Facebook And Webmasters
If you are a new webmaster the chances are you will be anxious to get your site listed by the major search engines. And for many the ‘holy grail’ of a good Google Page Rank is still something eagerly sought.There are of course lots of ways in which backlinks can be had, but whichever methods you use it can’t be achieved overnight. There are ways, however, to speed up the process. Inevitably though, this costs money.Let us concentrate here about building up a number of backlinks from directories. The fact of the matter is that most good-quality high PR directories don’t provide their services for free. They make a charge, often relative to how popular that directory is like Facebook. And although technically this isn’t the same as link buying, the end result is the same-a link to your site which will be picked up by the search engines, and which is paid for.If your site is in a competitive market then you’ll probably need quite a few links in to it. If you pay for each of those links it could prove very expensive. I saw a recent offer by a PR5 directory (though they promoted it as a PR6), which offered just 100 links as a maximum number, each link costing $19 for the basic version. Bolding etc added to the cost. This particular directory was simply one page with all its paid links leading from it.It has to be said though that many directories charge anywhere from $20 to as much as $199 for one link for just one year, lifetime listings of course cost more.There’s certainly no shortage of directories. Take a look at any of the big webmaster forums and you’re sure to find new ones being listed by the day. Some directories are general in nature, whilst others have just a few categories in certain niches. The good thing about new directories is that if you get in at the ground floor when it has just started out all links are usually free. Once the directory gets better known and gains in popularity the owner will then often start charging for listings. Some are free at first even without a reciprocal link, then in time they insist on a reciprocal link in return. Even many new ones will offer a choice of free and paid listings.Paid listings even in a low PR directory do have the advantage of being placed in more prominent positions than non-paid. Also, paid listings get reviewed faster.If you are thinking about paying for a listing, be aware of the page where your listing will appear. Is it the same PR as the homepage of the directory (unlikely such as Facebook Like), or is it much lower, maybe even not showing a PR at all? You want to be sure you are getting real value for your money.Finally, even if your budget allows for it, don’t assume that you should only submit to the high PR directories. They might have a longer review time, and your listing might appear on something like page 20 in your category. Consider one that looks like it is doing well, has a low PR, doesn’t charge silly prices, and will review your listing in a short time. As that directory improves its PR, your listing will benefit along with it.
