If you’re new to search engine optimization, also known as SEO, the concept of web directories may not ring a bell. Let’s change that.
What Is A Web Directory?
When the internet was still a relatively new concept, search engines like we know them today didn’t exist. Not many people had internet connections. Although websites were reasonably sparse, different links emerged on a variety of niche topics. However, you couldn’t “search” for a website. Instead, you had to remember its actual domain name. As the internet grew in popularity, so did the number of sites. When people began to realize that remembering all those domain names was a lot of work, some guys decided to create the first directory: Yahoo.
At first, web directories listed sites alphabetically. As numbers grew, they went by categories and subcategories. Web directories monetized advertising space as well as the ability to boost your site to appear in specific categories or be easier to find. Ultimately, people realized it was too hard to scroll through thousands of categories, and often the useful websites were mixed in with the mediocre ones. Say hello to the creation of search engines.
Web Directories And SEO
Back when SEO was more straightforward, web directories were one of the main ways that Google decided how to rank your website. The algorithm that Google used to rank websites believed that if a lot of online directories featured your website, your site must be pretty unique. Unfortunately, this algorithm was pretty easy to figure out. SEO experts caught wind of this get-rich-quick marketing scheme — at least in SEO terms — and scammed the system by overpopulating directories with their listings.
SEO Directories are still valuable for local businesses to help your business relate to your address throughout the internet. They can also be a source of backlinks and to build more links when people search for your business.
In the long run, you’re much better of investing in a legitimate social media and SEO strategy to advance your brand. At Moose May, we can help you take your website to where you want to be. Contact us now to set up a time to chat about how our team can help your business grow!