Web Directory vs Search Engine
While both are accustomed to find content on the internet, the principal difference is that links discovered through a se are gathered automatically while a web directory involves humans adding the links. The result of a web directory can be an easily digestible set of links organized within common categories. A directory makes it simple to find websites by subject, whereas a research engine is helpful for finding websites through keywords.
How a Web Directory Works
Most web directories list websites by subject, which is why they're often called subject directories. A real person (not a software program) identifies which websites must be contained in the list on a per-site basis, meaning that the entire directory is chosen by hand. For content to be included with a web directory , the owner has to manually include the link, title, and some other information they desire contained in the listing. Depending on how the web directory works, the master may also let other website owners request that their site be included with the directory. Web directory submissions might be a free option or, with respect to the directory , something that will require payment. When you come upon a website directory , there are usually two ways to find content: browse and/or search. Categories are often used to separate different sites and better organize the directory , but there's usually also a search engine built-in that allows you to search through the complete website.
Should You Use a Web Directory?
You might wonder whether you should use a web directory or a popular search engine. All things considered, a search engine finds much additional information just because a web directory is, by definition, limited in what it lists. The theory behind employing a web directory is that you've trust in what the master is listing. Like, maybe you'd prefer a hand-picked set of "The Best Online Games for Kids" as opposed to doing a broad search with a research engine, which could deliver irrelevant results or web pages with viruses, inappropriate games, etc. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you prefer to choose on your own which websites you want to visit, a search engine is more helpful. However, if you're not sure where to look for the best cooking sites, or physics information, or news sites (or literally anything else), you may prefer a web directory. From a web site owner's perspective, a web directory could be helpful if you're targeting users in a specific geographical location. You are able to submit your website to a directory under a particular location so that when users browse for sites listed there, they'll find yours.
Examples of Web Directories
1.googleusercontent.com The World Wide Web Virtual Library
2. The World Wide Web Virtual Library: The granddaddy of all of them, this web directory 's been around since 1991, making it the oldest web directory online. It had been produced by the man who invented HTML and the web, Tim Berners-Lee. Volunteers are responsible for compiling pages in fields of their expertise, resulting in a directory that's widely regarded as among the greatest in quality available.
3.Alive Web Directory : 1000s of websites are listed here, and their strict editorial process ensures that you will find only the best quality content in categories like kids and teen, news, regional, entertainment, business, arts, science, sports, shopping, society, internet, and others.
4.Martindale's The Reference Desk: This enormous assortment of reference resources covers sets from language, science, and geography to economics, agriculture, travel, and much more.
5.Hotfrog: This directory of websites lists an incredible number of businesses in lots of countries.
6.World Site Index: A research engine and web directory with an original Latest Additions page. There's are strict submission rules and a lot of categories to pick from. There are two tiers if you want to pay to submit your site.
7.Incrawler: This comprehensive web directory accepts paid listings, organizes websites in dozens of categories, and includes a research tool.
8.Family Friendly Sites: Active since 1996, this is a human-moderated directory that keeps the web rated "G."
9.Jayde: This web directory markets itself as a small business internet search engine, but you may also browse manually through the lots of categories, which include from government and industrial to energy, health, automotive, agriculture, retail, chemicals, telecommunications, and electronics.
10.Best of the Web: Established in 1994, your website bills itself while the "most trusted directory." Site owners must pay a listing fee to gain a spot here.
11.Jasmine Directory : The numerous subjects with this internet directory are ordered by region and topic. Visitors can submit URLs for a fee.