SEO tips = better search engine ranking

New criteria for directories

Aaron Wall from SEO Book has been a long time proponent of directories but he is beginning to wonder just how effective they are. He argues that few directories add useful sites unless they get lucky and one of the submissions happens to be a good site. I add useful sites as I find them, but not at the rate Aaron Wall would prefer. I'm only one man and my intent is not to have a large directory. I aim to have a valuable one.

He also notes that few directory editors see to a high ratio of quality sites. I don't know if I count myself as a Jtrotta.com employee, but I do make sure that sies listed are good enough for me. I have turned down numerous submissions from sites I though had too little content.

He also notes that directories and lists of directories often make up the bulk of a directory's link popularity. Certainly not the case with mine. I advertise on a few high quality sites including my own and while I am listed in a few directories, relatively few of my links come from other directories.

One thing he doesn't mention is the poor organization of most directories. I have refused many requests for top-level catyegory listings from webmasters who wanted link popularity at the expense of my organization. Won't happen.