Best Directories on the Web
All things are not created equal. This goes for everything from what you had for lunch today to internet directories. Some directories are good for a few links and a bit of occasional traffic, but others are a relative powerhouse. The best directories on the internet can lend a powerful punch to a website, especially in light of search engine optimization and generated traffic.
Directories of Directories
In fact, in recent years directories have become so popular and useful that they are now being organized into their own directories and lists. A directory of directories lists everything from the heavyweights to the up and coming. All directories have merit if used the right way, but many internet professionals see a greater value in the big names - and with good reason.
Search engines recognize directory listings as slightly less valuable as direct links back imbedded through keyword in website content. But, not all directory links are weighted the same. Some directories, such as DMOZ.com have additional value than directories that are not recognized industry wide. In short, DMOZ is better. The same can be said for many others.
Get Listed!
To become listed in the best directories, there is often a price to pay. Sometimes there is a literal dollar figure attached to a listing, and other times there are long waits and many approval processes. These directories have a great reputation for a reason. To allow unscreened and unverified websites through would be severely detrimental to the overall credentials of the site, thus the care.
However, jumping through a few proverbial hoops and shelling out a few extra dollars is well worth it to many webmasters. Listing a website through one of two of the top directories is worth more in SEO value than being listed in twenty small directories. (Although the small directories never hurt.)
The Best Directories
At the moment, the top directories for submissions include the following:
• www.dmoz.org
• dir.yahoo.com
• www.lii.org
• www.stpt.com/directory/
• www.business.com
• www.alivedirectory.com
• www.avivadirectory.com
• www.elegantdirectory.com
and more.
You would do exceedingly well to submit your website to one or all of these as budget and resources allow. An added bonus of submitting to such well-known directories is that by meeting the criteria for these directories, your website will be fine-tuned to meet almost any standards. Designing for the top results often yields just that – top results.