Web Directories

By: Ken Tan

Simply put, a directory is a compilation of websites organized in a logical way. Web directories are also known as indexes, web indexes or catalogues. Most people create a web directory in an attempt to organize a large amount of information, or sites in particular, that refer to a limited subject area. Unlike search engines, that display a list of web pages based on keywords; a web directory breaks down a list of web sites into categories and sub-categories. These categories are usually arranged hierarchically, but they can also be found alphabetically or topically, depending on the kind of listing.

Web directories are a valuable promotional tool, basically because they are very organized. Because of the directory�s structure, people interested in your content will be driven to you. Structured web directories are very easy to find and access. Web directories also significantly improve your site�s credibility. To protect the directory�s reputation, there is a minimum requirement before you can sign up with them. Therefore, directory�s make it possible for people to perceive your site as a legitimate and trustworthy entity.

Various types of listing typically depend on the fee paid for inclusion in a web directory.

* Paid Submissions � A lot of people opt for this listing which offers premium services with fast approval. A huge advantage of this kind of listing is that it provides good placement which theoretically increases your site traffic. Because of the size of the world wide web, the price for site submissions ranges from $1 to $30, sometimes as much as $50, depending on the page ranking or strength of the directory.
* Featured Links � Much like paid submissions, featured links come with a price. However, in this listing, your site is reviewed and given a premium slot in the category where it is submitted. Some directories put your submitted site at the very top of the list with a fairly good write-up.
* Featured Homepage Link � This type of listing considerably augments site traffic better than most of types of listings, again depending on the popularity of the directory the site was submitted. Sites are generally listed on the homepage of the directory which makes it more visible to people searching for your content. Featured Homepage Links also come with a price.
* Reciprocal Link � In essence, the site that was submitted must link back to the directory where it was listed and no fees will be charged.
* Free Submissions � A lot of people opt for this kind of listing, for the obvious reason that fees will be charged to review your site. However, free directories have significant back logs that some sites never get listed or reviewed.
* No Follow � This listing merely has a rel=�nofollow� attribute added to hyperlinks. This is indicative that the destination of the hyperlink should not be given any additional ranking by user agents. Search engines do not follow this link and was only put there to point it out not to endorse it.

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