So, you've found a great paid directory. What next? Well, if you're smart, you're going to have a list of things that the paid directory must have to make sure you're getting your money's worth. This list will be different for everyone, but here's a look at some of the basic things you want to look for with paid directories. Keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list, but that it has some of the basic things you should look for when considering inclusion in a paid directory. 

 

Google Cache 

 

One way to determine if a paid web directory is worth spending money on to list your website is to check the Google cache for it. To do this, you just have to type the address (URL) into Google. So, if your website was Assign Links, you would enter assignlinks.info into the Google search box. Once you click enter, you should see the page or site listed in Google. Underneath, there will be a link to "Cache" - by clicking on this you can see when Google last cached the page or website. If you don't see a "Cache" link it means Google hasn't cached the page. If Google hasn't yet cached the website or page, it's a good sign that it might not be a good idea to drop money to get listed in that directory. 

 

Google Page Rank 

 

Another way to see the quality of a web directory before you spend money to get listed is to check the Google Page Rank of the site or the page you want to be listed on. To do this you'll want to install the Google Toolbar or use one of the online tools that will tell you the Page Rank of a page. Page Rank isn't the end all and be all when it comes to deciding quality of sites, but if a web directory has zero PR or even worse, a grey bar, it might be a sign that you shouldn't submit to that link directory. 

 

Age of Domain 

 

Another thing to add to the mix when deciding if a paid web directory is worth it or not is to check the age of the domain. By using one of the many WHOIS websites out there, you can type in the domain name and see when the domain was purchased. If the web directory is brand new or even only a few months old, it might not be worth it to spend money to get listed. You might bookmark it, though, and see what happens over time with the site.  

 

Human Editors

 

If the web directory you want to pay to get included at uses human editors, it's usually a better value than web directories that throw up any and every link that comes their way. By editing and only allowing the best sites into a directory, it makes it more worth it for you and your website. If you're going to pay to get listed, make sure that the directory is edited by a human and doesn't let "bad neighborhood" websites in.  

 

Final Thoughts 

 

So, now you know some of the things you should be looking for when submitting to a paid directory. Assign Links is one directory that has the above. It's a family friendly web directory with entries available from $8.50 to $18.50. It's not the only paid web directory on the 'net, of course, but it's one you can use to judge other paid inclusion web directories.