Web directory -
A Web directory can be 1. A hand edited listing of links and descriptions of Web sites or Web pages like Dmoz,usually divided into categories and subcategories. Search engines used to rely a great deal on such compilations, especially Dmoz and supposedly gave
disproportionate authority to them. Dmoz, also known as the Open Directory project, is now listed by Google as "the
Google Directory" - http://www.google.com/dirhp but Google adds an
estimate of directory PageRank that is based on, but not the same as
Google PageRank.
It is not known if the authority conferred by links from Dmoz or other legitimate
directories is greater than the
Google pagerank
or Authority
of the directory page in question.
2. Any listing of links of Web sites
compiled from submissions, which may be a legitimate listing or a device to increase search engine visibility.
Directories are usually searchable, but they do not have to have a search function.
A special variety of
directory is the "Bid for Position directory," in which submitters pay according to their positioning in the directory.
Since it is unlikely that, except for some professional specialties, these directories have substantial numbers of
visitors, the efficacy of such payments in most cases is questionable. They will not increase search engine placement.
Note - Definitions of Search Engine
Optimization terms are based on inferences from common usage and definitions given by other sources. Conclusions about
search engine behavior are based on understanding of the behavior of the most popular search engines. Both are subject
to error or may change. Search engine company management may define or use a term or set or change any policy in any way
they see fit, and may make these definitions and specifications public or not. These decisions and definitions are
beyond our control. Notice: Copyright
All materials are copyright 2008 by Ami Isseroff. All rights reserved. These pages may not be reproduced in any
form in electronic or printed media without express written permission from the author.
SEO Glossary
