20 Web Directories That Still Offer Value

Web directories have evolved significantly over the past two decades. Despite the rise of Google, many directories have adapted to remain relevant, offering value to websites and businesses. This article explores the current state of web directories, their value, and provides an overview of 20 directories that continue to attract traffic.

Key Points:

• Existence and Evolution: Web directories still exist and provide value, especially in specific niches, industries, and local markets. They offer a curated collection of websites for a targeted audience.
• Local Business Directories: Platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Foursquare are crucial for local businesses, enhancing online presence and local SEO.
• Specialized Directories: Directories focused on blogs, ecommerce, or specific industries thrive by catering to particular audiences, providing valuable exposure and referral traffic.

Benefits of Web Directories:

1. Referral Traffic: High-quality, niche-specific directories can drive targeted traffic.
2. Local Visibility: Essential for local businesses to appear in local search results and maps.
3. Brand Exposure: Being listed in reputable directories increases brand visibility and credibility.
4. Backlinks: While their SEO value has diminished, high-quality, relevant links can still contribute to a well-rounded backlink profile.
5. Competitor Analysis: Useful for identifying new opportunities and understanding competitors' strategies.

Current Relevance:

• Google’s Algorithm: Links from web directories are less influential than contextual links from high-authority sites. Directories should be viewed as sources of traffic and trust rather than just for links.
• Criteria for Listing: Ensure the directory is reputable and frequented by your target audience.

Relevant Web Directories:

1. Best of the Web (BOTW): Charges a fee for listings, ensuring high-quality submissions.
2. AboutUs: Wiki-style format allowing user contributions.
3. Blogarama: Dedicated to blog listings, regularly updated with RSS feed integration.
4. Google Business Profile: Enhances local SEO and visibility on Google.
5. Bing Places: Microsoft’s equivalent to Google Business Profile, valuable for certain demographics.
6. Facebook Pages: Connects businesses with their audience, offering various tools.
7. Yelp: User-generated reviews influencing consumer decisions.
8. Foursquare: Personalized recommendations, strong in food, beverage, nightlife, and travel industries.
9. Yellow Pages (YP.com): Online directory with high purchase intent users.
10. Chamber of Commerce: Networking opportunities for local businesses.
11. Hotfrog: Connects SMBs with potential customers, encouraging user-generated content.
12. Superpages: Comprehensive digital platform with consumer reviews.
13. MerchantCircle: Connects SMBs with local customers and businesses.
14. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Provides ratings and accreditation for businesses.
15. B2B Yellow Pages: Connects businesses with suppliers and partners.
16. Nextdoor: Localized networking platform for community engagement.
17. eLocal: Matches consumers with local service providers.
18. Dexknows: Research and comparison platform with user reviews.
19. Alignable: Local networking for small business owners.
20. Local.com: Directory for local businesses, partnered with Yext for broader reach.

Additional Insights:

• Specialized Niche Directories: Focus on directories relevant to your industry for qualified traffic.
• User Reviews: Manage listings and respond to reviews to build trust.
• Local Marketing Visibility: Maintain optimized listings on local directories.
• Quality Backlinks: Select topically relevant directories for a natural link profile.

Final Thoughts:

Web directories can still provide value if they receive traffic from your target audience and maintain quality listings. Local businesses should consider directories in local publications and business websites. Evaluate the directory's relevance and quality before listing your business.

Resources for Further Reading:

• How to Use Relevant, Targeted Directories for Link Building
• Citations & Local SEO: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
• Local SEO: The Definitive Guide to Improve Your Local Search Rankings

Category: SEO