I do a lot of directory submissions for my sites, so I put together a list of directories. The free directory list is updated often, and allows sort options to fit most submission styles. I hope you find it a useful resource.
One thing I'd like to mention is that we should not chase high PR directories with free submissions (except Yahoo and DMOZ). Most free directories that have high PR also have long waiting lists to be reviewed. They also have higher listing standards then newer directories.
Well established/high ranking directories normally have many listings. New sites can get tossed on page 20 or more. This is why submitting to newer directories provides faster indexing results.
Directories tend to have many outbound links, so the PR they pass is minimal - no matter what the homepage PR may be. So there is really not much difference being listed in a category with no PR from either a PR 4 or PR 0 directory. Directories are most useful for defining our anchor text to the SE's, plus gaining a little bit (very little) of additional traffic. We do get some PR juice as well, but it is minimal compared to other legitimage link building methods.
Seriously. It's much better to be listed in a PR 0 directory then it is to be waiting months to be listed in a PR 4 directory. That's the point I'm trying to make - that results from free submissions to high PR directories are not immediately realized. If it's a good directory, it's probably worth spending a few bucks to get an express review.
The tips above have worked well for me, and I hope it helps everyone else as well.
There is a report option on the list, and I encourage people to use it. Once suspect directories are reported, I verify that the directory is paid, parked, fails to resolve, etc., then delete it. The list is pretty clean. On any given day I remove 3 or more directories that no longer fit the criteria to be on the list. After this PR update, I removed 12 bad directories almost immediately. After most PR updates, 10% or more normally turn paid within a week or two. I'm staying on top of it, and those that report bad links are a huge help in keeping the list clean.
@cyber2
I only do submissions for brick and mortar companies and my own sites, so I am sorry that I can't help you.
@ezimedia
It's a custom script (PHP MySQL). The backend has some useful features for management, etc. I use a similar script for my social networking list. Check it out if you get a chance.
@nick
My pay for review deep link directory is run by phpLD, but the custom list script is embedded into the phpLD template. The list is not associated with phpLD nor does it use any features from phpLD.
Thanks everyone for the nice comments. Stop by often, and please tell your friends and associates about the list. I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks for the list. I like the way you allow people to report bad ones. It might be cool to allow people to submit more about them such as comments, ratings, or the what they charge for featured links. That way you can get others helping with your resource even more.
(and thanks for using phpLD too)
The list has grown much larger then I ever anticipated. I surpassed DC's free general directory list months ago, and now I have over 1,600 free general directories listed. Because many free directories turn paid so quick, allowing comments may help with managing the list. Thanks for the suggestion.
I also have a social bookmarking list. There's over 160 social bookmarking sites listed, which is good for quick backlink building.
That's the point I'm trying to make - that results from free submissions to high PR directories are not immediately realized. If it's a good directory, it's probably worth spending a few bucks to get an express review.
