Yahoo directory submission

[Buddy.]

Hi everyone

I'm coming across mixed messages as to whether its worthwhile obtaining a Yahoo directory listing for a gambling site.

I've come across a post here at GPWA where GarytheScubaGuy briefly mentions the benefit of a Yahoo link:

"Certain directories like Yahoo ($299) will give you a nice PR6-7 link and I would continue to obtain links - this is your best 'quick-win'"
(https://www.gpwa.org/forum/does-host...er-184629.html)

However, when I've posted about links in the past I've received mixed messages from other more experienced affiliates.

What do you think of the following:

1. Has a Yahoo listing worked for you?
2. Have you had problems getting a gambling site listed in the Yahoo directory? (I understand that the payment to them does not guarantee you a listing)
3. If you don't have a Yahoo directory listing, then why is that, particularly given that some leading SEO's recommend it?


Thanks very much for your help and thoughts.

[Buddy.]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that one of my sites (10 months old) has a Google penalty and I'm trying to assist the site in gaining some trust in the hope that it comes out the other side.

I'm hoping that a Yahoo link will give the site some trust.

[Buddy.]

Any thoughts anyone?

[universal4]

I am not sure having a google penalty would be helped by getting a link in Yahoo Directory....and (other thoughts on this would be entertained as well) but if the mere act of attempting to get a yahoo directory approval could easily be hampered with an active penalty from google.

I would be worried that during looking over your submission it could easily get denied because it was not seen in the google index, or that the domain history could hurt being approved.

And as far as ending up in the main yahoo index, that usually just takes place naturally with time and a few inbound links from other sites.

Rick
Universal4

[Buddy.]

The site is in question has a penalty but ranks in Google (just not as high as it should - most likely an over optimisation penalty....), so I don't think this would be a factor that would impact on the success or failure of a Yahoo directory listing.

My logic for getting a Yahoo listing would be that the Yahoo directory has both high authority and high trust. Getting a link from this would therefore be beneficial.

Just my thoughts, but please feel free to agree or disagree.

I'm keen to find out how easy it is to get a gambling site listed in the Yahoo directory as the fee is non-refundable and offers no guarantee of inclusion.

[Webzcas]

I've never applied for inclusion for a listing in the .co.uk version of the Yahoo Directory as I have always been put off by the price. The fact my sites have never been listed there, has not had an adverse effect on my overall seo strategy.

In short, I don't see how getting listed on Yahoo is a bad thing. But as Universal indicated, you are playing russian roulette with your $300. As a listing is not guaranteed.

Have you thought of submitting your site to Best of the Web. They also have a listing evaluation fee, but as long as your site has unique content and more than a couple of pages, getting a listing there is pretty much nailed on.

[Buddy.]

Yes the site has a life time BOTW listing, so all is good there.

The site (xhttp://onlinepokiesclub.com) has regular unique content and has been created with the player in mind so I hope I've created something that is worthwhile adding to the major directories?

Of interest SEOBook's Firefox toolbar which has a shortcut button which shows if a site has a listing in the following directories:

-Dmoz
-BOTW
-Yahoo

Dmoz - I'm waiting for my Ecogra seal to come through before applying for Dmoz (I assume that this helps.....?).

Yahoo - I was thinking that because Aaron Wall thinks it's important enough to include on his toolbar that it must be worth a punt going for.

SEO Book Tool bar: http://tools.seobook.com/seo-toolbar/

[Webzcas]

Dmoz - I'm waiting for my Ecogra seal to come through before applying for Dmoz (I assume that this helps.....?).

Short answer. No it doesn't

If your site is listable according to DMOZ listing guidelines, it will be listed either when an editor finds it, or whilst reviewing it if suggested. A site being listed on DMOZ is not dependent on being approved by eCogra, GPWA or any other organisation.

Therefore if you feel your site meets the dmoz listing guidelines, it will do it no harm suggesting it to the relevant category.

Another tip though, don't use a spammy description when suggesting it and take some time on reading the guidelines on submitting a site before you hit the submit button.

Once you have submitted it for review. Forget about it. If it is listable it will be listed. However when this will be, no one can say.

[Buddy.]

Ok. Thanks I'll take a good look at the Dmoz guidelines before deciding if the site meets the required standards (I'm aware that Dmoz doesn't appreciate multiple applications).

I've had a quick look at the Dmoz guidelines. Do you know if these the main ones that need to be met?

http://www.dmoz.org/guidelines/gambling/

Thanks

[dhayman]

I don't know if $ 299 is worth the price of admission. First and foremost, as a poster above stated, paying the fee is non-refundable and does NOT guarantee that they will place you in the index or not. I'm not sure what their criteria is for not allowing sites into their directory, but it may be related to whether or not you subscribe to black-hat tactics or not. There are many gambling sites in their directory though, so if your site is clean, my guess is that it will be accepted. Also, with the Yahoo/Microsoft merge, do we know where Yahoo is headed here ? Will their directory even be around in 1 or 2 years ? All things to consider. Oh yeah, one more thing....the $ 299 is a recurring annual fee.....kinda steep for one link !

[Webzcas]

Ok. Thanks I'll take a good look at the Dmoz guidelines before deciding if the site meets the required standards (I'm aware that Dmoz doesn't appreciate multiple applications).

I've had a quick look at the Dmoz guidelines. Do you know if these the main ones that need to be met?

http://www.dmoz.org/guidelines/gambling/

Thanks

This is the key:

Sites that (for example) offer products or services provided by another company and make a small margin on the sale. These are sometimes called reseller or franchise sites. They may seem to have unique content, but the product descriptions and/or games come from elsewhere. In general do not list affiliate sites unless the affiliate has strong, high quality content of its own that end-users will find really useful.

I've underlined and boldened what you need to focus on to ensure your site is listable. Affiliate sites can and do get listed, but sites full of adcopy do not stand a chance.

Unique strong content is the key to getting listed.

[Buddy.]

"....unless the affiliate has strong, high quality content of its own that end-users will find really useful."

Thanks - that's good to know and makes complete sense.

I've decided to go for it and after much thought have submitted the site to Games/Gambling/Slots/ section as this seemed the most appropriate category.

The USP of my site are its videos (I've played a lot of the Microgaming slots and have painstakingly edited the videos to show all of the bonus features of each game). I think that this is content "that end users will find really useful" but my major concern would be that this could be missed by an editor. (An example http://onlinepokiesclub.com/online-p...eviews/avalon/)

I've referenced video compilations in my Dmoz site description application so hopefully the editor will pick up on this.

As for Yahoo, a $299 recurring fee does seem expensive, but given some of the inflated figures that some webmasters want for links these days (particularly new sites less than 6 months old) it makes it look like good value!