A web directory is a kind of listing made on the web, where one can find links related to different subjects or even a specific subject if it is a specialized web directory. People who browse through web directories find it convenient because the categories under which the links are displayed are specified and one does not have to go through vague general links.

Before the advent of the search engine, the web directory was the only place on the web where one could find specialized links to a particular product or a service that you might be looking for. The popularity of the search engines over the web directories arises from refinement in the search process. While search engines refine the search process of a person by identifying keywords associated with particular websites, a web directory gives you a general listing of similar websites.

For example, if you are searching for a particular film to download in a web directory, you might have to browse through the entire section of links categorized in the film section to find a particular film. Whereas in a search engine if you type in the name of the film it would immediately give you a listing of which websites have the option of downloading the particular film of your choice.

These days, link submission to web directories is considered a good SEO technique.
Having inbound links is a key factor in understand and following the method that search engines follow for ranking websites. Submitting links to directories specific to your line of business could be a good way of ensuring that you get targeted traffic instead of many general visitors and no potential clients.

You need to be careful while choosing the right web directory in order to improve your SEO rankings. The following are a few points that you can keep in mind:

  • Choosing directories that are ranked high themselves on various search engines , this will indicate their popularity
  • Will you have the option of re-linking to your site directly, or will that be done via a tracking mode?
  • Be careful of directories that use Dynamic Pages that search engines take time to index
  • Be sure to ensure that the directory that you choose passes on link credit to the website that it is listing. You can check on the authenticity of this by picking a site listed in the directory and checking on their backlinks by entering the search word in any popular search engine.
  • The web directory should not be overstuffed with links
  • Make a wise choice between free directory submission and paid submissions keeping in mind factors that will help you optimize your site better

There are different types of Web directories, both general and niche. Some of the popular ones are, Yahoo! Directory and the Open Directory Project. Different directories have different features. Depending on your site specific requirements you can choose a web directory. Some of the common features are:

  • Reciprocal link – a link back to the directory should be an option in order to be listed in the directory
  • Paid submission – payments are taken either on a fixed or recurring basis for reviewing and listing of the link
  • Free submission – there is no charge for submission and review in some directories
  • Featured listing – You can opt for featured listing where your link is given a favored placement either in the directory or the homepage

If you use a web directory diligently, it can be a good SEO technique for achieving high search engine rankings.