It seems to me that the only people that use directories are those submitting to them (and by use I mean submit).
I am a webmaster but I know that the general public probably never uses a web directory to find something (and if they do it's very minimal perhaps a directory added onto a useful site).
Google has inevitably IMO killed paid directories by lowering their SERPs.
I know many people have and profit from directories. But looking at things from a pic picture point of view. Aren't directories dead?
Directories to me are like a library is to the internet. A library only has so many resources while the internet allows you to access a lot more.
Search engines have been the popular method of finding information and no longer using web directories.
The only place I see a directory being successful (actually being used by the public) are for extremely niched topics or added onto a site that is niched.
Am I way off base? What are your thoughts?
Skinny
__________________ Blandless Web Gallery - Bland is Dead! See the Best Designed Websites.
It seems to me that the only people that use directories are those submitting to them (and by use I mean submit).
I am a webmaster but I know that the general public probably never uses a web directory to find something (and if they do it's very minimal perhaps a directory added onto a useful site).
Google has inevitably IMO killed paid directories by lowering their SERPs.
I know many people have and profit from directories. But looking at things from a pic picture point of view. Aren't directories dead?
Directories to me are like a library is to the internet. A library only has so many resources while the internet allows you to access a lot more.
Search engines have been the popular method of finding information and no longer using web directories.
The only place I see a directory being successful (actually being used by the public) are for extremely niched topics or added onto a site that is niched.
Am I way off base? What are your thoughts?
Skinny
Im a local and regional bidding directory, my serps in google, yahoo, and everyother search has stayed the same #1 so i dont understand what your saying as far as google dropping every paid directories serp. My paid directory is increasing in positions in the search, and alot of the key words im #1 in have 0 to do with bidding directory.
Im a local and regional bidding directory, my serps in google, yahoo, and everyother search has stayed the same #1 so i dont understand what your saying as far as google dropping every paid directories serp. My paid directory is increasing in positions in the search, and alot of the key words im #1 in have 0 to do with bidding directory.
I am surprised that they have not caught up with you yet. Your turn will come.
Google will probably get you eventually. They don't care what type of directory you are if you are offering paid links you will be affected (but you are lucky for slipping under the radar).
Now that being said I think that your directory could work because it is niched (segmented to a geographical area).
Skinny
__________________ Blandless Web Gallery - Bland is Dead! See the Best Designed Websites.
I think directories that target niche subjects are still doing fine and are useful references for people interested in specific topics. General directories IMO, not so much.
I dont know what to say, but ive had #1 searches for a yr 1/2 i havnt lost any position yet in any of the serps, and my directory is just turning 2 yrs. old . Im not saying you guys dont know something i dont, but my serps in the searches i dont see many changes of position of any web directories.
My Directory (from signature link) is 3 months old now. It has no PR now. But the prediction tools says it will be PR 4. I dont believe that but it is simply feels good to look at.
I doubt so... I'm pretty sure that there are always sites around that have been successful in link building. Whether they have undergone the unorthodox method of buying links or genuine linkings, we're unsure, until Google decides on the verdict that they belong to which category.
Directories are not dead as long as the developers that work on designing those directories, specifically the once that design the actual directory engine can come up with more creative way how each directory can be more customizable and the ease of adding new content.
I think directories that target niche subjects are still doing fine and are useful references for people interested in specific topics. General directories IMO, not so much.
Mainly because many niche directories are run by people who have an interest and knowledge in the subject matter, they will make sure that only quality gets listed. Web directories generally speaking are far from dead. What is dead is the game of those who jumped on a bandwagon to make quick money which is about 98 percent of directory people you see on forums.
Do what you´re inspired to. You can still start a successful general web directory. The problem is that on webmaster forums you can put up any piece of crap and people will compliment you on it when in reality you are not going to go anywhere. Start something good and advertise it away from forums. That is my advice. Get a good domain, a powerful logo and a slogan people are going to remember.
I think you are absolutely right when it comes to general web directories, but there are many great niche directories out there which people do use again and again to find good results related to something specific.
. Im not saying you guys dont know something i dont, but my serps in the searches i dont see many changes of position of any web directories.
