What Is a Web Directory ? Search the human-organized web A web directory is a handmade set of websites. Also referred to as a topic directory , these lists create an organized method for finding websites. A web website directory is similar, however, not identical, to a search engine.

Web Directory vs Search Engine

While the two are used to find content on the web, the principal difference is that links discovered via a internet search engine are gathered automatically while a web directory involves humans adding the links. The result of a web directory is definitely an easily digestible listing of links organized within common categories. A directory makes it no problem finding websites by subject, whereas a research engine is ideal 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 should really be included in the list on a per-site basis, meaning that the whole directory is chosen by hand. For content to be added to a web directory , the master needs to manually include the hyperlink, title, and any other information they need included in the listing. Depending how the web directory works, the owner may also let other website owners request that their site be put into the directory. Web directory submissions might be a free option or, depending on the directory , something that requires payment. Whenever you come upon a web site directory , there are usually two ways to locate content: browse and/or search. Categories are often used to split up different sites and better organize the directory , but there's usually also a search engine built-in that lets you sort through the complete 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 extra information because a web directory is, by definition, limited in what it lists. The theory behind utilizing a web directory is that you have rely upon what the owner is listing. For instance, maybe you'd prefer a hand-picked list of "The Best Online Games for Kids" as opposed to doing a wide search with a research engine, which may deliver irrelevant results or web pages with viruses, inappropriate games, etc. Ultimately, the option is yours. If you prefer to choose for yourself which websites you want to visit, a research engine is more helpful. However, if you're unsure where to consider the very best cooking sites, or physics information, or news sites (or literally anything else), you might prefer a net directory. From a website owner's perspective, a web directory may be helpful if you're targeting users in a certain geographical location. You can submit your website to a directory under a certain location so that whenever 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, which makes it the oldest web directory online. It was produced by the man who invented HTML and the internet, Tim Berners-Lee. Volunteers are responsible for compiling pages in fields of these expertise, causing a directory that's widely regarded as among the best 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 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 countless businesses in a large number of countries.
6.World Site Index: A search engine and web directory with a distinctive Latest Additions page. There's are strict submission rules and lots of categories to pick from. There are two tiers if you wish to cover to submit your site.
7.Incrawler: This comprehensive web directory accepts paid listings, organizes websites in lots of categories, and includes a research tool.
8.Family Friendly Sites: Active since 1996, this can be a human-moderated directory that keeps the web rated "G."
9.Jayde: This web directory markets itself as a small business search engine, but you can even browse manually through the dozens of categories, such as sets from government and industrial to energy, health, automotive, agriculture, retail, chemicals, telecommunications, and electronics.
10.Best of the Web: Established in 1994, the website bills itself because the "most trusted directory." Site owners must pay a listing fee to gain an area here.
11.Jasmine Directory : The numerous subjects with this internet directory are ordered by region and topic. Visitors can submit URLs for a fee.