Glossary

Web Directory Defined

A web directory is a website whose purpose is to provide a list of links, organized by industry or topic. Most web directories are populated with user submissions and often offer paid listing options. These submissions are reviewed by editors before being added to the appropriate category. While directory submissions alone are not an effective strategy for driving traffic or increasing search engine rankings, multiple directory listings have been proven to be a valuable addition to SEO campaigns.

Evaluating the SEO Value of a Web Directory

Here are some important questions to ask before submitting to a directory.

• Does it have a relevant category or subcategory?
• Does it rank well in search engines?
• Does it have quality standards or will it accept any submission?
• Are there broken links or other signs of poor maintenance?
• Is the content unique or only scraped from other directories?

The Basics of Local SEO

This video from SEOmoz shows how web directories fit into a local SEO strategy.

Directory Resources

SEOBOOK
SEOmoz
Hubspot: 50 Local Business Directories