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Workings of a Directory

By: Paul Wilson

Article Word Count: 673 words  [Comments (0)]
Total Views: 116 Views





World Wide Web searches are of two kinds: web directories and


search engines. Web directories are extensive catalogues of web


addresses that are indexed by subject and relevance. Experts


review the sites, categorize them, and organize the information.





Searches can be made by category or keywords. And, vast numbers


of websites can be sorted through to locate what is required.


Sites are included either by submission by the owner or by the


directory's editors when they come across sites.





Web directories are mainly of two kinds:





* General directories that are automated indexes of pages not


vetted by any reviewer or editor. They are a compilation of web


sites and internet documents classified under different


categories or subject indexes. Each listing carries a brief


summary of the content contained within. Examples of popular


general directories are: Google, and Excite.





* Selected directories contain web sites and pages that have


been vetted. These are of a certain quality and standard. These


directories also provide links to other sites and documents


pertaining to a particular subject or theme. They lead you to


links that provide authoritative material written by experts in


each field. Examples are: Librarians Index to the Internet,


About.com, Virtual Library, and more.





Internet browsers can type queries into the directory and the


directory will look for matches. Alternately, a searcher can


view the indexed categories of the directory. Major categories


would include: education, computers, business, sports, family,


entertainment, arts, and so on. Within each category are


subcategories that pertain to different aspects of the main


category.





Links in directories are free, paid, or free but need a


reciprocal link. Links are provided on pages with similar or


relevant content. Most beneficial are high traffic directories


that have numerous web sites listed under each category and sub


category.





Characteristics of a quality directory are: numerous quality web


sites are present in each category; there are editors who vet


sites submitted; large number of pages in MSN, Google, as well


as Yahoo; has a low Alexa rating; has a page ranker on pages;


and pages are present in DMOZ and Yahoo directories.





The Alexa rating is calculated by the number of visitors to the


site. While PageRank is a rating system of 1-10 for web pages


devised by Google.





Submitting a web site to a directory will: increase click


through traffic; have the site indexed by search engines; get


higher rankings for targeted keywords; and get the site indexed


by spiders.





Advantages of directories are:





* Substantial staying power. * Marketing avenues. * Exponential


growth and popularity.





To be accepted by a directory one must ensure that your site:





* Content is comprehensive, unique, and plenty. Be sure to add


new content regularly. * Is stable at all times and quick to


load. There should be no broken links. * Works with multiple


browsers as also with the most recent versions. Test your site


accessibility with different browsers. * Is placed in the most


appropriate or applicable category. Be sure it is distinct from


other competitors. It should add value to the directory. *


Submission details comply with directory guidelines.





Choose a search engine friendly directory rather than one with


outlinks.





Directories must be selected with care. Due consideration must


be given to one-time as well as recurring costs. The pros and


cons of being a part of a directory should be studied before any


steps are taken. Understand completely the world of web


directories and their uses.


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