1. What it is. A web directory is essentially a listing of websites. Unlike a search engine, which lists sites based on keyword relevance, a web directory lists websites based on categories and subcategories. Another important difference between search engines and web directories is that web directories are actually managed by humans. Each submission is reviewed by an editor who determines whether or not the site is appropriate for that particular directory.



2. Why you should use them. Directories are a great way to generate traffic to your site and to increase your search engine ranking. Search engines place a high value on one-way links, and links from directories are, in fact, one-way links. Furthermore, search engines place a premium on links from well-established, authoritative websites. So if you play your cards right and submit your site to directories that are considered high-quality by the online community, then you'll increase your search engine ranking.

Because directories break down links into categories and subcategories, you're guaranteed to get targeted traffic to your site. There's nothing better than knowing that visitors to your site are there because they really want to know more about what you have to offer.

3. How to find them. Finding directories is simple. Go to any search engine and search for the term “web directories.” You'll get a list of more directories than you will ever have time to visit. So how do you find the ones that are right for you? First, only submit to directories with a high PageRank because those will definitely benefit your search engine ranking. Second only submit to directories that don't require a reciprocal link from your website. That defeats the purpose of using directories to get one-way links.

4. General directories and niche directories. You will find in your search for web directories that some of them cater to specific topics. These are called niche directories. Be sure to submit your site both to general directories and niche directories. General directories tend to be more well-established than niche directories, which will make them more favorable to search engines, but niche directories will help drive more targeted traffic to your site.

5. Determining the correct category. As mentioned earlier, web directories are managed by humans who review every submission before listing the website. This means that you need to be meticulous when deciding which category you want your website listed in. If directory editors feel that your choice of category is inappropriate, they won't hesitate to reject your submission outright. Choose your category by considering the overall content of your website since that's what editors will be looking at.

If you're just starting out in the world of directory submissions, they can appear daunting. The process of submitting your site to directories can be cumbersome and time-consuming, and you may not see the results right away unless you submit only to paid directories. But submitting your site will definitely pay off in the end with increased traffic to your site and increased search engine ranking. If you're not sure exactly how to begin, consider consulting with an internet marketing expert. An internet marketing professional can help you determine how to integrate directory submissions into your internet marketing strategy. She can help you sort through the myriad of directories to determine which ones are right for you and your business. And she can even submit your site on your behalf.

No matter how you choose to go about it, make sure that you make directory submissions work for you. They will pay off in the end and you'll be glad you invested your time and energy into making them a part of your business plan.