Web Directories: Who Needs One?, Why Make One?

Web directories have been springing up like weeds on the internet in the last decade. This article will explore the how and why of creating a web directory.

What are Web Directories?

Web directories, also known as link directories are essentially just a collection of links to web sites. Directories can be stand-alone, or part of a larger website. The links are often sorted by category and will have a description of the site alongside. Webmasters can submit their site for inclusion to the directory. Sites can be included for free, or may require a reciprocal link or cash payment. This is at the discretion of the directory operator.

Why make a Directory?

Those who create directories can benefit in 3 ways.

1. Traffic to their site/directory.
Webmasters will visit the directory to submit a link to their site. New directories will have trouble getting visitors to pay for a link to their site, so giving free links may be the only way to attract visitors initially.

2. Reciprocal links
If your directory is more established and indexed in the major search engines, you can try asking for reciprocal links (link back to your site). This may eventually result in your directory ranking higher in the search engines and having a higher PageRank. PageRank is essentially a way that Google measures the amount and quality of the incoming links to a given website. (Visit Google for more details).

3. Cash
If your directory has a higher PageRank, a good reputation , high traffic, or is popular in a certain niche, you may be able to charge for submissions, or charge to review a site for possible submission. Webmasters know that being included in certain directories may improve their ranking in search engines.

How to make your Directory?

The most basic directories are written in plain HTML and can be made with an editor program like MS Frontpage, Dreamweaver, or even a basic text editor like wordpad.
More advanced directories are generated dynamically and often require the use of PHP scripting and an available database like MYSQL on your webhost. The scripts are available at a cost, but their are also a few quality directory scripts availble for free. Just do a search for 'free directory scripts' on your favorite search engine. Make sure your webhost meets the requirements for any script you plan to install.

There are a variety of software programs and scripts which are designed to make and maintain a web directory. A few notable ones are:

Creadirectory is a powerful and flexible directory script. You can build a fully branded directory or just a system for link exchange. It includes many desirable features including sitemap generator, paypal integration, easy adsense, static or dynamic URLs and much more.

What I like about Creadirectory is that it offers free installation, updates, and support. I have had to pay extra for those services in the past, using other directory software.

Phpld is probably the most used web directory software. The program has been constantly improved and updated over the years. Price ranges from $30 - $80.

Directory Press is a directory platform based on Wordpress. It converts your Wordpress blog into a powerful online directory with tons of features, import tools and built in payment solutions.
Includes over 20 directory themes, unlimited installations, lifetime free support with upgrades.

How to Promote your Directory?

A good way to promote your new directory is to join a webmaster forum. These will often have a section where webmasters can announce or promote a new directory.

How to run your Directory?

Of course this is up to you! But here are a few questions to ask yourself.
What is the goal of this directory? Making money?, Increased traffic?, Hobby?
Will visitors find this directory useful or will it be just a random collections of links?
Will search engines value links from my directory?

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