What is the difference between a Web directory vs search engine?
A web directory or link directory contains web site listings. It specializes categorizing those links. A web directory is not a search engine and does not display lists of web pages based on keywords; instead, it lists web sites by category and subcategory. The categorization is usually based on the whole web site rather than one page or a set of keywords, and sites are often limited to inclusion in only a few categories. Web directories often allow site owners to directly submit their site for inclusion, and have editors review submissions for fitness. RSS directories are similar to web directories, but contain collections of RSS feeds, instead of links to web sites.
Directories differ from search engines and are usually "human categorised" rather than automated by bots. They require a significant amount of human effort to develope and maintain.
One of the most well know directories is the Yahoo Directory.
Directories are usually categorised by Industry which makes them effective in specific markets. Being listed in a directory usually means that the visitors who do visit your site through the directory are actually industry specific visitors - making them more valuable.
Directories vs. Search Engines Directories:
Categorized by webmasters or directory staff. Sometimes staff are subject experts; sometimes not.
Best for browsing purposes but can be searched.
Require significant human effort to develop and maintain.
Examples of popular directories include Yahoo and Librarians Index. Examples of subject-specific directories include MedWeb from Emory University.
The value of directories: limited peer review and
Opportune discovery while browsing through categories.
Search Engines:
Automated programs, called robots, spiders, worms, etc. search and index web sites. Some index words in the title, URL, introductory paragraphs, or full-text of all documents on a web site. Some use a combination of these words and phrases, all of which are entered into the search engine's database.
The "spiders" search in different ways - and different parts of the Internet.
The same search with different engines will yield different results.
