Web Directories
There are many different directories on the web.
Registering your site with a directory can be a great way to let people find you. Each directory is different.
A few principles we recommend.
Don’t use automated directory registration services. Most directories specifically prohibit this, so even if someone can register with them automatically doesn’t mean the directory owner is happy about it. Spammers try automated techniques to register with many directories at once, doesn’t mean you should. Also, a link with a good directory can deliver qualified visitors, but an irrelevant listing is useless – how can you tell if your site is relevant if you don’t look?
If it sounds like getting listed in directories requires some work, it does. And in some situations, there is a fee to have your suggested entry moderated. Is it worth it? Depends.
Do you want the listing to drive visitors to your site? Are you after a boost to your search engine rankings?
Either way, try registering with some free directories first and use your Analytics to notice what referral traffic they send. A link from a relevant directory can send qualified visitors. A one way link from a quality directory can help boost your rankings (although this is hard to measure). Once you form a view on the benefits of a directory listing, you can decide whether it is worth paying for it.
Web Directories
DMOZ is probaby the best free directory you can join. Find the right category, suggest your URL and wait and see. Entries in DMOZ are replicated through to the Google Directory and many other directories. If you decide you like DMOZ, you can apply to become a volunteer editor yourself. Be warned, DMOZ links are hard to come by.
Yahoo Directory (or Australian Yahoo Directory) is probably the first directory you should pay for, if you are going to pay for a directory listing. $300 US for a year.
HotFrog (US directory, or your local country domain e.g. HotFrog Australia) is a business directory with free listings. Good quality directory this one.
Business Mums is an Australian directory with a membership of mum’s with a small business. Free and paid listings.
JoeAnt is a paid US directory.
Blog Directories
EatonWeb is a US blog directory that charges a $35 US annual review fee.
The Blog Directory is a free, high ranking blog directory with a nice clean interface.
