The Link Directory: Just Another Form of Link Farm? - Directory Tips

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Directory Tips

There would be several instances where you might have a good reason to incorporate a link directory into your website.  You should never have more than 50 outbound links on a page, as this dilutes the page’s value.  If you have a variety of links and they are not all related, you will need to categorize them together so they are relevant to each other.  A link directory might be the solution.  Another reason you might have a directory on your website is to generate revenue.  In these cases, it would be advisable for you to have a link directory, but there are some tips you should be aware of.

1.  Use clear, concise titles and descriptions for your categories.  This will not only help those who wish to submit their links to a category know exactly where they should suggest their URL; it also gives search engine spiders a fair understanding what that particular category is about, and how to measure the relevancy of the links in it. Use a directory script that utilizes title and description meta tags, or breadcrumb navigation.

2.  Research sites that ask you for a link exchange.  It is becoming more and more important to know just who you are linking to.  Take note of the location of your reciprocal link, the site’s and the page’s PageRank, and scan the source code of the page to spot possible spam practices that could get the site into trouble in the future.

3.  Be able to say “NO” to a link exchange request.  If you cannot see the relevance of the site requesting the exchange to your site or you feel the site would not be a good representation of your values, then it is recommended that you decline the request. 

4.  Try to keep links and categories relevant to the content of your website.  If your website is about race cars, then it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to have a category for bridal accessories in your link directory.

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Comments On: The Link Directory: Just Another Form of Link Farm?

· At the time of writing this article, the Jagger Update had yet to be completed. So...    · I've gotten 13 emails since this article was posted thanking me for the article, and...    · Good analysis about the way to get links but you forget to mention the 'dark side'...    · You ask where to find good directories...This last update, even DMOZ links appeared...    · Hello, I understand that inbound links are only effective when they come from...    · We don't really know how well Googlebot can distinguish between related and...    · I see a lot about unrelate links. However, some are by choice, for example we are...   >>> Post your comment now!