I've just submitted my site for inclusion on the Web Desiger Directory for a second time.

 

http://www.professionalwebdesigndirectory.com

 

I didn't get an answer from them, does anybody here list with them?

Their website looks... unprofessional... and apparently only one site has ever won their 'award'.

 

I think you can find better sources of traffic!

They have written "Copyright 2010". People usually update a year in such places on websites that are in use.

Yup thanks all, advice taken on board. After twice applying I get the hint now.

 

But I do think there's something to be said for adding our businesses to sites like these. I think it's about establishing credentials and exposure, and yes, looking for ways to drive traffic to your website. Web Designers are not the only people who look for business in this way. However this company recently followed me on Twitter which was the reason i started looking for add with them in the first place, so I don't think they're completely dead as a business.

 

However this company recently followed me on Twitter which was the reason i started looking for add with them in the first place, so I don't think they're completely dead as a business.

 

And thereby they got you to signup to their site - clever marketing on their behalf

And thereby they got you to signup to their site - clever marketing on their behalf

 

Well quite... except apparently I haven't signed up to anything as they haven't followed up any of my enquiries and I do in fact feel ignored. Almost time for a wide berth.

it's run by neilOwen on here. Haven't seen him around for a while though and his profile says he hasn't been on the site since march.

Hi guys,

 

I've had real problems with emails and loads not getting through. Anyone who has asked for a listing before, please send me your link title, link, company description, and location to my new email address: contactdesigndirectory@gmail.com and I will add you on.

 

Sorry about the inconvenience!

Hi guys,

 

I've had real problems with emails and loads not getting through. Anyone who has asked for a listing before, please send me your link title, link, company description, and location to my new email address: contactdesigndirectory@gmail.com and I will add you on.

 

Sorry about the inconvenience!

 

I think you followed me on Twitter yesterday. I'll ping you an email.

Great, thanks Simon

Come on mate did you really fall for that? Why do you think they have a page rank of 6 (supposedly, after all that is only an image) - all the mugs linking to them. What do the users get out of it exactly?

 

Supposedly! That is an web tool hosted on www.searchenginegenie.com that changes to reflect the Page Rank of the specific page it is on. Besides, there are tons of Page Rank tools out there, where anyone can check the Page Rank. The homepage is a PR6 and ALL inner pages are a PR4.

 

I'd like to hear where you think you can get a decent backlink from a web design related website?

I've applied to be listed (although I'm yet to appear on the actual directory, poke ), I'd recommend others do too, more exposure the better after all!

Fair comment but surely the directory is PR6 because of all the designers linking to it with the 'icon' they insist on a designer adding. How does that help the designers who are listed on the directory especially when a lot of directories use 'nofollow' and of course who is visiting the directory besides other designers who've seen that icon; not to mention visitors who view the designer's site then see the icon and click away to 'maybe find someone cheaper'.

I am only asking out of interest, I hope you can take this the way I mean it, as an enquiry.

 

I understand, I get this a lot. Naturally people are getting more and more sceptical with directories as they believe Google now starting to ignore them and even penalising them. However this has not happened with my directory. I think this is to do with the fact that my directory is aimed specifically at an industry and not just a general directory. This means that I can target web design keyword terms and be found on Google for some of these terms, some of what maybe people looking for designers.

 

Of course I understand many of my members are web designers looking to improve their traffic and Page Rank themselves, and by joining they will get a PR4 do follow backlink. I myself don't believe in nofollow backlinks for directories, and anyone can check the page source and see that this is the case. I think people misunderstand nofollow backlinks, as I think they were invented to stop people who have the ability to leave links on sites themselves such as forums and blogs, and the nofollow backlink was designed to stop them gaining any benefit from it.

 

As long as there is a limit on the number of links going out from a web page, Google will not see this as a problem!

 

I myself have built a reputation of a PR6 and a decent amount of traffic based on the exchange of links. But it works both ways, and I'm sure most people would agree, I don't think its unreasonable to ask for something in return as I am running a small business and need to get something out of it.

 

I wish people would click on my icon, but looking at Analytics this very rarely happens and most of my traffic comes through search engines and not referrals. But at the end of the day if your a decent designer then you have nothing to worry about, and surely would prefer to avoid those cheap skates who take you for a ride

 

Anyway I hope think this is a reasonable response.

Edited September 13, 201312 yr by neil0wen

Thanks for the nice comment Robby. Now the emails are sorted hopefully I should be able to respond to everyone now.

 

Also the site is being redesigned as the old format is looking a bit out of date. I'll post the new design in the reviews section. It would be nice to get your opinion on it.

 

Cheers Robby

 

Neil

I had a look at this the other day. The idea is sound but to be honest I'd kind of object to be listed under "other" countries.