A web directory is a directory on the World Wide Web that categorizes web sites and provides links to each one. Unlike search engines, it lists web sites by category and subcategory. This categorization is mostly based on the content of the whole web site, instead of a page or a keyword. Here, web sites can only be listed in only one or two categories. Site owners may directly submit their site to be included in the directory to be reviewed by the directory’s editors for fitness.

There are web directories that are very general in scope which list a wide range of categories. Other more specialized directories, or niche directories, focus on restricted topics and sectors such as the business directories.

Business directories function very much like every other search engine: the user types a keyword which relates to a particular topic, and the search engine processes all content within its database which has any relation to the keyword. The results are presented to the user as a list in order of decreasing relevance. Business directories the search engine processes all content within its database and results are presented as a list in order of importance. Business directories are specialized in business topics and financial content. Income for business directories is generated from paid advertisements, and sponsorships. A business directory has many listings depending on the price paid for inclusion. Submission of websites to directories is a common SEO. Business directories give users an immediate connection to online businesses and stores.

Business directories focus mainly on topics of business and financial content.

Business directories have a database containing numerous business articles. This aids the users who are searching for specific material, or for users that have a vague idea about a topic and want to clarify it. Business articles can be a list of tips on resume composition, to steps and considerations in merging companies.

Business directories generate their income from paid advertisements, links which are published on the site and sponsorships. A business directory has many listings depending on the price paid for inclusion. This could be as free submission, reciprocal link, paid submissions, no follow, meaning search engines will not follow the link, featured listing where the link is given a premium position in a category or other sections of the directory such as the homepage, bid for position, and the affiliate links where the directory earns commission for referred customers from the listed websites.

Submission of websites to web directories is considered as a common SEO (search engine optimization) technique to get vital back-links for the submitted web site. Web directory submission can not be fully automated like search engine submissions. Manual directory submission is a tedious and time consuming and is usually outsourced by the webmasters. An online business directory can supply users with an immediate connection to online businesses and stores. Users are able to browse the contents of the sites by a series of clicks.

Example of Business Directories:

Dallas Business Directory Denver Business Directory