When you read about web directories online, you’re bound to run into a ton of opinions on the subject, most of them worthless. It’s not surprising, I guess, most people who talk about SEO online don’t rank for a single keyword of merit, let alone understand even the smallest detail about the business they profess to be in. In particular, maligning web directories seems to be a key talking point that gets its’ share of attentions. Frankly, I think the criticism is unfair. Web directories are just websites. They’re neither good nor bad, and if you use directory submissions as a helpful SEO tool, then good for you.

The basic bum rap with directories is always about “what Google thinks.” Worrying about “what Google thinks” is a loser game in the first place. You have no definitive way of knowing exactly what Google thinks, and secondly, you’re supposed to be building your websites for visitors, and not for Google. Focus on what really matters if you care about SEO. That’s getting spiders into all the different sections of your website. Anyone who tells you that web directories can’t help your spidering is full of crap.

Personally I don’t feel web directory submission will hurt you. I have a number of websites that used that type of promotion only, and they’ve all done very well in the SERPs. Of course other people might have had other experiences, and that’s probably what’s coloring their view. But I don’t see anyone offering any empirical proof about just how bad directories are.

In the meantime, keep an open mind about web directories and base your conclusions on what’s actually happening, and not just what other people are saying.

Also, please be sure to read how a reputable web directory can boost traffic. It’s worth a look.