Directory: A directory refers to a classified listing of websites. Typically, this catalog is manually assembled and edited by experts on the topic, ensuring that users can trust the directory as a source of information. However, due to the high frequency of change in both the business world and on the internet, directories are not immune to broken links and other common problems. For this reason, directory editors must pay careful attention in order to find broken links and replace them with working links if possible.
While a directory is comparable to a traditional search engine, the two are not quite the same; in fact, a directory is more similar in many ways to a traditional encylopedia. While a search engine functions by categorizing and finding websites based on keywords, web directories are designed to list websites by category and subcategory. This offers an advantage over typical search engines, as a directory focuses on the content of the entire website rather than a few terms on a single page. The advantage here could be said to be related to the human touch of the expert editor. However, it is possible that directories could one day be categorized by computers.
Web directories are useful for those looking for information on specific subjects. However, they offer few opportunities or advantages for companies interested in new advertising techniques. In contrast, search engines are commonly used by internet users to find information, with as many as 50% of local searches conducted on a mobile device. Companies often benefit from this factor, with around 47% of website visits originating in organic searches. However, many websites supplement this with content marketing, promotional emails, and social media marketing.