2. Niche web directories are a great way for small online
business owners to list their information in a place where
others in the industry and potential customers can easily
find them. Directories group sites that are all related to
one theme or subject. What niche web directories would
best suit your business?
4. Niche web directories are different from search engines in
that they are highly specialized. Go to a craft directory, for
example, and type in the words 'space travel' and you'll
probably come up with craft supplies to make planetary
systems. Very specific! You won't find NASA's website or
scientific analyzes of recent space shuttle flights in an arts
and crafts niche web directory. But go to space or science
niche web directory and you may find a link to the craft
site that specializes in making model space shuttles.
5. Niche web directories do relate to search engines in that
search engines rank them highly. Due to the intensity of
filtering that most directories apply to the sites that they
include, search engines highly respect them. This level of
respect is good for the page rankings of all the sites listed
in the directories. Getting your site listed in appropriate
niche web directories provides you with a one way link
from a reputable, highly ranked site and that's one of the
most important aspects of the page ranking formula for
search engines.
7. When you get web traffic through listings on search
engines, you may or may not be what the web surfer was
looking for. Yes, there is the chance that the person didn't
know that you existed and, now that she does, will
bookmark your site to return for purchases at a later date.
However, this is a big 'if.' Traffic that you receive as a result
of niche web directories will generally be more apt to buy
because a higher percentage of them were looking
specifically for you and what you have to offer.
9. Because niche web directories are based around themes
or industries, the editors are usually experts in the chosen
theme. This helps them to choose neighbor listings that
are relevant and high quality, minimizing spam entries and
putting you in good company. Just as a customer may
search these listings in hopes of finding everything he or
she needs to, you, too, can search them to check out your
competition. What else is out there? Who is competing for
your target audience? Perhaps you will see a niche within
a niche that needs attention and fill it.
10. Also, because links raise your page ranking with search
engines, niche web directories are a great way to find
companies who sell complimentary products and services
with whom you can trade links. If you sell antique car
parts, you may want to have a link page that includes links
to antique car show sites or fan sites for antique cars.
Building up your links to other relevant sites in your
industry will help increase your page ranking in search
engines and will increase your traffic as well.
12. Some niche web directories are so focused on attracting
the most qualified sites that they will pay to list if you
apply and qualify. This is always a great sign of a specific,
reputable niche web directory. Some will also offer you
highlighting options like placing your website listing in
bold, brackets, or highlighting it for optimum visibility.
13. It's important that webmasters do not ignore the
opportunities that niche web directories provide.
Exposure, especially in this form, can do nothing but boost
your traffic, boost your sales, and boost your profits.
