It is not difficult to get caught up in the numbers game. There are many different reasons that mass directory submissions preserve the link building process. One of these reasons includes a much used process in business, which would be the focusing on a measurable constant method to rank progress. Ask yourself what would sound better to a client, 25 minor directory submissions or 3 quality, maintainable links?



Your client might be happy with the fifty small links at first, but once they realize the difference between those and the three good links, they will not be. Conducting business in this manner is irresponsible. The issue with this type of business conduct is that you are putting the focus on the number of links, regardless of quality, instead of gaining actual results with your links.

Free directories vary, with some having instant approval, some 3-6 months and some (evidently) never. Some directories will approve your listing, only for the directory to disappear several months later. Use good judgment when selecting free directories, and submit in a limited capacity to those that have proven in the past to accept links on a fairly timely basis. Make sure they have staying power - does the link still show up for other sites you registered there?

More importantly, make sure to take time to grow relationships on the web, this will result in valuable links for you. When writing emails to webmasters of sites relevant to your industry, make sure they are not spammy, and are personalized. Use your own creativity by exploring more innovative approaches than merely copying and pasting information over and over again.

Work on links with blogs in your industry, which sometimes have a multiplying effect. Resist getting bogged down in the numbers, find a new approach to increase effectiveness, and your clients will thank you.