links direct to money site
Matt
hi, Matt,
Thank you so much for putting together all the great posts here. All very insightful and informative. Most of all, what i like most about how you run your blog and how you present your knowledge in IM is that they are plain sincere and genuine.
Your free course was absolutely amazing. Never seen a free course that over-delivers, which naturally led me to opt into both of your products RPF & RRW, and i am doing my best to study and really understand the master plan revealed inside the membership to the best of my ability, not to mention, the Backlink Blueprint course as part of the membership.
Overall, i am very happy that i came across your blog and your products. I will work hard to be one of your students someday who can proudly add another success testimonial for the course.
Thank you, and have an insanely successful week!
roger
Matt
Thanks for another great article, for someone who is new to this, any info is great and this just adds to the great course.
Thanks
Jon
Hi Matt,
First time on your blog, some very good stuff here. I was just on BOTW today but decided not to go ahead with paying for the link, but I may reconsider. Some clients like things done on the bare minimum budget which pretty much rules out paying for submissions.
Great advice Matt. I have been steering away from these as they are paid services but if you are recommending it I will definitely look further into it. Just a question do you have to pay per website or one time membership fee and you can add multiple sites?
Thank you
Josh
I liked your ending – short but sweet. Yes – you are right in picking those 2 directories as the best. They have lots of quality traits such as very old domains – high quality editors – great backlinks etc. So, Google which is much younger to them is rightly giving backlinks from those sites as valued links.
Great one. I have seen many people complaining that DMOZ is dead. Is it really dead. I don’t see new listing there for more than a year.
Hi Matt always great to hear your blogs, as a local SEO guy I list all of my clients blogs on Dmoz Yahoo, Google local Google profiles and best of the web, now don’t get me wrong, you do not see overnight results, however combining this practice with do follow blogs in the same industry and local business directories does get p1 results on Major SE’s for multiple keywords, it doesn’t happen overnight, but it does stick which is what most busness sites need.
The other important thing to do is spend a little time with your clients setting up some web2.0 sites, the most important being Linked In, this is a very powerful link and sends traffic daily. There you go I thought I would just expand on best of the web with some additional ideas.
All the best
John Robbins
I’m still a huge fan of Directories – whether high or low ranking. Overall, they tend to ‘stick’ and hold up very well over time – Something that just can’t be said for many Social Bookmarks, real-time status updates/Tweets, etc.
There’s a lot of trends in back-link tactics du jour that come and go, or work well for awhile, but then don’t. Finding a good and low-cost outsourcing gig that do directory submits and get decent approval rates remains a great investment that holds-up for years to come.
Matt, thank you for your post. I agree that the quality of the directories is an important factor.
My recent directory submissions are still in the approval phase but once they are through they will stay alive and give permanent value
Thank you,
Emily
Hi Matt,
I have a question about directory submissions, generally. Been ploughing through long lists of them adding my website, but when I look into their coding is seems (with my limited knowledge!) that mostly their links are in Javascript. Does that make them useless? Does Google now have some ability to read Javascript links? Or, does anyone maybe know how to find lists of directories where the links are both do-follow, and non-Javascript?
Many thanks!
Anna
Matt Carter Reply:
September 5th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Hi Anna
I am not sure about this answer to this sorry,
Regards
Matt