What is next For Web Directories After the last Google Update?

Everyone that is familiar with utilizing Web Directories for link building or is an owner of a Web Directory knows that many directories were hit hard on the last Google PR update. I also know many blogs that were dropped out of the Google Index and lost PR due to selling links or purchasing them.

So what’s next? Well the only thing people can do that were affected from this is try to rebuild your site back to being an acceptable, rule abiding Directory or Blog. But its not selling or purchasing links alone, I know that some directories/blogs lost PR because they were linked with others that lost PR. I’m sure if you are an owner you know if you sold or purchased links. After you are sure you removed all paid links from your website you can then login to Google Webmaster Tools and click on the “Request Reconsideration”. But you have to be patient because this may take a few weeks.

I know that many Directory owners want to make an extra buck, so they try to sell space on their site for money. So what alternatives are there? Well if you’re a high volume targeted directory you could try adsense, but history shows I don’t know many Directories that have made much using adsense. This does not apply to blogs though, Blogging is much different then Web Directories. One thing you could consider is look around for affiliate advertisers that give you commission on selling their products by placing banners on your site. If you’re a niche directory it will be easier to find an affiliate. If you’re just a general Web Directory, promoting submission services, other web directories and hosting is probably the best category of affiliates to choose from.

The quality of Web Directories also need to improve, there are so many now that are being bought by one owner which is devaluing them. If one owner purchases 40 web directories they all will be on the same IP, thus you won’t receive much value from them. If you’re thinking of making a new Web Directory... it really is worth the money to purchase a Unique Template, and purchasing scripts and addons for your Directory. Patience is the key when being the owner of a Web Directory; it may take 6-12 months before you start to see a steady income.

I think now that Web Directory owners know how serious Google is about the purchasing and selling of links and the consequences we should see directory owners start to change the way their directories are maintained. And hopefully the next Google update we will start to see the PR and reputation of Web Directories start to climb again.

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