A web directory, in general, is a categorized listing of websites. It is different from a search engine is such a way that it is not meant to be searched by using key words or phrases but by exploring different subjects or classifications. Moreover, while entries in search engine databases are collected by automated programs, web directory indices are put together by human beings. Those who do not fully understand this difference clearly enough come across web directories in hopes to find web pages with specific content end up disappointed. However, web directories are actually very important tools for both businesses or website owners and their end users.

Businesses or website owners choose to be listed in web directories to increase the visibility of their website. For websites that aim to promote certain products on the internet, the advantage of this visibility increase is obvious. If more internet users come across their website, there is a big possibility that these businesses will increase their sales. For other types of websites whose purpose is not to generate sales, web directories give them the benefit of increasing their website’s traffic which they could therefore use as leverage for soliciting advertisers to favor their site.

Website owners can be listed in web directory in two ways. Some submit their entries to web directories whose human editors are then responsible for categorizing them. Although there are some web directories that do not ask for compensation for their listings, the more competent ones charge website owners for each entry submission. The reason for this is logical. Web directory owners need to pay salaries and wages to their competent editors in order to maintain their operations. This type of web directories is considered to be more trustworthy because their indices are built by professional staff. The other way of getting listed is more accidental than purposive for this entails just waiting for the editors of web directories to come across your website and including it in their index.

On the other side of the token, web directories are also useful to the end users who are familiar with its function. If one has a general topic in mind, the user explores this category and goes through its sub-categories until the subject is deduced to a specific topic. For example, one who wishes to go on a summer vacation may simply go to “travel,” then to “beaches and resorts,” then to “accommodations”. The web directory will then display various websites for travel agencies or hotel accommodations directly. Though this, the user can compare the content of different websites available in the listing and choose the one that is of most interest.