5 Best Web Directories You Could Use Even Today

Web directories didn’t vanish with the rise of Google. They simply evolved. Today, people still use them to discover trusted businesses without wading through endless search results or ads.

So yes, search engines rule. Yet curated directories continue to support niche brands, local service providers, and independent creators who often get buried online.

Let’s explore why directories still matter and how you can use them to your advantage.

What is a Web Directory?

A web directory is a website that lists many other websites, organized by category or topic. Historically, these were general link lists. Today, they often take the form of specialized niche directories or local business platforms (like Yelp). Before the emergence of search engines, people relied mostly on web directories to find their required websites. So, you may think they have become obsolete with the rise of search engines.

This means that the websites listed in a web directory are reviewed by a human editor, who ensures they are relevant and up-to-date.

Are Web Directories Still Relevant Today?

According to BrightLocal, 68 percent of consumers use online business directories when evaluating local services before purchasing. So yes, while early web directories faded, modern versions still influence trust, discovery, and buying decisions.

1. Niche and local relevance

Web directories can be an excellent way to find lesser-known websites that are more relevant to your needs. Search engines use algorithms and often prioritize popular or authoritative websites, whereas directories don't do that.

They use to organize websites by categories and subcategories. This is particularly beneficial for users seeking specialized information or businesses targeting specific markets.

2. Source of traffic

When people find your website listed in a web directory, they may be more likely to visit it. It can help you reach new audiences who may not be familiar with your website but are interested in the niche you serve.

3. Source of trust

Directory websites can help you improve your website's credibility. When your website is listed in a reputable web directory, it gives users the impression that it is trustworthy and reliable. So, businesses and individuals can use it as part of their online reputation management strategy.

4. Human-curated content

Directory listings don’t rely on bots. Human editors review, approve, and categorize sites. That means fewer spam results and more trusted listings for users who want accuracy.

We've already mentioned that search engines rely on algorithms to deliver results. On the other hand, directories are often maintained by experts who review and categorize websites based on their quality and relevance.

5. Quality backlinks and SEO:

Not all directories support SEO today. Low-quality, automated directories can harm your ranking. Focus only on reputable, indexed platforms that vet submissions and maintain listing standards.

On the contrary, if you can list it on a well-indexed or good-quality web directory, that backlink will help your website's visibility in search results.

5 Best Web Directories to Look at Today

Classic directories like Yahoo! Directory and DMOZ are gone. Today’s directory landscape blends listing platforms with advanced discovery ecosystems such as Google Business, Bing Places, and Yelp. Here are some of the most popular web directories right now:

1. Best of the Web (BOTW)

Founded in 1994, ‘Best of the Web' (BOTW) is the internet's oldest search directory. It has maintained its reputation for quality and relevance. Finding useful websites, products, or services is super easy thanks to its comprehensive categorization and location-wise search options.

This is a premium directory, which means you need to purchase a membership plan to get listed. Some benefits of using BOTW –

• The listings are curated by a team of experts
• Well-categorized and content-rich
• A member of the Open Directory Project
• Receives around 57.0K visits per month

2. Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) helps businesses and organizations manage their online presence on Google's search engine and maps. It is a free and easy way to reach more people as well as build trust and reputation. It lets you –

• Claim and verify your business listing on Google
• Add information about your business, such as address, phone number, hours of operation, and website
• Upload photos of your business
• Respond to reviews
• Get insights into how people are finding your business online

3. Facebook Business

Facebook (or Meta) Business is a suite of tools that includes pages, groups, ads, and analytics. Among them, Facebook Pages serve as profiles for businesses and organizations. It helps businesses of all sizes get discovered. Key benefits of having a Facebook page –

• Easier for users to find businesses based on keywords, location, or name
• Allows users to leave reviews and ratings
• Businesses can categorize themselves into relevant industries or sectors

4. Bing Places for Business

Bing Places for Business is a service provided by Microsoft's search engine – Bing. With this, businesses can create and manage their online presence on the Bing search engine and other Microsoft-owned platforms. So, the benefits –

• Claim and verify your business listing on Bing
• Helps users find and navigate to the physical location of a business using Bing Maps
• Offers a bulk import feature to manage multiple listings efficiently

5. Yelp

Yelp is one of the most popular online platforms and mobile apps that connects people with local businesses. Founded in 2004, Yelp has become a go-to resource for individuals. Restaurants, retail stores, healthcare providers, service professionals, or any other businesses, find information, reviews, and recommendations here. Here are the key features and functions of Yelp:

• Received 150+ million visits per month
• Trusted review site because of user-generated content
• Dedicated page with map address, website link, photos, and more
• Option for advertisement

6. Yellow Pages (YP.com)

Yellow Pages evolved from the classic printed directory into a widely used online listing platform. It focuses heavily on local discoverability and trusted business categorization. Businesses can claim listings, add business details, and help customers reach them easily. Key benefits:

• Strong local search visibility
• Search by category, service type, and location
• Option to feature paid placements
• Ideal for small and mid-sized service providers

7. Apple Business Connect

Apple Business Connect powers listings across Apple Maps and Siri search results. If someone searches for you on an iPhone or Mac, this listing determines what they see. Key benefits:

• Free business listing on Apple platforms
• Control over photos, hours, and contact details
• Visible through Apple Maps, Siri, and Spotlight
• Useful for walk-in service locations and storefronts

8. Jasmine Directory

Jasmine Directory is a human-edited directory known for reviewing websites before listing them. Because it offers editorial approval rather than bot-based submissions, it tends to provide more relevance. Key benefits:

• Manually reviewed listings
• Organized by niche and geographic region
• Higher trust signals than automated directories
• Often used by niche brands seeking curated visibility

9. Hotfrog

Hotfrog helps small and local businesses get discovered by customers who are looking for services in specific categories and locations. Key benefits:

• Popular among SMBs
• Search by region and service type
• Simple business profile setup
• Good for service providers, clinics, repair shops, and consultants

10. Foursquare

Foursquare began as a check-in app but evolved into a location data and local discovery platform. Many mobile apps and map services pull business details from Foursquare’s database. Key benefits:

• Accurate geo-based listings
• Integrated with numerous map and location-based apps
• Helps local stores, restaurants, and event spaces appear in nearby searches
• Strong location analytics ecosystem

11. GoGuides

GoGuides is one of the remaining curated directories that still manually reviews submissions. It can help niche websites build credibility. Key benefits:

• Manually approved listings
• Quality-over-quantity approach
• Suitable for specialized businesses and information sites
• Paid submission option for faster review

12. The Real Yellow Pages

This is the extended online version of the traditional phone directory. It helps businesses get listed and discovered by people searching within their region. Key benefits:

• Recognizable brand name
• Easy contact lookup by location and industry
• Good for local services and appointment-based businesses
• Includes call, map, and category filters

Takeaways from the Best Directories

From the above examples, we can see that directory websites are not just listing sites anymore. They had to do much more to stay relevant in this era. Some websites offer content on each business, some let the users leave their reviews, and so on.

Ultimately, a website needs to provide value to its users to thrive. So, if you want to build your own directory site, here are some key takeaways from what we have discussed –

• Do your research: Conduct thorough research to identify gaps or pain points in existing directories. Create a new one that solves them.
• Choose a niche: Select a specific niche or industry. It will create a dedicated user base.
• Publish strategic content: Regularly publish and update your directory's content. Add new listings, blog posts, guides, or resources, and keep your users engaged and informed.
• User-friendly design: Offer easy navigation, search functionality, and clear categorization of listings. Ensure great user experience.
• Engage with users: Nothing beats the benefits of user-generated content. Encourage discussions and interactions by providing options like reviews, comments, or user-submitted posts.

Want to Create a Web Directory of Your Own?

Creating a web directory on your own is not that complex. If you use WordPress, then it becomes even easier. There are several plugins that will help you create a directory site without any coding.

WP User Frontend is such a plugin. It would save you from building things from scratch. So, you get to save both time and money.

You can even monetize your web directory using different methods –

• Charge for getting listed
• Charge for a private listing
• Charge visitors to see a private listing
• Offer a featured position
• Advertising option
  and more!

Check out this step-by-step guide on How to Create a Directory Website Using WordPress.

Final Words

Building a popular web directory is an ongoing effort. Continuously assess your strategies, adapt to changing trends, and listen to user feedback to improve and grow your directory's popularity over time.

Whether you use a plugin or build from scratch, remember that success hinges on providing real value to a dedicated user base.

Ready to launch? Start building your own version of Yelp or BOTW today using WP User Frontend Pro.