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Assignment 6, Bootcamp #5 - Listing in Directories

iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« on: May 13, 2013, 01:51:06 am »

Hello Bootcampers,

Hope you all had a nice and restful week, and now are ready to take on a new assignment again.  Wink
So this week, we'll rereplacement different craft directories and try to get listed in as many of those directories as possible.
There is a debate about usefulness of directories, when it comes to SEO. Here is one good article to read on this topics Web Directories...are They Relevant to SEO?

The key is in finding super relevant and quality niche directories, those that don't have too many ads all over their pages and possibly are moderated manually by a group of enthusiasts.

Here is the Assignment for this week:

  • Do rereplacement on Google or Bing for all kinds of directories, using words like Craft Directory, Handmade Directory, Jewelry Directory, Beaded Jewelry Directory etc. Here are some examples: http://dir.yahoo.com/arts/crafts/ and http://www.craftgate.com/
    Linkedin groups are good places to get listed as well, so find appropriate groups and mention your store on their pages.
  • It's not easy to get into good directories, like Google's Dmoz, so make sure you read their rules and tips from others, like this article Tips for Getting Listed in DMOZ.
  • Create a spreadsheet of the directories you find and start tracking in how many directories you've listed your store and actually got included.
  • Some are paid directories, so just make a note of the fees and pass them for now. Don't pay for inclusion yet, until you get a better idea of the directories' landscape first.
  • Read rules for inclusion and follow their instructions to make sure you provide sufficient information about your store URL for directory owners to make a decision to include your URL in their directory.
  • Please share your finds on forum during this week for others to check.
  • At the end of the week please post the number of directories your were able to get listed in.

As usual, ask questions and share your experiences on forum. We are here to help!  Smiley
« Last Edit: May 13, 2013, 01:54:28 am by iCraft Admin »
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2013, 10:22:01 pm »

Hi, nice to be back!  In my replacement for directories I ran in to a couple of link exchanges.  Is this an easy way to get backlinks?  Just wondering because it sounds too easy based on what we have been learning.
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2013, 12:42:10 am »

Those links are called reciprocal links. You don't really want those links, as they cancel each other and don't provide any value from SEO perspective.
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2013, 08:15:55 am »

Thanks admin - thought that was too good to be true!  One directory I joined asked for my reciprocal links so now I know what that meant.
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2013, 03:16:29 am »

I am surprised that people still ask for those links, as they don't work. In fact, it's against Google's policy to simply exchange links like that, so they can even hurt your site, if you get too many of those pointing to your pages. The links you really want are those that are embedded in articles, like store reviews, as they are editorially chosen.
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2013, 08:22:14 am »

I have seen more than one with reciprocal links.  I also see a wide variety in instructions.  Some are very clear about writing a long description, others say hardly anything and hardly ask for any information other than your name and link.  It is really interesting to see the differences!  I read about DMOZ and I am not ready for that yet but I think that it would be a good goal to strive for at least.
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2013, 03:53:41 pm »

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-network-using-linkedin-groups/. Here is a links to an article that I just read on LinkedIn groups.  I have joined several but some don't seem active or very well managed.  I am in a few active groups and it is a good networking tool.
Jewelry by Kat


Posts: 182


« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2013, 09:20:02 pm »

Good article JaJeJems
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2013, 12:28:12 am »

So how's everyone doing with this weeks assignment? Any questions? Good progress?  Wink
Jewelry by Kat


Posts: 182


« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2013, 03:22:43 am »

Seems that I am waiting to hear back from the directories or pay pay pay.
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2013, 07:26:01 am »

Well I am having the same issues as Kat.  A few aren't accepting submissions, some require payment, one won't accept without a reciprocal link. Waiting on a couple to be approved.  Other than that week is going well!
Red Rock Designs


Posts: 173


« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2013, 10:57:59 am »

yeah, same here.  I'm also having a hard time finding directories that are specific to chainmaille jewelry.  The one I did find I was already a member.  Otherwise, linkbuilding is still going well.
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #12 on: May 18, 2013, 08:44:31 pm »

Here is my list of directories
http://www.seaglass.com/seaglass-links.html
http://homebasedjewelers.gotop100.com/index2.html
http://www.craftsitedirectory.com/
http://www.odysseyseaglass.com/sea-glass-directory.html
https://www.facebook.com/ukcrafts/info
http://www.networkedblogs.com/topic/Lampwork

I am waiting for approval on one other, and two that I am interested in are not currently taking new listings.  I had hoped for more. Oh yes, I don't think I am ready for DMOZ yet!

I have also joined more LinkedIn groups including one on social media marketing that seems very active.  Some of the LinkedIn groups are more active than others.  I gave up waiting on a couple of groups who left me waiting to be approved.  I have started two discussions in another group and had no responses after a couple of weeks so I think it will be the next to be dropped!
« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 01:14:47 am by iCraft Admin »
Jewelry by Kat


Posts: 182


« Reply #13 on: May 18, 2013, 09:43:31 pm »

I wasn't too successful.  Computer failed got  a new one, brother.  Here are the groups I joined on LinkedIn
- jewelry designers
- jewelry designers2-pending
- beads and beading
- business and professional women
- handmade jewelry marketing

There were a lot of directories for a fee and a lot with 3 levels of fees , anywhere from $9.99-$ 69.99
sent email to join handcrafted jewelry directory.com- still waiting
joined jewelry great .com - but I don't see my store
applied to dmoz- waiting to hear
some had backlinks
« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 12:28:04 am by iCraft Admin »
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #14 on: May 20, 2013, 12:35:53 am »

Hi Red Rock Designs,

It's great if you can find directories specific to chainmaille jewelry, but you should also widen your replacement and join any jewelry, crafts and handmade directories. They don't have to be super specific, as long as they are related to jewelry.

So how many directories have you joined this week?
« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 01:21:11 am by iCraft Admin »
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #15 on: May 20, 2013, 12:51:12 am »

Hi  Kat,

Could you please share URLs of the directories and groups on LinkedIn that you've joined?
Were you able to share your store URL there?
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #16 on: May 20, 2013, 01:20:15 am »

Hi Fairy Cardmaker,

I haven't heard from you this week. Were you able to find and join any relevant directories? Could you please post your update in this thread?
Jewelry by Kat


Posts: 182


« Reply #17 on: May 20, 2013, 01:29:03 am »

http://www.dir.nightfoxjewelry.com
http://www.jewelrygreat.com
http://www.handcraftedjewelrydirectory.com  - waiting approval
http://www.dmoz.org  - waiting for approval
http://www.usjewelrydirectory.com  -  fees
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=91760&trk=anet_ug  -  Business and professional women
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/jewelrydesigners-75600?trk=myg  
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2820651&trk=myg  - beads and beading
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/handmade-jewelry-marketing-24

Posted my url on a couple.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 12:25:21 pm by iCraft Admin »
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #18 on: May 20, 2013, 10:38:59 am »

Hi Kat,

Thanks for sharing your links! All look like great directories and groups.
I marked 2 that didn't work for me. Could you pls double-check and fix those URLs?
JaJeJems


Posts: 174


« Reply #19 on: May 20, 2013, 11:50:16 am »

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Association-Contemporary-Jewellery-3628898?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=100620&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/CARP-Health-Lifestyle-Expo-2013-4423471?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=85316&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Handmade-Artists-Forum-Shop-3699703?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Handmade-Jewelry-Marketing-2465158?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/jewelry-design-3092365?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Jewelry-Designers-75600?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Jewelry-Handmade-Jewelry-Wholesale-Jewelry-2206546?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4296918&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Social-Media-Marketing-66325?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

URLS for my LinkedIn groups
Jewelry by Kat


Posts: 182


« Reply #20 on: May 20, 2013, 11:57:01 am »

URLs fixed
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #21 on: May 20, 2013, 12:26:32 pm »

Thanks Kat!  Smiley Everything works fine now.
I removed my comments from your post.
Red Rock Designs


Posts: 173


« Reply #22 on: May 20, 2013, 01:13:45 pm »

Here are mine.  I do plan on joining more on Linkedin since that forum seems to be the easiest and free, but I haven't had a chance to look around yet.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Jewelry-Handmade-Jewelry-Wholesale-Jewelry
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Handmade-Artists-Forum-Shop
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Handmade-jewelry
http://handcraftedjewelry.gotop100.com/ - waiting for approval
http://www.zorkk.com/ - waiting for approval

http://www.mailleartisans.org/ - existing member but I’m not active


iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #23 on: May 20, 2013, 01:34:46 pm »

Hi Red Rock Designs,

Thanks for sharing your list. However, the first 3 links don't work. Could you pls fix them?
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #24 on: May 20, 2013, 02:00:30 pm »

Hi JaJeJems,

Great list of groups! Thanks for sharing.  Grin

I saw your comments on some discussions too. That's great!
I would encourage you guys to post comments on posts that would naturally allow you to add your store URL, like this post "Where and how to sell your jewelry?" or this one "What are the various online platforms for selling jewellery?".
You can easily add your store URL in your response, without looking spammy.
JaJeJems, thanks for the nice comment!  Grin

Another thing that I wanted to mention to everyone is to include a link to your iCraft store in your LinkedIn profile, just like JaJeJems did in hers. (See under "Contact" link in the bottom right corner in the top section of her profile, but login first!). I'd also add a mention of your store in the Summary copy that's shown at the top of the page (for people that never click on Contact link).

Also, make sure you guys connect with each other on linkedIn and keep growing your list of connections there. The more connections your have, the more visible you will be on LinkedIn and the more influence your posts will have.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 02:04:46 pm by iCraft Admin »
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #25 on: May 20, 2013, 02:09:41 pm »

Hi Fairy Cardmaker,

I am still waiting for your report. Please try to catch up. We only have 2-3 more assignments left. So hang on there!  Wink
« Last Edit: May 20, 2013, 03:53:28 pm by iCraft Admin »
Fairy Cardmaker


Posts: 1115


« Reply #26 on: May 20, 2013, 08:30:48 pm »

Hiya!  Sorry I'm tardy!

My Linked In is for Professional use only (i.e. as a chartered accountant).

I have applied to:
http://www.ourcraft.co.uk/
http://www.dmoz.org/
http://www.craftsitedirectory.com/ (this is one JaJe Gems suggested)
http://www.hotfrog.ca/

Looked at Yahoo, but it's $299 US.  Yowzers.

I was going to do this one, but it wants a phone number and I don't want to give one.
http://www.ctidirectory.com/

This one requires a top level domain name, so I'm guessing your own .com instead of through iCraft
http://www.canadianbusinessdirectory.ca/login.php

A couple more  I looked at asked for linkbacks, so I skipped them.
iCraft Admin


Administrator
Posts: 1699


« Reply #27 on: May 21, 2013, 12:35:44 am »

No problem, Fairy Cardmaker!
Glad to know you found some time this week to rereplacement and join directories.  Kiss

Not sure if it's possible to open 2 accounts on LinkedIn for 2 separate businesses. I'd look into that, as having active account and joining relevant groups on LinkedIn helps with your store promotion.

The request for top-level domain (or TLD for short) only tells me that .com is an acceptable domain extension.
TLD refers to the suffix attached to the domain names, like .com or .org. There are also country code top-level domains (or ccTLDs) domain name extensions, such as .uk or .de, that corresponds to a country, territory or geographic location.
So I'd still try to apply to that directory.
Red Rock Designs


Posts: 173


« Reply #28 on: May 21, 2013, 12:32:10 pm »

Sorry...these should work:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Jewelry-Handmade-Jewelry-Wholesale-Jewelry-2206546

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Handmade-Artists-Forum-Shop-3699703

http://www.linkedin.com/skills/skill/Handmade_Jewelry

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