What is a Directory?

You should realize what’s a directory first and only then learn how to make money out of it. There a number of ways to answer this questions ranging from broad to extremely technical.

Here are a number of definitions just to get started:

“Topical lists of Internet resources, arranged hierarchically. Directories are meant to be browsed, but they can also be searched. Directories differ from search engines in one major way - the human element involved in collecting and updating the information.” Source

“A directory uses people to create an index or directory of web sites rather than using a spider. Some of the most common directories are Yahoo, The Open Directory Project (on AOL), and Overture. Directories are often divided into categories and subcategories.” Source

What type of directories are out there?

In the directory market there are various types of directories. Two most common ones are:

• General Directory - A collection of useful and unique sites in one database. The sites can be classified into categories, such as Arts, Internet and Business categories. Always remember that sites in general directory are designed for general public. An example of general directory is Aviva Directory.

• Niche Directory - An index of theme related sites. In this type of directory all sites are in the same niche or share the same type of information. Example would be a directory about computers and design. Agriculture Today is an example of niche direcotry.

The types of directories described above could be classified further into:

• Free Directory - This type of directory accepts all links for free. The only way of earning money in this directory is through selling ads on directory’s main page or using AdSense. If you are a beginner in directory business then you should establish you free directory first.

• Free Paid/Directory - A directory, which accepts regular links for free and while featured links are accepted for a certain fee. This directory is more profitable than free directory but it also needs more investment of your valuable time and money.

• Paid Directory - A directory that accepts sites only for a certain fee. This is the tougest directory to built but on the other hand it’s the most profitable one.

I hope now you have a basic knowledge of what a directory is. If you are still not sure than please leave your question in the comments and me or Directory Kit community will be glad to help you.