Member Avatar for amitmanna

When we go to submit our website in directories there some directories show option as "Links with nofollow attribute". Some think that it is just time waste. But I think that it generates traffic for the website that we are going to submit. What do you think?

Edited by peter_budo because: No need for red text, black is just fine
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Short, updated expert note to sit above the thread started by :

This discussion reflects the old debate (dofollow vs nofollow) but search engines have changed since 2010. Google now treats rel="nofollow" as a hint (and added rel="sponsored" and rel="ugc") so those attributes inform how Google interprets links instead of being an absolute block. (developers.google.com)

Where directory submissions fit today: they rarely move the needle by themselves for organic rankings, but they still serve three practical roles — referral traffic, brand discovery, and local citations that feed prominence signals in Google’s local results. High‑quality, curated industry or local directories and major review sites can help; mass submissions to low‑quality directories do not. This matches points raised earlier by and while updating the technical facts. (searchenginejournal.com)

A short, usable checklist and workflow (what the thread lacks):

  • Pick only curated, relevant directories (editorial review, niche or local relevance, visible traffic).
  • Verify indexation and quality (use site:directory.example and a quick backlink/traffic check).
  • Keep listings unique, accurate, and use consistent NAP for local citations (important for local ranking). ()
  • Measure value with UTM‑tagged listing URLs and review referral/conversion data in GA4 before judging ROI. ()
  • Avoid bulk submission services and auto‑approve directories; they often waste time or create link‑noise. If a directory looks like a link farm, skip it. (websitepromote.com)

Bottom line: the old summary from and (that directories/nofollow aren’t a silver bullet) still stands, but the nuance is different now — nofollow/sponsored/ugc can be hints rather than total blockers, and selective directory listings remain useful for traffic and local signals. The best return is earned, editorial links plus a few well‑chosen directory citations measured by real referral and conversion data.

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Member Avatar for liveambitions

I wouldn't look to directories for direct traffic...Not even Yahoo.

Member Avatar for janklaza

You're not going to get traffic from directories anyway but I have seen people say they like nofollow links because it looks natural. Getting all of your links dofollow looks unnatural. If you don't have at least some nofollow it probably looks highly suspicious to Google...

Member Avatar for liveambitions

Good point. In terms of diversifying links, it's probably a good thing.

Member Avatar for amitmanna

Thanks for your opinion... :)

Member Avatar for dawn.visp

Nofollow links have no value with regards to rankings and PR but it helps your site generate traffic.

Member Avatar for ameto

yes...as far as ranking is concerned, nofollow links are hardly useful except generating traffic...It is better to get do-follow backlinks in order to boost your keyword in terms of ranking

Member Avatar for marissa jasmine

I think if you choice "nofollow" is not effective to increase traffic ...
mybe you must try to choice "dofollow" website to increase traffic for your'e website..

thanks

Member Avatar for shreyam

I have always been a fan of directories and have used directory inclusion as a strategy to help build link popularity, especially for new sites. However, in the last eight months or so, I have seen many directory pages in which we have listings on become all but useless. They don't pass any link popularity and they drive zero traffic.

With Best Regards,
Shreya Mehta
{snip}

Edited by jay 11 because: removed fake signature
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