{"id":47830,"date":"2009-10-30T14:35:00","date_gmt":"2009-10-30T19:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/proxy.goincop1.workers.dev:443\/https\/www.wordstream.com\/learn\/search-directory\/"},"modified":"2023-12-18T13:17:27","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T18:17:27","slug":"search-directory","status":"publish","type":"learn","link":"https:\/\/proxy.goincop1.workers.dev:443\/https\/www.wordstream.com\/search-directory","title":{"rendered":"Search Directory: What Is a Search Directory?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Similar to the yellow pages in a phone book, a search directory<\/strong> is a categorized online index of websites. Unlike search engines, which use web crawlers<\/a> to visit websites and collect data for indexation, search directories are populated through processes of application and approval.<\/p>\n

The Open Directory Project (DMOZ)<\/a>, maintained by a massive global network of volunteer editors, is a well-known example of a search directory.<\/p>\n

\"search-directory-dmoz-homepage\"<\/div>\n

Why are search directories important?<\/h2>\n

Search engine optimization (SEO)<\/a> refers to all the different practices a website can enact to improve its performance in the organic (non-paid) section of search engine results pages (SERPs). The ultimate goal is to rank on the first page, ideally near the top. Ask yourself: when was the last time you went to the second page of Google search results?<\/p>\n

SEO is often divided into two categories of practices: on-page and off-page. For our purposes, we will only discuss the latter. Off-page SEO<\/a> involves doing work outside of your own website to improve its performance. Although this work can be broken into several strategies, there is one true endgame with off-page SEO: to earn links from other websites to your website. Every time you earn a link from an outside resource, you build a little more Domain Authority<\/a>—a huge factor behind organic search ranking.<\/p>\n

\"search-directory-domain-authority-illustration\"<\/div>\n

Getting your site listed in a search directory is important because it creates a strong inbound link to your website. If a directory you’re interested in doesn’t charge an entry fee, it’s definitely worthwhile to apply for a listing. When it comes to Domain Authority, every link counts.<\/p>\n

Plus, despite their declining popularity among Internet users, search directories do drive traffic. Again: if it’s free, why not? It’s another way to attract new visitors to your website. And, considering the highly categorized nature of sites like DMOZ, it’s safe to assume that the traffic driven to your site is relevant to your business—search directory users need to work to find your site. Intent like that<\/a> is what makes prospect convert into customers.<\/p>\n

How do I get listed in a search directory?<\/h2>\n

Different search directories have different submission processes. And, like we said—some will charge you. Considering its popularity, significance, and lack of an entry fee, we’ll look at the process for getting listed<\/a> on DMOZ.<\/p>\n

First things first: make sure your site isn’t already listed!<\/p>\n

If not, then it’s time to assess whether your site is appropriate for listing. Based on the DMOZ guidelines, you can ask yourself the following questions to make this assessment:<\/p>\n