What are Web Directories?

Web directories, which are also referred to as link directories, are special directories found on the World Wide Web. These directories specialize in linking and categorizing other sites on the Internet.

Web Directories Versus Search Engines

Although web directories are similar to search engines in that they provide a pathway to other websites, they are actually very different from search engines. Whereas a search engine directs a person to certain sites based on keywords, a web directory helps a person find information based on the categories and subcategories in which the site is placed.

Screening Links Added to Web Directories

In order to be placed within a web directory, the owners of sites generally have to request that their site be included. The site is then reviewed by a group of editors in order to determine if the site is appropriate to add to the web directory.

When submitting a site for possible inclusion within a web directory, the person submitting the site is generally limited to selecting just one or two categories for the site to be placed within. The goal is to find the category that is best suited to the web site, even if it actually covers a variety of subjects. Care must also be taken when determining whether or not the web directory is appropriate for the website as some directories are very specific while others are large in scope.

Types of Web Directories

There are actually many different types of web directories that a site owner can attempt to be included in. Each of these types of web directories varies in the cost, if any, of being included. These directories include:

• Free submission
• Reciprocal link
• Paid submission
• No follow
• Featured link
• Featured homepage link
• Bid for position

The type of web directory can sometimes determine the quality as well, though this is not always the case. Free submission web directories, for example, do not cost the person anything to submit the site to the web directory. As such, the web directory is more likely to receive a large volume of review requests. This could lessen the quality of the links if the editors do not really take time to look at the sites submitted or it can improve the quality as the editors select only the very best sites to include in the directory.

A reciprocal link web directory also does not cost any money to submit to. It does, however, require that the web site being submitted includes a link on its site to the directory if it is to be included within the directory.

With paid submission web directories, the web owners have to actually pay to have their link reviewed and this does not necessarily guarantee that the link will be included. No Follow web directories, on the other hand, do not necessarily cost anything but search engines will not follow the link from the web directory to the person’s web site.

With featured link, featured homepage link, and bid for position, the web directory actually implements certain procedures for determining where the link will be placed within the directory.