What Is a Web Directory ? Search the human-organized web A web directory is a handmade set of websites. Also called an interest directory , these lists create an organized method for finding websites. A net website directory is similar, but not identical, to a research engine.

Web Directory vs Search Engine

While the two are used to find content online, the primary difference is that links discovered by way of a search engine are gathered automatically while a web directory involves humans adding the links. The consequence of a web directory is an easily digestible list of links organized within common categories. A directory causes it to be easy to find 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 is why they're often called subject directories. An actual person (not a software program) identifies which websites should be within the list on a per-site basis, and thus the whole directory is chosen by hand. For content to be included with a web directory , the owner needs to manually include the link, title, and any information they desire contained in the listing. Depending on what the web directory works, the owner 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 will require payment. Whenever 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 lets you read through the entire website.
Should You Use a Web Directory?

You might wonder whether you should utilize a web directory or a favorite search engine. All things considered, a research engine finds much extra information because a web directory is, by definition, limited in what it lists. The concept behind using a web directory is that you have rely upon what the master is listing. As an example, maybe you'd prefer a hand-picked listing of "The Best Online Games for Kids" rather than doing a wide search with a research engine, that could deliver irrelevant results or web pages with viruses, inappropriate games, etc. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you like to choose yourself which websites you intend to visit, a search engine is more helpful. However, if you're not sure where to look for the very best cooking sites, or physics information, or news sites (or literally anything else), you could prefer a website directory. From an internet site owner's perspective, a web directory can be helpful if you're targeting users in a specific geographical location. You can submit your website to a directory under a specific location so that after 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 's been around since 1991, rendering it the oldest web directory online. It was developed by the man who invented HTML and the net, Tim Berners-Lee. Volunteers are responsible for compiling pages in fields of the expertise, producing a directory that's widely regarded as among the greatest in quality available.
3.Alive Web Directory : 1000s of websites are right here, and their strict editorial process ensures that you will find only the highest 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 from language, science, and geography to economics, agriculture, travel, and much more.
5.Hotfrog: This directory of websites lists millions of businesses in a large number 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 wish to pay to submit your site.
7.Incrawler: This comprehensive web directory accepts paid listings, organizes websites in lots of categories, and includes a search 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 se, but you may also browse manually through the dozens of categories, including 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 whilst 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.