If you are a certified SEO expert this is not for you, we are into real-life things here.

Recently, it seems like we’re taking a nostalgic trip back to the SEO basics—especially when it comes to directories. Yes, you heard that right! Directories are making a comeback, particularly for local businesses.

Remember when bad bad Google penalized directories back in 2012? Of course you dont, you are not that old. Well, diectories were a big no-no for years.Let’s dive into this shift and explore what it means for your SEO strategy.

The Directory Comeback

A Blast from the Past

A decade ago, directories seemed to fall out of favor as Google’s algorithms evolved (yeah sure). The focus shifted toward content creation (remember when all big-time SEO Gurus became Inbound Marketers all of a sudden?), backlinks, and user experience. But now, directories are re-emerging as a powerful tool for local businesses looking to increase their visibility.

New Fancy Name for Directories

1. Local Search Optimization: Directories (SEO monkeys call it Citation Submission nowadays) are crucial for local SEO, or at least this is what everone is noticing. When potential customers search for services nearby, they often turn to directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Google My Business. And 1000s of lesser-known. If you are into directory submission business I am sure you have heard of BRIGHTLOCAL. These guys are killing it with 2011 SEO in 2025.
2. Trust and Credibility: A directory listing can lend credibility to your business. If potential customers see your business in well-known directories, they are more likely to trust you. It’s like getting a stamp of approval from a reputable source.(Reputable? AI, what are you trying to do here, make me look boring? We all know these are sites made for one thig only. To make money off of local businesses and agencies)
3. Niche Directories: Beyond the big players, niche directories are popping up like mushrooms after rain, catering to specific industries or communities (read SEO spammers). These can be goldmines for targeted traffic and engagement. (And directory owners)

The Power of Content and Interlinking

While directories are making waves, let’s not forget the importance of on-page SEO. Probably the single most important thing in SEO (besides links). Churning out quality content is still essential, but it’s not just about quality anymore. Here’s why quantity, especially with AI-generated content, is becoming increasingly vital:

Content Creation with AI, Big Dogs are Doing it

1. Stay Competitive: The big players in your industry are leveraging AI to produce content at scale. Combined with programmatic SEO and you, small players, are out of the game. If you’re not keeping up, you risk falling behind in search rankings, especially for long-tail keywords that can drive significant traffic. I know you want to outrank that main, fat KW, but 350 other KWs in your niche are crying for some competition.
2. Consistent Output: AI tools can help you generate content consistently, ensuring that your site remains active. This consistent output can keep you in the running for page one rankings.
3. Engagement Matters: While quantity is important, don’t forget about checking if AI did a good job and removing fluff words no-one cares about. Use AI-generated content as a foundation, and then refine it.

BackLinks: More Important Than Ever

Links have always been a cornerstone of SEO, but their significance is amplifying once again. Or, should I say, backlinks never stopped working. Here’s a closer look at why links matter and which ones to choose:

Types of Links to Focus On

1. Homepage Links: Your homepage is the face of your website. Also, other peoples homepages are their forte. Which means Homepage Links are the most powerful links you can find. If you can acquire homepage links on real sites, do it. These can be Sponsorship type of placements, or Ads, or whatever they call it.
2. Image Links: Don’t underestimate the power of images! If you wanna go with text links, but some good, white hat site, offers image only links, take them.
3. Redirects: Properly managed redirects can help maintain link equity and ensure users find what they’re looking for. So, your site is about SEO, but you acquired powerful domain about Banana Chips (90 Days anyone?). You can create a page about Banana Chips company and how you helped them rank first. Then, redirect that domain to that page, and then create anchor optimized links on that page about your SEO services. These can be anywhere, if you already have proper footer interlinking that will be enough.
4. Diverse Link Profile: Aim for a mix of links from different sources. This diversity signals to Google that your site is reputable and authoritative. I know they are blinded by the color of money, but from time to time they figure out sites behaving badly.

No Conclusion

Instead of good old AI conclusion at the end of the article, I will say that you can always fake it till you make it. If you agree with my thoughts do not share them on social media, do not waste your time, just go ahead and fix your sites.