Directories: An Alternative to Search Engines

Directories are websites that list and link to other websites by category. They can be browsed by category and many offer search boxes for those that don’t know where to start looking.

As opposed to search engines, directories are typically edited and organized by humans. Instead of an algorithm, or code, deciding what gets listed, people decide on the importance of the website and how it should be categorized.

Example of how to search by category: Jane is looking for a new perfume. She clicks on ‘Shopping’.

She then clicks on ‘Beauty Products’.

Then she clicks on ‘Fragrances’.

She can then narrow her search even more or select one of the fragrance sites listed. She chooses one of the sites.

Jane is taken to a perfume website, where she can browse for and buy the perfume she wants.

Online directories are a great way to find anything from products, to local businesses, and more.

How Directories Benefit Website Owners

Search engines may find you faster. Search engines look through directories for new websites and are much more likely to find you this way than on your own.

Increase your search engine rank. Listing your website on several directories increases your link popularity, or the number of websites linking to yours. The higher your link popularity, the higher you can rank in search engine results.

Listing Your Website in a Directory

To be included in a directory, you have to submit your URL, or website address (www.yourbusiness.com). You are typically asked to choose what category you’d like to be placed under. Depending on the directory, you may have to pay for inclusion.

The two largest directories are Dmoz and Yahoo! Search Directory. If you decide to submit your website to directories, you’ll want to start there. There are many other directories that are more industry specific and may be more beneficial for your business. A good place to start looking is at VileSilencer, which lists over 400 directories.