Getting Your Directory Indexed

I seem to be in and out of the google index on our directory/resources pages. We're running the standard state based directory, along with the corresponding sitemap submits, and pages 2 clicks from the homepage. However, we have not seen good traction with these pages - there was a time when some of the pages were PR3 and indexed, however, now they are no where to be found.

The for examples are:

http://www.djtrealestate.com/links/d...o/Colorado.htm
http://www.bostoncondoguy.com/resour...California.htm

Let me know if there is something that I am missing, perhaps something that I have done or not done, that is leading to this behavior, and more importantly, how to get these pages indexed and ranked.

Thanks!

[kensmith]

On your Boston site the first thing that stands out BIG time to me is "Automated By:....." Talk about a red flag IMO. Anything that automates the process of exchanging links that leaves an easy way for the search engine to tell that is what you are doing is potentially a problem. It takes me 15 seconds to add a link partner, does software really save you enough time that it is worth putting up a red flag like that?

Don't have time to look any closer, but will later.

The automation of not only the addition of links, but the checking of links has been very nice. If the automated system is keeping my pages from being indexed and gaining PR, I'll consider changing, but I can't play down the convenience of the multiple facets of the automated program I use.

[Jim Messenger]

Hi BostonCondoGuy,

I started to answer your question here in the forum, but my answer grew quite long and became more suited for a blog article.

Thanks for being the inspiration for the new article titled "My Link Directory Is Not Getting Any Love!"

Jim

[Jim Messenger]

BostonCondoGuy,

In addition to the post I made last night, here are some further observations:

1. The links pages on both sites appear to be identical. (I didn't look at every page) If so, you should expect - at the very least - a duplicate content penalty.

2. As Ken mentioned above, the Automated By: Link Exchange Software makes your directory look like a free-for-all link farm.

3. How about these three directory wide links? Thanks: hunting | North Carolina Dental Labs | Website Directory. Those fit the footprint of link spam as well.

[naplesrealestate]

Jim,

Good post.

[Jim Messenger]

Thank you.

All very good points. Given everything that has been said, I'll move off of my automated program, at least in its current form.

Are there linking tools that you guys would vouch for that are SEO friendly that I could take a look at?

[Jim Messenger]

I'll have a tool for you shortly. I hope to have it next week.

[kensmith]

The key is any linking software that leaves a footprint is bad IMO. That is if you have to link to them, or if there is something in the code, or any other way that the search engines can see that you are using something that automates the process. You along with the whole group of sites using that software can be penalized with a simple change in algo that looks for that signature/footprint and panalizes for it. More likely all of the links will just get devalued and your Trust Rank will go down, but that will effect your rankings also.