Is Yahoo Overrated?, An innocent Question... Options

[Rick Hawkes]

Hi Folks... I have been on the internet since 1998 and figure it's about time to get serious about learning SEO.

Ever since I started, I have heard that Yahoo is the big kahuna and you've gotta be listed in it.

I run log reports for a number of clients that I host and in nearly every case the top three are Google, Yahoo and MSN, usually accounting for > 80% of the referrals.

But I suspect that hardly anything is coming from the Yahoo directory.

Would it be worth the $299 per annum to get a high ranking in the Yahoo directory?

..Rick..

[mcanerin]

For most people, the answer is no.

For one thing, the average price for most high quality general directories is about $40. $10 for niche ones. You could get in 7-10 directories for that price.

Of course, Yahoo is an authoritative one, which does count for something - better it that a whole bunch of spam sites. But there are some good general directories out there that may deliver better results.

I'm not saying you *shouldn't* - I'm saying you are likely to get more "bang for the buck" elseware. Apply to Yahoo last, not first.

I would pay for inclusion in the search feed, though.

Ian

[Rick Hawkes]

Hey Ian, thanks for that quick reply!

Now, about paying for the search feed, do you mean that thing formerly known as Inktomi submit?

That seems like a desperate cash grab to me. Maybe I need to do some analysis, but for my niche - Bed & Breakfast directory & clientele -- they have to pay $0.30 per click through. 100 clicks is 30 bucks US which is about $150 canadian (IMG:http://www.highrankings.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/lol.gif) , which just seems pricey.

[skiguide]

i would advise against the search feed for smaller clients.

But, you absolutely do need a solid Yahoo listing to raise PR and get referrals from the new Yahoo search whereever possible.

Before you ever submit, make sure you study the style of the description of similar sites in the category you are going to submit to, carefully craft yours to match that style, using 2 or 3 of your most important keywords, and those you should find out by doing some test searches in the new yahoo to look for 'holes' where directory results are not necessarily showing up a lot.

when it comes to the Yahoo algorithm, it will typically favor directory sites before Site Match and free search whenever applicable, so look for keyword combinations that do not already have a lot of directory competiton, and try to get in the highest category up in the tree as you possibly can, but make sure it's also the most appropriate.

[SearchRank]

Also if you do submit to the directory, make sure you write your description well, including all your relevant keywords (well at least as much as you can include in 25 words or less) as Yahoo seems to be showing directory information for home pages in the regular SERPs.

This means if you are in the directory and your home page shows in the regular SERPs, then the title and description may be coming from what is listed in the directory and not from your "on the page" factors such as title and meta description tags.

[ephricon]

I'd so NO as well. At least not for smaller clients. If you have a huge budget and need top rankings for a highly competitive term than perhaps consider it. Anything not specifically HUGE in scope prob. doesnt warrant the cost.

[Jill]

Remember that if you do get a Yahoo Directory listing, your listing in their regular results will use THAT title and description, NOT your Title tag, etc.

This is very important to note, because your Y! Directory title will have to be your company name, which won't generally contain your keyword phrases.

Jill

[Think Web]

Remember that if you do get a Yahoo Directory listing, your listing in their regular results will use THAT title and description, NOT your Title tag, etc.

This is very important to note, because your Y! Directory title will have to be your company name, which won't generally contain your keyword phrases.

Jill

One of my sites was ranking very well in Yahoo SERP's, without being included in the directory. As a test I paid for inclusion in the directory...bad move...way bad move. It's almost as though I paid for a penalty. Rankings and traffic from Yahoo are gone. (IMG:http://www.highrankings.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Unless that changes in the near future, I won't be renewing the annual penalty fee!

[Jill]

Gotta love it...pay for a penalty! Always thought you had a little masochistic quality to you, Craig! (IMG:http://www.highrankings.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[alexisb]

Oops, and I was saving some money to submit to Yahoo.

What other paid directories should I submit then?, cheaper than Yahoo.

I already tried most free ones and waiting and waiting and ... you know, DMOZ (IMG:http://www.highrankings.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[torka]

Gotta bunch of directories, some paid, some free, from various countries and targeting various topics/subjects/industries/etc. all summarized here:

http://www.highrankings.com/forum/index.ph...wtopic=1102&hl=

You may find some useful ideas in that thread. (IMG:http://www.highrankings.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/cheers.gif)

--Torka (IMG:http://www.highrankings.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/mf_prop.gif)