I've started to make SEM for our Web Design Company Cratima

and one of the problems I am confronting with is that there is

a fee difference between different web directories on the web.

 

I can submit our site to free web directories, reciprocal link directories,

and paid directories.

 

Now, my question is: is there really a difference between this submissions?

I mean, does Google index your site depending on the amount of money you pay a web directory site? Or do this paid web directories offer services that help Google index your site better?

 

I'm looking forward for your replies, thanks !

Normally paid directories will have better pagerank or more traffic than free ones. As far as I know, that's the only difference.

What is SEM?

Search Engine Marketing ?

Google's search results are meant to be impartial and organic. With the advent of AdWords, of course, they're not completely impartial. But aside from the directories themselves ranking better in Google (like Jmz mentioned - PR, links, etc), there is no recognised difference on Google's end.

 

What you do need to watch out for is make sure you are not joining really dodgy link farms. Google will penalise your site for these links.

Google is cracking down on a LOT of paid directories, and has killed PR all over the place for the last few weeks so be careful, I put up a thread about it in the SEO section

Search Engine Marketing ?

 

Correct

What is SEM?

 

You've like so behind the times, Eskymo

 

I wasn't entirely sure either, but shhhh don't mention that...

I'm not behind the times, I'm just not very good with Acronyms and abbreviations and 'txt' speak. My brain works in a long winded kind of way...in fact I may just start a thread and highlight all the acronyms I cant figure out and maybe we could all use it as a definitive list of terms that can be added to.

Normally paid directories will have better pagerank or more traffic than free ones. As far as I know, that's the only difference.

 

If only that were true - there are a lot of brand new directories around that are PR0, use a free script and template and are paid - people who are just in it for a quick buck (also know as the quick buck crew QBC).

 

Find those that are established and have a good PR - dirjournal.com is one such example of a directory that did not lose out in the recent update! Also look for niche directories that are specific to your site content ie voisd.com is excellent for webmaster specific links such as web design, seo etc.

I'm not behind the times, I'm just not very good with Acronyms and abbreviations and 'txt' speak.

 

I know - was being sarcastic

If the paid directories are banned, do the web sites included in them suffer too?

Does the Pr of the home page of the web directory matter, or the page were the web site appears?

Hi,

 

this is my first real post - so be gentle with me

 

But why not look at this http://www.strongestlinks.com/directories.php

 

They list a lot of directories and give page ranking/cost. I am working down them applying to all the free one in the hope it will help.

 

Regards,

Quality is still the name of the game. Some pointers in selecting which directories (whether free or paid) to submit to:

 

High PR - indication that Google sees some value in the directory.

Well maintained - listed sites are in the proper category

High Traffic - getting traffic could be minimal form directories, but majority are targeted

Kewords ranking high in SERP - Well optimized, shows that the directory is well-marketed and SEO'ed.

 

Which to avoid:

Link farms that pose as directories

Directories that require reciprocal links

Crappy ones with crappy sites listed

 

Hope that helps