Web Directory vs Search Engine
While the two are accustomed to find content online, the principal difference is that links discovered via a se are gathered automatically while a web directory involves humans adding the links. The result of a web directory is an easily digestible list of links organized within common categories. A directory makes it no problem finding websites by subject, whereas a research engine is useful for finding websites through keywords.
How a Web Directory Works
Most web directories list websites by subject, which explains why they're often called subject directories. A genuine person (not a pc software program) identifies which websites must certanly be included in the list on a per-site basis, and therefore the entire directory is chosen by hand. For content to be included with a web directory , the owner needs to manually include the hyperlink, title, and any other information they desire within the listing. Depending how the web directory works, the master might also let other website owners request that their site be put into the directory. Web directory submissions might be considered a free option or, with regards to the directory , something that requires payment. When you come upon a website directory , you can find usually two ways to get content: browse and/or search. Categories in many cases are used to split up different sites and better organize the directory , but there's usually also a research engine built-in that allows you to sort through the whole website.
Should You Use a Web Directory?
You could wonder whether you need to use a web directory or a favorite search engine. In the end, a research engine finds much more info because a web directory is, by definition, limited in what it lists. The idea behind employing a web directory is that you've trust in what the master is listing. Like, maybe you'd prefer a hand-picked list of "The Best Online Games for Kids" rather than doing a broad search with a search engine, which may deliver irrelevant results or web pages with viruses, inappropriate games, etc. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you like to decide for yourself which websites you want to visit, a search engine is more helpful. However, if you're unsure where to look for the best cooking sites, or physics information, or news sites (or literally anything else), you could prefer a website 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 them all, this web directory has existed since 1991, making it the oldest web directory online. It absolutely was produced by the man who invented HTML and the net, Tim Berners-Lee. Volunteers are responsible for compiling pages in fields of the expertise, resulting in a directory that's widely regarded as among the highest in quality available.
3.Alive Web Directory : A large number of websites are listed here, and their strict editorial process ensures that you will discover 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 collection of reference resources covers everything 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 search engine and web directory with a unique Latest Additions page. There's are strict submission rules and lots of categories to choose from. There are two tiers if you want to pay for 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 internet rated "G."
9.Jayde: This web directory markets itself as a small business internet search engine, but you can also browse manually through the a large number of categories, including everything from government and industrial to energy, health, automotive, agriculture, retail, chemicals, telecommunications, and electronics.
10.Best of the Web: Established in 1994, the site bills itself as the "most trusted directory." Site owners must pay a listing fee to gain a spot here.
11.Jasmine Directory : The numerous subjects on this internet directory are ordered by region and topic. Visitors can submit URLs for a fee.