In the previous posts, I have ran a test in December to determine the effectiveness of directory submission in building backlinks. I had spent a week to submit 100-200 sites per day using this directory submission software.

Before I start my directory submission, here is the results of my backlinks stat. (Refer to my earlier post: Is Directory Submission Method Dead Yet? if you are first time visitor).

 
Yahoo and Google results Before directory submission (26 Nov 08).

During the testing process, I waited for 6 days and there is no single link showed up under Yahoo or Google radar and I started to worry that this method is no longer valid so I posted my concerns in Digital Point forum.

Topic: Do you think directory submission is still effective in building backlinks?
The link: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1153907

After gathering thoughts from all the members, here are the key points:
1. Due to the nature of free directories, it will take weeks or months before Google or Yahoo index them and find my submission.
2. Most members believe directory submission is still effective for link building but it is not the faster and effective way (in fact this is probably the slowest way to build link).
3. Most members felt it is better to spend time else way instead of directory submission.

Now, after close to a month (since I first started submit to directories on the 10 Dec 08), I began to see some backlinks increase.

previously, inlinks are only 831.

previously, links showed are only 174.

So, what do you gain from backlink increase? I found the greatest benefit is the recognition from Google on certain keyphrase I aimed. Now I am at #9 for phrases rank high in Google and #11 for rank high on Google. Previously, I can’t find my site by using these terms.

 
If you recall, I have been using these term as my Title and Keywords during my directory submission.

Summary:
From this test, I would agree that the directory submission technique still works in building up backlinks. However, this technique requires more time and effort compared to other link building methods. And, the effectiveness seems to be deteriorate over time when compare to article marketing and dofollow blog commenting by using automated software. The backlinks take longer time to show up as Google and Yahoo start to shift their preference to blogs, article sites or Web 2.0 sites like Wiki, Squidoo and Hubpages. Nevertheless, like most forum members have commented, this is still a good way to diversify your link profile. My advise is if you have the luxury, outsource this task so you can have more time to focus on building up the content of your site.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

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