An Internet directory (also known as a web directory) may include a collection of websites, resources, sources, forums, blogs, other search engines and web directory sites and various informational listings that are compiled for a particular purpose. In short, a directory is human-edited and approval is human-powered. Niche directory sites base inclusion in accordance with subject, topic relevance, and purpose as a general rule of thumb. Usually the owner has a particular topic and subject and accepts submissions and suggestions for listings that will lend overall support. Directory listings are in the form of link references and are important to boost search engine rankings.

In respect to use, a directory works exactly the same way as a search engine. Each is designed to deliver traffic from unique users via listed links. Nothing really complicated. However, we believe inclusion in a directory known to represent quality listings, and therefore quality links, will typically deliver quality traffic to those lucky enough to have attained a listing on the site.

Another feature of a web directory we have yet to discuss is the use of an anchor in respect to a text link. For those of you who do not know the value of a properly selected "anchor", in relation to search rankings, an anchor is a short identifier something like a blog tag. Most SEO professionals will use one of the primary keywords as the anchor text. It is used as a category specific and topic relevant identifier by search engines. In essence, an anchor is a 2-3 word phrase that is relevant to the topic and subject matter of the website it represents. Anchors are typically selected from a list of Meta tags known as keywords. Typically, an anchor will also represent subject matter of the web content. Together an anchor and a keyword should provide very good clues as to the web content published on a web page. Selecting an anchor and using it consistently will improve search engine rankings. Incidentally, anchor text plays a large role in the branding of a website or trade name on the Internet.

Finally, the benefit of having one million spammy-type back links vs. ten quality back links is still open for debate. "There is safety in numbers", but how much is still unknown. Clearly, every link is a vote in the popularity contest, but traffic may or may not be a part of the deal. Yet, if those ten back links are from highly ranked sites according to Google's Page Rank system then you can bet that this will dramatically improve your website's standings on many other smaller search engines as well. Google is the driving force on the World Wide Web and still champion in the delivery of unique traffic to web pages. Until, Google is dethroned, whatever this search engine supports in terms of quality will remain the legendary mentor that all others aspire to become.