Buying Links In Directories
Mar 4, 2007 Search and SEO
I used to be under the impression that the only web directory links worth buying were the lifetime links. The one time fee for a lifetime of value was the only thing that logically made sense to me.
Late last night I started thinking about why one would buy anything other than a lifetime link from a directory. I hate paying the Yahoo annuals, even though I feel it is a necessity. And whenever I saw a “subscription” option on smaller directories I usually passed and went straight for the lifetime.
As you may know, I’ve been playing the site-flip game where I buy a site for a value, work on it to build up its content, incoming links, and traffic, and then sell it off for a much higher markup.
It’s taken me two months to realize this (some things are too obvious). When it comes to buying links for my site-flips, instead of buying lifetime links I can buy monthly (or annual) subscriptions and save a large portion of my upfront costs.
Now obviously if I’m going to be keeping the site, I always buy the lifetime option. But if there is any chance that I might sell it in the near future, I’ll buy the subscription link. And if it is one of my flagship sites, I’ll even consider upgrading to a “sponsored” link for the exposure depending on the directory I’m working with.
So, there you have it. Don’t always assume that a lifetime link is always the best option. Sometimes a subscription link makes plenty of sense too.
March 6th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Truly said! If you know you are going to sell the site, buying on a subcription basis makes more sense – you save loads of money. Then the guy who buys the site will have to pay the subcription fees to keep the site’s exposure but that’s not going to be your problem, will it?
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March 23rd, 2007 at 9:47 am
I am starting a new blog and have the usual problem of getting traffic. Buying links is obviously a possibility.
Your point is well taken. Lowering costs is always important. I owned an environmental laboratory in my prior life and bought a lot of links in environmental directories. Most had an annual fee.
I succeded in getting a ranking of 5/10 in google even with limited content. It works.
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