Google and other search engines of course quickly caught on to the new questionable practice of trying to get higher link popularity in this way. Because of this Google has been banning some directories and have given less value to the links found in others. This is entirely justifiable since link popularity, as mentioned earlier, depends on the quality of links, and since the directories accept websites of even low quality then naturally the value of links from these sites is going to low. It is therefore imperative that website owners do some research on the web directory they plan to submit their website to since and submit to only those with sound reputation.Cost is also always a factor in choosing directories. For low budget sites there are plenty of directories out there that offer free listing. Usually the free listing of course comes with conditions like slower processing time, being required to have a reciprocal link, or being a volunteer editor.

The condition that comes with it is worth it though and shouldn’t be a big issue. The free directories usually give websites the option of not having to deal with the conditions if the website opts to pay a minimal one time fee. The only directory that remains to be truly free is the Open Directory or Dmoz. Websites aren’t given the option to pay but the processing time is reputed to be particularly long especially if the volunteer editor of the website’s category is not very active. The length in processing time is however worth it for quality sites since Dmoz is known for accepting only websites of high quality. There are also plenty of options for paid directories out there with prices ranging from a $25 one time fee to as much as a $299 annually recurring fee. Whatever directories you choose to submit to, whether paid or free or a combination of both, remember that the quality of the directory should be your first consideration.