What is a search directory

Unique articles written by professionals delivered to you daily

What is a search directory

A search directory is a website. A directory of hundreds of thousands of websites, sorted by major categories. They have been gradually not useful to avoid a Google penalty. Especially following the algorithm updates. Here are some pointers on what a search directory is and whether it is useful to consider it in your SEO strategy.

Difference with a search engine

The main difference between a search engine and a search directory lies in the fact that humans manage a directory, whereas software manages an engine. For a directory, each new page submitted goes through a checking process. Where people who must approve it and classify it in the appropriate category. While for the engine, the software relies solely on the information contained in your page to classify your site according to its own criteria.

Avoid a directory penalized by Google

Google may have penalized some directories in the past, so you must first make sure that the directory in question is not a victim of a penalty. To do this, simply type a query in Google corresponding to the name of the directory. The latter must then appear first, and if it is not the case, there is a problem.

How to register

To register to a search directory, the process is very simple. You just have to click on the button “Add a site” or “Suggest a site” which is usually located on the home page or in the footer. Then, you have to answer 3 pieces of information: the name of your site, its URL and a short description. After a while, you will receive an email indicating that your site has been registered and a URL, which contains the file of your site and the backlink, will be provided.

Watch your anchor

Normally, most directories do not offer to link to you on an optimized anchor. If you have a choice, don’t abuse it and prefer wording like “visit our website” use your name or your URL directly.

When learning what a search directory is, remember: submitting a site to a directory is supposed to be the easiest way to get backlinks. However, some directories will be more effective and useful than others in terms of SEO.