When you are looking for the right directory to the list or use for research, can be a nightmare. Everyone thinks of Yahoo, of course, but there are literally thousands of directories not out there, many specialized. How can you tell the difference?

To be educated on what you're looking for. When you are looking for the right directories to the list, use the following guidelines.

1. Everyone in the directory listings for free. Why not? You can list all you want, and you are not losing anything by doing. Free directories include Yahoo and Dmoz, as well as hundreds of others who either use their own lists or lists of licensed from Yahoo and Dmoz. You should not stop here, however, especially if you're running a commercial website.

2. The more directories you list, the more inbound links to your site you have. And the more inbound links your site has, the greater the range of search engines to your page. Make sure when you create the ad in the guide to use keywords in the text, some search engines, this will help your ranking as well.

3. Some free directories are not listed well by Google and other standard search engines. This is not because of any nefarious competitive advantage, but due to free directories often look like spam or other search engines because they do not optimize their sites well. Directories are paid careful to watch this, after all, the more hits they get, the more you can charge for their services.

4. After inclusion in all free directories - which should, as it costs nothing but a little time - you should start listing in directories better paid. Although you must pay to enter, will give a free benefit that they do not. On the one hand, is more exclusive, and customers are not looking to its competitors so much. Moreover, as noted above, the directory probably higher on a search engine. And they tend to specialize. If you sell medical equipment, including a directory of medical equipment will almost certainly be a worthwhile investment.

5. If the very good list of directories and specific customer traffic shown you want to draw, you are investing your money in the right place. Some links of good quality will be based on perfect customer for your business. Finding the correct directory is hard, but the search for specialized directories in your industry and in industries that intersect in yours, for example, if you provide medical equipment, do not overlook the lists of scientific and laboratory equipment.

6. The next generation is here now Directory. With sites like MSN Small Business Directory, aimed to find exactly what you want is easier than ever. In addition, many new directories that offer other small business tools, information, specialized content for your industry, and many other services. Only with these directories will be paid.