Paying for directory inclusion

[AAttias]

I just wanted to see what the general opinion was on paying for directory entries. How high should the PR be to justify paying for it? Or how much is justifiable for entry into a directory with a lower PR?

I have recently submitted my site to Yahoo Directory but I have only seen my rankings increase in the Yahoo search engine. Are there any directories that Google like?

[KevinBudzynski]

Some directories are great.

An example is in the industrial marketplace and directories like ThomasNet. Thousands of companies pay ThomasNet to be listed in their directories where many engineers look for their services and get a great roi .

[Zoolander]

My experience with directories:  I have 2 sites, one is in 3 directories (Gimpsy, JoeAnt and Galaxy) and it not in top 50.  The other is on no directories at all but has a free eBook which is linked to and distributed in some other places and no less than 2 weeks later got to top 50 in google US for a bout 5 keywords, the highest being 23 (from not being in top 50 at all).  I'm relatively new as are my campaigns.

I'm working on the free eBook thing for the site in the 3 directories, I really hope these directories aren't detrimental and it's just a case they aren't as powerfull!? if anyone knows?

[AAttias]

I had previously been told that submitting to directories was the best way to improve your PR. I find all the other ways of creating backlinks rare - due to the industry and when I do find something of interest, the majority of the time it has a low PR so not really worth putting a link in. Also, we're in a position where we can't really create any new content on our website regularly - there isn't much else to say other than what's on our website.

[rrad]

I agree with @Anthony save your money and time.  Directories are becoming less and less relevant and paying for a listing in one is showing reduced returns.

[anthonydnelson]

Save your money and your time. Put them both towards creating something of value on your website. Pay a designer to improve your best piece of content. Pay a writer to create a new piece of content. Do it yourself with your free time.

Sadly, sometimes Directories can still work. However, it is not a safe, long-term tactic and you can get more value by putting your resources somewhere else.

SEOmoz has a list of directories that you can consider. http://www.seomoz.org/directories

[eyepaq]

Yahoo Directory entries (but depending a lot on location and niche) are still ok for referral traffic. Some US Yahoo Directory niches are still receiving a lot of traffic and the ROI on the entry can get positive.

I would't do it from an SEO point of view though on Yahoo or any other directory. Some very "good" directories got penalized by Google for passing PR so you are on the safe side if you keep away from it.

No follow links from directories are good though - you balance the follow vs no follow ratio so that can also help.

[SEOAndy]

It's dependant on what the directory is. Yes Google doesn't like paid links, but some customers may still use online directories so from that aspect they are good. Look at a directory and see whether they are ones your customers will use.

As William Lau said, Directories, for ranking, don't work as well as they used to anymore.

[William.Lau]

Directories don't work as well as they use to anymore. Don't forget Google doesn't allow paid links, for that purpose, you can see their stance on paid inclusion.

But if you are insisting, many users have agreed that Yahoo and BOTW are the better directories.