: Submitting url to link directories seen as un-natural link building in 2015 Hi I've got a bit of a problem that I hope someone can help me with. Background Someone hired a freelancer on our

@Jamie184

Fire your SEO! It is clear that they have not a clue!! All they have done is read the wrong websites and then sold themselves as an expert. In fact, I would seeking damages personally. But that is up to you. Any professional should have done their research, formulated a plan, and then gotten sign-off on the plan before going absolutely ape-5h17.

Submitting to directories is absolutely the wrong thing to do. Google will not like all the directory submissions. It may appear that you are spamming for rank. It was poor advice when it was given years ago.

I am not sure how much trouble you will be in right away. You may be okay for a while and will have the time to correct the problem. The good news is this, (sarcasm) they made sure that Panda 4.2 was not an issue. Get the information you need for each directory submission immediately; the URLs (all of them), any usernames and passwords, and whatever else you need to try and rectify the problem.

The good news is this. Some directories may not take the submission seriously.

See what entries you can modify that would be appropriate. There may be some real opportunity that should remain.

Then see if you can remove the remaining. This is a bit of work. You may actually have to write letters, send e-mail, make phone calls, etc. If you cannot get a link removed that should be, it does not cost much to get an attorney to write a letter and this usually works a treat!

Where you cannot get a link removed at all, you may want to consider using Google Search Console (application previously know as Webmaster Tools) to disavow any link that proves to be bad. But do not do this automatically. Make sure this is a last resort action. In fact, generally I recommend not doing this, but in this case, it may be wise. Think about long and hard before taking this step.

The other good news is this. We are here for you.

We have some real experts here. This site enjoys special interest on the net. Really! (We actually enjoy a powerful secret ally that keeps us straight.) And we are free. Whoo hoo!! Can't beat that! Ask as many questions as you want. We will jump in and do what we can to help. Of all the SE sites, this is about the friendliest and nicest. It is something about webmasters that I have yet to understand. I like them. It is why I am here.

The last thing you may want to consider is actually hiring a real SEO company after you have done your work. Sorry. But this is one case where it can be wise. But that should be the absolute last option after seeing what you can do on your own.

Final word: I am sorry this happened. Let us help you get it straight again.

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