Similar to the yellow pages in a phone book, a search directory is a categorized online index of websites. Unlike search engines, which use web crawlers to visit websites and collect data for indexation, search directories are populated through processes of application and approval.
The Open Directory Project (DMOZ), maintained by a massive global network of volunteer editors, is a well-known example of a search directory.
Why are search directories important?
Search engine optimization (SEO) refers to all the different practices a website can enact to improve its performance in the organic (non-paid) section of search engine results pages (SERPs). The ultimate goal is to rank on the first page, ideally near the top. Ask yourself: when was the last time you went to the second page of Google search results?
SEO is often divided into two categories of practices: on-page and off-page. For our purposes, we will only discuss the latter. Off-page SEO involves doing work outside of your own website to improve its performance. Although this work can be broken into several strategies, there is one true endgame with off-page SEO: to earn links from other websites to your website. Every time you earn a link from an outside resource, you build a little more Domain Authority—a huge factor behind organic search ranking.
Getting your site listed in a search directory is important because it creates a strong inbound link to your website. If a directory you’re interested in doesn’t charge an entry fee, it’s definitely worthwhile to apply for a listing. When it comes to Domain Authority, every link counts.
Plus, despite their declining popularity among Internet users, search directories do drive traffic. Again: if it’s free, why not? It’s another way to attract new visitors to your website. And, considering the highly categorized nature of sites like DMOZ, it’s safe to assume that the traffic driven to your site is relevant to your business—search directory users need to work to find your site. Intent like that is what makes prospect convert into customers.
How do I get listed in a search directory?
Different search directories have different submission processes. And, like we said—some will charge you. Considering its popularity, significance, and lack of an entry fee, we’ll look at the process for getting listed on DMOZ.
First things first: make sure your site isn’t already listed!
If not, then it’s time to assess whether your site is appropriate for listing. Based on the DMOZ guidelines, you can ask yourself the following questions to make this assessment:
- Does your site contain only the same or very similar content as a site that’s already listed?
Does your site redirect to another site?
Does your site have a lot of broken links, graphics, and images?
Does your site consist largely of affiliate links?
Does your site contain illegal content?
(Yes, those guidelines did go from 0 to 100 real quick.)
Hopefully, you answered those five questions with resounding no’s. If that’s the case, it’s time to submit! Select the single most relevant category and submit your site there. Don’t apply for multiple categories or repeatedly submit your site. These will both get you in trouble.
If your site is well-built, regularly updated and improved, and full of informative content, you should have no problem getting accepted!
FAQs
Similar to the yellow pages in a phone book, a search directory is a categorized online index of websites. Unlike search engines, which use web crawlers to visit websites and collect data for indexation, search directories are populated through processes of application and approval.
What is a search directory? ›
Most search engines use automated programs (sometimes called spiders) to look for relevant information based on keywords entered by the user. A search directory is a catalog of websites organized by category to allow users to easily browse for the information they need.
What do search directories also do? ›
Directories are usually searchable, so at first glance their user interface may resemble a search engine. However, they also offer hierarchically organized indexes of subjects and subheadings that allow the searcher to browse through lists of subjects for relevant information.
What's the difference between a search engine and a directory? ›
Search engines are huge databases of web pages that have been assembled automatically by machines. There are two types of search engines: individual and meta. Web directories are databases that have been created by humans and are used to organize web sites into subject categories.
What is an example of a directory search engine? ›
Directories are human-driven and therefore can deliver higher quality content. They are considered best for browsing and searching of more general nature and may include a search engine for searching their database. Examples: Yahoo directory, Open directory, Google directory, etc.
What is in a directory? ›
A directory is a unique type of file that contains only the information needed to access files or other directories. As a result, a directory occupies less space than other types of files. File systems consist of groups of directories and the files within the directories.
Is a directory a folder? ›
In computing, a directory is a file system cataloging structure which contains references to other computer files, and possibly other directories. On many computers, directories are known as folders, or drawers, analogous to a workbench or the traditional office filing cabinet.
When would you use a directory? ›
Directories play a critical role in managing large volumes of data and resources on a computer or network. They provide an efficient way to organize information, simplify access control, and improve searchability. Without directories, it would be difficult for users to find what they need quickly and efficiently.
What are the uses of directories? ›
Directories are used to find names, addresses and other contact information for individuals, organizations and businesses. They may also include brief information about products and services. Because addresses and contact information can change frequently, you should keep your directories current.
How are directories used? ›
Collections of files are stored in directories. These collections of files are often related to each other; storing them in a structure of directories keeps them organized. A file is a collection of data that can be read from or written to.
Bing is a directory that does have its own UI which is called Bing Places. Unlike GBP from Google, Bing does allow having the same location in more than one account at the same time. Bing also blends data from multiple sources (e.g. data providers, business websites, and others).
Is Google a search engine or database? ›
Google Search is a fully-automated search engine that uses software known as web crawlers that explore the web regularly to find pages to add to our index.
What are directories websites? ›
A web directory or link directory is an online list or catalog of websites. That is, it is a directory on the World Wide Web of (all or part of) the World Wide Web. Historically, directories typically listed entries on people or businesses, and their contact information; such directories are still in use today.
Which of the following is not a search engine or directory? ›
Google, Yahoo, and Alta Vista are search engines, while Facebook is not a search engine. Owned by American business Meta Platforms, Facebook is a social networking and social media website.
How do search engines work? ›
Search engines work by crawling hundreds of billions of pages using their own web crawlers. These web crawlers are commonly referred to as search engine bots or spiders. A search engine navigates the web by downloading web pages and following links on these pages to discover new pages that have been made available.
What is a directory on the Internet? ›
A web directory or link directory is an online list or catalog of websites. That is, it is a directory on the World Wide Web of (all or part of) the World Wide Web. Historically, directories typically listed entries on people or businesses, and their contact information; such directories are still in use today.
What is a directory on a website? ›
Web directory is a website or webpage that includes a list of links to other sites that fit into a relevant topic. These directories were especially prevalent in the early days of the internet, before individuals could simply find what they were looking for via a search engine.
What is searchable business directory? ›
The business directory helps users search for companies, services or products in their area in a more targeted way. From the point of view of search engine optimization an entry in a business directory is important; it makes the website in question easier to find and creates an additional backlink .
What is the Google directory? ›
The Directory for Google Workspace, Cloud Identity, and Essentials has contact information for everyone in your organization and shared external contacts. You can control which types of email addresses (primary, alias, domain) to share and which profile information to make available across Google services.
