Internet Directories

Problem: you have a new web site and need links so Google will spider and allot you some initial PR. But because you have no PR other web sites won't link with you. That's where directories come into play. The majority of directories, however, aren't worth the while because their listings are invisible to search engine robots: JavaScripted, framed, formed, dynamic, redirected, bad anchor tags, robot text set to "disallow" for link pages, whatever. You want, in general, simply coded html or php links pointing directly to your web site without the games that many web masters play. That is, no nonsense designed to reciprocate zero search engine PR to you in exchange for your legitimate link to them, being all the more valuable because it appears your link to them is nonreciprocal. Nor does it do a lot of good to be listed on pages with 0PR. The page may only be new, bound to eventually be allotted PR. If that's not the reason it may be that Google or Google's spider doesn't like it, but it's reparable. If you don't see a rank bar at all it's likely either that Google doesn't have the remotest clue that it exists or doesn't like it and it's not an easy fix.

A few quick though not exhaustive ways to check if a web site is likely to give you a good link back: Avoid pages done in ASP, CFM and JSP in general. Avoid pages with complex URLs that repel search engines. (As for various stop codes - ?/=/& - Google does seem to spider them [even id] to at least an elementary level. However, URLs using a + character are not spidered.) Hover the links with your cursor to view the target URL at the bottom of your browser. Do a source code find. Insure the anchor is entire and correct (not missing  <a href, nothing inserted between <a and href, which is a common FrontPage glitch of which web masters can't always be aware, etc.). Make sure the page providing the link isn't missing a title tag. None of that matters if all you're seeking is referral traffic, and there are plenty of web sites which can match MSN Search in that if you're relevant. But building PR with it should take priority.

Below is a list of highly commendable internet directories. All are free though some do offer paid submission. All but DMOZ will appreciate a reciprocal exchange from somewhere on your website.

BusinessRanks Business Directory - General

*buzzle.com* - General

Buzzle is an exception to the ASP rule of thumb.

DMOZ - General

By far the most important directory in which to be listed.

However, it can take more than a year to see results from submittal.

*directory.ooen.net* - Education

*directory.r-tt.com* - General

feXLinks - General

FIRST DIRECTORY - General

Hot vs. Not News Directory - General

* = recommended