Web Directories

Web Directories - Any Good?

Introduction to Web Directories
There isn't a day that passes without new web directories being launched. It's no wonder that web directories need a directory for themselves to get better organized but even then. Back in the early days, we used Yahoo (and portals like Altavista) to find what we're searching for on the internet. This was before search engines as a tool got popular.

For certain, they have lost out in their place as conduits and instead, we use search engines like Google nowadays. While most directories out there are *crap*, there are some pretty excellent ones for people doing searches and for site owners to carry out their promotion.

Directories come in handy when one doesn't wish to use the search engines (for whatever reason) but instead, wish to look for a smaller and more specialized site that unfortunately couldn't get ranked well on the SEs. It gives the underdogs some chance to get attention and traffic.

When you search on a directory, you aren't in fact searching the actual contents of the website but the text within the site's title and the description itself. These titles and descriptions are provided by site owners and webmasters in their bid to get their targeted traffic.

Tips and Tricks for Web Directories:

1) They are an excellent source of high quality backlinks. Who doesn't want backlinks from a PR8, PR7, PR6, PR5 and even PR4 websites?

2) Arguably, the best directory (and also trickiest) to get into is DMOZ

3) There are 2 forms of directories. General types and niche types. Just about every type of website can be categorised on a general directory. DMOZ is one such directory. Niche directories are those focused on one type of theme such as golfing or even religion.

4) To search for niche directories, google +"your niche keyword" directory (such as +"job search" directory)

5) The index or first page of directories will have a list of general categories like arts, health and sports (much like the screenshot of DMOZ below) etc. Navigate down to the subcategory you're interested in to be more specific. Results are usually displayed by alphabetical order, page rank, or in chronological order of date submitted.

6) Directories are awfully useful for bringing in very targeted traffic for a specific niche or topic. If you have a website with free ebooks and a searcher was specifically looking for resources like that, you'll be found in no time.

7) To repeat point #1, web directories' greatest benefit is providing high quality backlinks which serve to increase your site's pagerank. Generally speaking, with a higher pagerank, you'll get better placings (read: ranking) for more keyword terms because of the increased trust placed on your site. Also, with a higher pagerank, search engines like Google will crawl your website more often resulting in higher placings for organic searches.

8) Make the effort to get listed on quality directories. Listings on the top 10 directories will yield better results than listings in the bottom 10,000 directories. Don't argue with me. Getting listed on quality directories will increase your site's authority.

9) Some directories require a fee just for getting reviewed for listing consideration. Unless it's a quality directory, don't bother paying. When unsure, just ask around.

10) Be doubly sure that the category that you're submitting your site for is the right one. Don't place a weight loss site under the religion category. It won't be funny. ;-)

11) Write an interesting description for your website to capture the attention of the restless searcher.

12) Some people prefer exchanges to web directories. You decide. In any case, it's free!

All the best with these web directories! Meantime, check out press releases, search engine optimization or even, video marketing if you haven't already done so.