3 replies to this topic

[Scottie]

Writing recommendations for clients, I'm now suggesting they get listings in the directories or other resource sites that are appearing in the top searches for many keyword phrases...but I don't feel good about it.

These are not resources that I would have recommended before the Google update, because IMO they were sparsely populated with information and simply trying to capitalize on regions or cities by building a huge database, but not really making an effort to be a comprehensive or accurate resource.

Now that Google has promoted these directories to a higher importance, they are filling up with other entries, making them more useful and unfortunately, more necessary.

These search-every-state directories that were barely surviving (for good reason) are suddenly profitable. Just another case of being in the right place at the right time, IMO.

I do believe in building solid directories and resources, BTW. I'm just not wild about the weak excuses for directories that are now being flooded with business because they landed in #1 spots for competitive keyword phrases.

[Craig B]

I agree. I have been getting more refers from http://www.1234-find...-designers.org/ than Google lately!

-Craig

[Jill]

What a crazy googlie:wacko:world we live in!

I still doubt that sort of thing will last. I imagine users will get fed up with the extra clicks eventually. But then again, maybe those crappy directories will turn into good directories cuz people will be willing to pay to be listed.

Maybe Google's changes are good for more than just SEO forums and newsletters, etc., afterall!

:tooth:

[Debra]

With all the talk about local search and local directories, I'm not surprised.

Adding clients to these directories can't hurt, and in the long run might help. A large number of them are free right now, take advantage and pop your sites into them before they all start charging!

The local telephone directory people are eyeing all of this, they even devoted a whole conference on the topic recently. Tells me more and more people are turning to the Net to search for local goods and services.

Be found when they look!