The directory list that has been very popular with our members when we first released it last summer has been completely updated. Over 68 hours of staff time went into updating and verifying the information, but about 200 more went into the testing of passing of PageRank. We went through each directory individually, and the top 70 or so paid directories we a part of the before mentioned test. Here are some features of the list:

* File is created in MS Excel and is in its native format
* You can sort the columns as you wish
* URL of directory is listed
* We went through each of these by hand and noted any redirection that occurred
* Alexa ranking – this number is updated every three days, so chances are the numbers have changed since we did the document
* PageRank of home page
* PageRank of subpages – as requested by members, we looked at several subpages, and give you a range of the subpages
* Does the directory pass PageRank?
* Directory Type – most will be General
* Any fees are listed and the time frames they cover
* We also gave a grade to the top directories based on factors such as: PageRank pass through, Traffic, Subpage PageRank, Navigation, Design, Ease of Use, Number of Years the Directory has existed, etc.
* We also listed comments based on our observations
* The spreadsheet is sorted by PageRank, Alexa Rank, and if the site passes PageRank

There were numerous directories that were removed from the list we did previously in July. The primary reason for the removal is these directories were sold to private companies and affiliate or product based sites are now in their place. In short, the overall quality of the directories is falling, as there are just a handful now that provide good, solid links.

How to Use This List: If you have a set budget, you can easily spot which directories you should submit to in order to get the biggest “bang” for your buck. Start with the “As” and move your way down. If your site doesn’t have a budget, look for the free directories that graded out in the B to C+ range. Those are solid indicators of a good choice in a directory. Because what you need is a directory that will be around – not one that will be sold in a few months.

The most upsetting issue with this list is the number of directories who were either placing “nofollow” tags in the links, or creating suspicious types of links which did not pass PageRank, but they are charging solid fees for their listings.

To download the list you must be a member of the SEO Revolution.

Clarification on the Directory List: Just because Google shows the director as a link in the backlinks list doesn’t mean that Google counts it and that the directory link passed PageRank. In our testing we saw many directories that were listed in the backlinks list, but did not pass PageRank. What we looked for was whether or not the listing in the SERPs was increased and other factors to ensure PageRank increased.

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 1st, 2007 at 6:27 am and is filed under SEM/SEO, Webmaster. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.