Do directories make sense?

minervafox

minervafox

Newbie
Joined
Jul 23, 2026
Messages
13
Reaction score
4
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
 
Advertise on BHW
Yes directory works.

Why would Google devalue a directory? What's the point here.

Where would Google get information about a website.

In fact Google should pay to get data from them which they don't give.

But yes AI engine sometimes have to pay the price.
 
The SEO process called directory submission which was best trending SEO boosting 15 to 20 years is not a beneficial one. The automation of directory submission which used to be done using software does not exist anymore. But if it is related to local SEO then you can find best local directories to get your website listed in these local directories. Service websites, restaurants etc. can get listed in local directories to get visibility boost and SEO benefits.
 
I think directories can still make sense when they are relevant to your niche and actually useful to users. I wouldn't focus on DR alone, since relevance and the quality of the directory matter more.
 
minervafox said:
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
Click to expand...
i believe that directories may be worth it but not in pursuit of the DR or backlink only. a relevant nd well maintained directory will help in discovering sites nd in some cases generrate referral traffic. in case it is just a massive directory where everybody either pays or exchanges links, then SEO value will not be significant.
 
They can help a little, especially for discovery and getting some relevant mentions, but I wouldn't chase directories just because they have high DR.

Relevance and actual traffic matter more, treat them as a bonus, not the main SEO strategy.
 
minervafox said:
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
Click to expand...
I wouldnt make any changes or add anything.
 
minervafox said:
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
Click to expand...
I’ve wondered about this too. I think niche relevant directories can help with discovery and some referral traffic, but I wouldn’t chase high DR alone. Google can devalue low quality or manipulative links, so relevance and genuine value matter more than DR.
 
Try a few relevant directories first instead of submitting everywhere. Check whether they have real traffic and useful listings before paying for them.
 
minervafox said:
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
Click to expand...
but niche directorie remain valuable if they are updated on time. need to check the actual traffic, users, etc., as DR is not really an indicator here.
 
If the directory exists mainly for people to exchange links, I’d skip it. Look for places where listing your product makes sense even without the SEO benefit.
 
Directories may provide you with discoverability, referral traffic, and link equity, but DR alone won’t determine whether the directory is useful or not other factors, such as relevance and quality, are far more important.
 
I have several old directories (domains from 2006), never deindexed, banned, etc. Same owner (me), same content (directory) for all these 20 years.
And people still submit their sites there :) If they didnt work, they wouldnt waste their time on submissions there, I think :)
 
I agree. Relevance and actual traffic matter more than just the directory’s DR. If it’s a genuine directory and useful for users, it can still be worth considering.
 
minervafox said:
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
Click to expand...
nonetheles , I will keep using those niche directorie that have traffic nd an interested audience. If it was not so, then DR would not have left any impresion on me.
 
minervafox said:
Hi! I have a web app that somehow started picking up users from Google about a week ago, even though it’s been live for around 8 months.
I’ve done the usual SEO stuff, adding structured data, breadcrumbs, a Wikidata entry, etc. Though I keep seeing SEO people recommend submitting your product to “high-DR directories.”
Does this actually work? And if so, why doesn’t Google just devalue these directories when their main purpose seems to be founders listing and linking to each other’s products?
Click to expand...
If directories are highly authoritative and relevant to your niche, then it's beneficial to get backlinks from them.
 
Advertise on BHW
You must log in or register to reply here.
Sign up now!

Main Menu

Home Main Forum List Black Hat SEO White Hat SEO BHW Newbie Guide Blogging Black Hat Tools Social Media Downloads

Marketplace

Account Selling Content / Copywriting EBooks / Methods Hosting Misc Proxies For Sale SEO - Link building SEO - Packages Social Media Social Media - Panels Web Design More

Making Money

Affiliate Programs Hire a Freelancer IM Journeys Making Money Pay Per Click Site Flipping Want to Buy

BlackHat World

Dispute Resolution Forum Suggestions & Feedback Introductions Lounge
Back
Top