While most web directories have languished over the years, some are
still going strong, and getting your site listed on one of them can
still help you, both with traffic and with search engine rankings.
In fact the web directories that managed to stay in business are the
ones that work legitimately and try to provide a useful resource for
their readers. Those don’t just accept any submission. There’s a
screening process, and only useful and relevant resources get listed in
each category.
The value of a web directory is proportional with the editorial
discretion each directory owner applies. If you see a directory filled
with keyword reach listing titles, descriptions containing superlatives
like “leading”, “the best”, “cheapest” etc., you’d better close the page
and save your money.
Below you’ll find a list with the top web directories that are Google compliant. Here’s a video explaining the concept:
All directories listed apply a very high editorial discretion and
they’re actively maintained by their owners. Users CAN suggest a website
to be reviewed but there is no guarantee of acceptance. Some
directories will refund the review fee, others won’t. Read their TOS
and/or guidelines.
I have ordered the list based on each web directory’s overall value
both from an end-user’s and
editorial discretion perspective. I’ll list
the suggestion price (keep in mind that a suggestion fee is not
equivalent with “guarantee of acceptance,” rather someone’s time and
effort is paid!), and Domain Authority.
I won’t list the well known top 3 web directories (DMOZ, Yahoo!
Directory, BOTW) because I want to highlight a bit the so called “second
tier” directories.
Most web directories, even the ones that are still active, tend to
sport very ugly and confusing user interfaces. Directory Journal kept
its design and interface updated over the years, and their structure is
easy to navigate. On top of that the site has a lot of authority.
The Aviva Directory is one of the largest on the web in terms of
listed resources. As a result it’s considered one of the most important
ones. Aviva is one of the most reputable second-tier directories out
there.
The Jasmine web directory is focused mostly on businesses and local
listings. The directory is not as big as some of the others on this
list, but the result is that it features a highly selected list of
websites, making it quite a very useful resource. A regional section is
highlighted as well.
This is a relatively new web directory, but it’s gaining a lot of
attention because it uses some user friendly policies. For instance,
they offer a full money-back guarantee if you submit your website but
don’t get accepted. Worth a look.
5. Abilogic
Human edited spam-free web sites organized in relevant categories.
Been around since 2004 and featured a UK sub-section as well.
6. Skaffe
The Skaffe directory calls itself a “Local and Regional Specialist.”
That is because the directory is broken down by regions and countries.
If you have a website or online business that is highly local in nature,
this could be a good directory to get listed on.
As the name implies, this site is about listing websites that are
safe for all family members. Obviously some websites will not be able to
get listed, but as a result of this strict selection the directory is
liked by search engines.
Tips when suggesting your website to any of the above directories:
- Start by surfing the directory for the most appropriate category or subcategory for you niche.
- If the directory has a regional section and if your business or the service you offer is related to a specific country or continent, submit your site there. (E.g.: If your business offers flowering services in London, UK – You’ll want to suggest your website to /Regional/Europe/UK/London/Home-and-Garden/Plumbing or something similar. If you sell clothing and ship worldwide, you can suggest your website to the general /Shopping/Clothes/ category.)
- Use the official title of your website. Do not use a bunch of keywords like “Best SEO Company | Guaranteed Results” while your website’s official title is MediaStream (it was just an example)
- When it comes to your website’s description, avoid repeating the website’s name, be objective and do not use superlatives like “best on market”, “leading company”, “cheapest”, etc. Briefly describe what your site provides and offers; what can a visitor find on your website etc. Do not use capitals for all words like “We Offer The Best Services….”.
- Don’t think about a review fee that is a guaranteed inclusion fee. You have no idea how much money and effort a good directory can swallow. By this I refer mainly to the editors, their time, technical issues, improvements, marketing and on. So, you’re paying for someone to open your website, analyze it and decide if it’s worth to be listed or not. In most cases, you’ll get a refund, a response from the directory owner or one of the editors with the rejection reson and what should you do to improve your website.
- Don’t get upset if an editor decides that your website fits better to another category, or slightly changes your website’s description.
I hope this article will help clear out the fog that surrounds the
web directory industry, which now is completely different than it was
only a few years ago.
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