Google Tutor » General Google Q&A

Why Aren't Directories Considered Paid Links?

(5 posts)
  • Started 1 year ago by footinmouth
  • Latest reply from 10minutes
  1. We have all heard the war drum for the past few years, as Google raises the question of paid links. My question is, if you go to a directory, pay a fee, and you are given a link...How is that not considered a paid link?

    Posted 1 year ago #
  2. the short answer: most directories are considered paid and provide little to no value.

    the reason some still work and can provide value is that you *supposedly* pay for a human review. that review is why google acts like it is ok.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  3. I can see that this is one of those areas where Google's policies are a bit conflicted. "That review is why Google acts like it is ok"
    It seems like that is a determination that could only be made by hand, and not an algorithm... What do you think?

    Posted 1 year ago #
  4. in general I agree but the algo can do similar simply by using backlinks/trust. meaning I could make a directory that looks and acts great but has lower quality incoming links, google algo will notice that and not trust the links automatically, no matter if a person reviewed it.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  5. If I had it my way my clients would buy links all the time. However I'm not talking about buying links for the purpose of improving rankings; I'd rather buy links from websites that will drive targeted traffic to my client websites and a lot of it.

    Should one of those paid directories / websites pass a little link love then that is an added advantage and not the primary focus.

    I can almost always identify traffic generating websites and low quality link love passing websites with the following principle (among others):

    - Traffic Generating Websites - Cost several hundred a year or month.
    - Low quality link love passing websites - $10 - $100 per year tops.

    Anyone agree or disagree?

    Posted 1 year ago #

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