As I was doing some SEO research for Hawkeye Technology recently, I found that the top two results for their target keyword string we are optimizing for had almost complete different types of backlinks. One had backlinks almost exclusively from press release sites from their various product launches. The other had links coming almost exclusively from directories, both paid and free.

I had heard from various SEOers that most directories weren’t worth the time it took to submit your site to them; espically free ones.  But, my research was saying that the the highest ranking site on Google for a competitive keyword string was backed by a bunch of directory links.  In decided to test the effectiveness of these links with my business, Second Nature Snowmaking. I submitted to a small handful of free directories and will be seeing how they effect the Google rankings.

Directories Submitted To:
http://www.livelinkdirectory.com (pr 3)
http://www.gulqro.com (pr 3)
http://www.domaining.in/ (pr 5)
http://www.TheCommercialDirectory.com (pr 2)
http://www.zalink.com (pr 1)
http://www.hotvsnot.com (pr 4)

I submitted to them on November 5th, the same day I had been approved and was listed on www.domaining.in/ (pr 5)  and now a backlink search on Google shows that directory as the second link.  I am yet to hear back from the other directories regarding the approval of my submission.