The Value of Niche Web DirectoriesWeb directories come in all shapes and sizes, some are generic, while others are highly specialized. Directories, are defined as categorized topics or collections of information organized into a tree like structure where categories are used to define each groups association. Web directories are an important component to search engine positioning. Being listed in a Niche directory not only brings in targeted traffic, it provides a one-way link from a web site with similar content. Niche Directories are generally highly ranked in search engines, and are considered well respected resources, two traits that are desirable in reciprocal link partners. While smaller directories that focus on a specific niche might generate less traffic, the quality of the traffic from a niche site is usually highly targeted and will be superior to that generated from general search engines. Let's say for example you wanted to list a house music record label or electronic dance music magazine in a general web directory, the genreic traffic will be less qualified than targeted traffic from niche music directories sites such as musicmoz, dmoz music magazine category, trugroovez, dubstepdirectory or darkdb.com/eklein/. Most visitors to these niche directories will have a genuine interest in music. The nature of highly specialized directories result in visitors who have a serious interest in the directories theme, or a at the very least an interest in a theme related to the directory. As a result, web publishers need to make a conscience effort not to ignore the value of niche directory listings. Regardless of their size, a related niche directory listing can be extremely valuable, especially when editors use high web standards when reviewing directory listings. Many niche web directories offer sponsorship opportunities. Vendors can optionally purchase sponsorship to increased their exposure with a bold listing or top featured category listings. Determining a Directories ValueIt is difficult to assess the value of a directory listing, as there are a number of factors to consider including SERP's ranking, editorial control, crawl rate frequently and link structure. It is an obvious advantage to listing of a closely related theme directory that is difficult to measure and quantify. In general, webmasters can use common web guidelines to determine the popularity of a directory and assess the directory link's value. One way to assess the value of a web directory, is to consider the Page Rank of the web page where the link placement of your site will be located. The Page Rank is indicative of how important Google may find a specific page based on the authority ( site reputation ) of incoming links. Google's original algorithm set that assessed the importance of web pages was dubbed Page Rank. It's now just one of over two hundred components that go into ranking of web pages; however it does still play a significant role. - Each page's score is based upon the quantity, and more important, the quality of web pages that link to it. This means that a relevant link from, for instance, a respected electronic music magazine will be likely worth more than a link from a friend's guestbook. Another third party measuring tool is Alexa. The Alexa ranking provides insight into how popular a web site is. In general, a link from a web page containing a Page Rank of 5 or higher is considered very good. A link from a site in Alexa's top 100,000 is also generally very desirable. Music Moz http://musicmoz.org claims a main Google PageRank of 7 and subpages all contain a minimum of a 5 for Page Rank, the overall site has US alexa rank of around 50,000. Clearly if you are in the music business, Music Moz would be a very desirable link partner. To determine a sites PageRank without downloading the Google Toolbar, use the following online tool from http://www.prchecker.info A web site's Alexa ranking can be found by entering the URL into Alexa http://www.alexa.com It is recommended that PageRank and Alexa ranking be only used as a guide when determining a directories reputation. It is important not to get too caught up in either Google PageRank or Alexa Ranking as webmasters can use "tricks" to artificially inflate their numbers. The main focus of a web directory should be on building good content and garner quality incoming links naturally. Niche web directories are perhaps the very best types of directories because they contain keywords related to your web site. Search engines are always looking for ways to better index information, and niche directories do it more quickly. The bottom line, links from directories that are small but niche, that use high editorial standards can provide quality web traffic. Matt Cutts..What types of directories are seen as sources of paid links? Web Directories...are They Relevant to SEO?Post about the relevancy of web directories in the game of SEO - by Aaron Wall - seobook.com http://www.seobook.com/archives/001583.shtml Useful Webmaster Seo Tools & Resources.www.google.com/webmasters/tools/ www.bing.com/toolbox/webmasters/ adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal If you wish to include this article on your web site or e-zine, please use in its entirety, including the credit text. |