Q: Will links from directories move me up in Google search results?

I am an e-retailer specializing in erotic stories, adult toys, and lingerie. I have heard Google no longer uses Page Rank, so I don't know which directories to consider quality. Will signing up with smaller adult-related directories help or hinder me with the new Google algorithm? Thank you, Cassandra SexStoriesandToys.com

Asked by:

A: There are better ways to improve SEO results.

Google still uses PageRank, albeit in a much more advanced form than when it was introduced. For instance, trust is a component now.

If you are referring to the recent "Penguin" algorithm update, that targets web sites that are falling short of the Google guidelines.

Acquiring links from directories is a low-value activity. It won't gain much for you. Your time is better spent building viral content, like infographics, personality tests, quizzes, top 10 lists, scavenger hunts, etc.

Still, I should answer your question about judging a directory's quality. A good measure for a directory's quality in the eyes of Google is: Does the directory primarily exist for users or for webmasters. If the latter, move on. Google doesn't like directories whose primary purpose to entice webmasters to submit their links.