Richard Vanderhurst

Search directories are most often intertwined with search engines. Although the two serve similar purposes, such as providing related results upon a particular entry, they differ in terms of specificity and results. Search engines operate in a “robotic” process of configuration in where the computer recognizes keywords typed in the search, hence enlisting a wide variety of related links. On the other hand, links in directories are filed in a more systematized manner and are reviewed by actual people before being listed. Links are categorized according to a particular topic or several groups of topics it may belong to, creating limited but more specific results.

Richard Vanderhurst emphasizes the advantage of directories that lie more on the quality of traffic volume rather than the quantity of traffic it receives, which is usually the case in search engines. Since directory listings are being monitored by editors, they provide more accurate and precise categorization.

Some directories require you to provide complete information prior to approval of enlistment request and some have registration fees that are usually pricy since it undergoes painstaking process of evaluation. As such, proper listing of the site is important upon submission to directories. The content of the site should have a significant relevance to the category of the directory where you wish to enlist. The content should also have relevance to the title and description of the site. Apart from that, domain names should also be similar to site titles. When submitting, include only the site’s main page. According to Richard Vanderhurst, it is important to keep directory listings regularly updated especially if certain revisions are made in the site. If the directory itself is outdated, it is advised to remove your listings to avoid poor reviews. Be mindful of broken links or links in your site that lead to unrelated pages as it will reflect poorly as well.

Richard Vanderhurst recommends the Open Directory Project (ODP), which is run by dmoz.org. It has a simple procedure when requesting for enlistment hence, less time-consuming. Steps on how to add your site in ODP are given below:

1.    Go to the web page of ODP- http://www.dmoz.org
2.    Search for the related category or sub-category for your site then click Suggest URL located at the upper-right corner of the page which will direct you to the Submission Site.
3.    Read instructions and carefully fill out the submission form.
4.    Click the Submit button and you will be directed to a Thank-You page.
5.    You will receive a notification from the editorial committee upon approval / decline of your request.

* If the content and topics in your site belong to various directories, find the time to organize them prior to submitting. Always remember to update the directories in case of changes in your site such as amendments in title description, grammatical errors, addition of new category as well as changes in site’s URL.