Among the first tips I learned or should I say, read, when I started blogging was to get my blog listed in as many web directories as possible. So like a noob that I am, I spent countless hours in front of my PC, surfing to all the available web directories that allows me to get listed for free. I will go to bed smiling, thinking all the work I have put in will surely bring me hundreds of visitors in the following days to come. So I waited, and waited and waited…..
None came. There was no indication that all the web directories that I got my blog listed in was referring any traffic to my blogs! I began to think that I have been duped yet again and it was many many months later and after learning more about web listings that I realized that getting our blogs listed in Web Directories is not about getting tons of traffic. It goes beyond that. This realization had me taking a whole new outlook about getting my blogs listed in web directories and the reason I want to review this new web directory.
Update (28-01-08)
I received news that this directory MAY BE fraudulent. So hold your horses first before submitting your site to this directory. I’ll update again if it has been proven otherwise. Sorry.
The introduction that greeted all visitors to Max Directory is short and sweet enough with the word “free” in bold lettering. The front page is easily navigable but I fail to understand as to why I have to scroll right down to the footer to get more information on submission guidelines and terms of use. It is as though Max Directory wants this information hidden from visitors. Most directories that I have submitted place a lot of importance on their guidelines and terms before accepting any submissions, so they place their links to these pages in very prominent places to facilitate submitters access to those information. Anyway, I perused their guidelines which was quite detailed with the normal do and don’ts. The terms are also pretty standard acceptable to most.
Having done that, I went checking out the various listings that have already been accepted. Like all other directories, it is well categorised and naturally the Internet category proved to be the most popular with 163 listings. All other categories already have substantial listings ion them so I guess Max Directory is sort really taking off.
Listings are sort of cool too, the permalink of the site or your blogs that are listed is followed by a short introduction of what your site is about. I noticed they are quite lenient with their approval too. Even though it is plainly stated that sites filled with advertisements and affiliate links are not permitted, I do see a lot of sites which are clearly niche stores.
Okay now for the final crunch. Since I have just started a niche store, I felt some sort of listings will do the site some good so I headed for my category which is listed under Homes. Under that main category are a list of sub categories which might be related to my listing. I chose the most appropriate one and hit “Suggest Link” on the to navigation bar. I saw something quite unexpected.
Even though it was stated that submission is free in the home page, we are required to pay between a $5 normal listing or a $10 express listing, which they say is the cost for reviewing my site. This may prove to be quite repelling for many and they may well get the feeling that they have been taken for a good ride, thinking their submissions will be totally free. However, it is also stated that the fees will be refunded if the listing is not accepted. I doubt any will be rejected though, unless your site is really selling some illegal stuffs like porn or drugs.
I have never paid for a Web Directory Listing before so what the heck. I submitted my new niche store anyway for the $5 listing. It is just like buying a text link anyway and I get to be listed there for a long time. The submission went like a breeze and we can pay via paypal which makes it very convenient. For $5 we get a backlink. Most bloggers don’t link to anyone anymore, so you guys figure for yourself if it is worth the money
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