Directories are great

Yes, search engines are great too, but so are directories. Both should be submitted to and each has different advantages. Here are some as I see them:

Most links in search engines are not seen unless someone brings them up with a query. This means that if one search engine spiders another, many of the sites will not be seen. This can be overcome if the search engine operator "hard codes" some links that will bring up search engine results pages that can then be found.

Directories generally have a list of links to categories that lead at some point to listings. These are easy to spider and is the reason why a small directory may be preferred over a small search engine. If the directory provides a "direct link" then that is preferred over one that may use code to "redirect" to the site. Some avoid directories that do not link directly, since they do not get the benefit of link popularity. I think this is short-sighted since if the directory is or becomes popular, they sites listed should get some good traffic at some point in the future. By listing your site in small directories, you provide them with content, which will attract more visitors, and in return they should send you more traffic as time goes on and the site grows.

I don't like directories that require links back and this is why. They will not get as many listings and will not grow as quickly as those that do not require links or payments. They are limiting their own growth and do not seem to recognize the value of having as much content as possible for their visitors. The exchange of traffic and listings should be considered a "fair exchange" where both benefit from the other. Directory owners may say they need to get links or they need to charge a fee, but I own www.Consultant-Directory.com and the site does quite well from regular ads and some paid text ads that run on the site without having to resort to return links or listing fees.

(hris