Business.com: Business web directory

Business listings online aren't all created equally.

The reason for this is because there are different ways that these directories are created. Some, the top business web directories, are created carefully by someone or some company who curates the listings. These listings are only added when the listing information has been reviewed and checked for accuracy.

Once a listing has been determined to have some quality to offer, only then will it be added. These top business web directories are very useful, and are usually kept up to date.

But, there is another type of business directory that isn't really so useful and are managed in an automated way. Some sites do nothing but aggregate data, often by 'scraping' the content from other sites. In other words, automated programs troll the web looking for information that seems to be a business listing, copies it, and adds it to their own directory. Sometimes the scraping algorithm makes mistakes, so the directory listing isn't even legible enough to use.

Since this data was lifted from another source, it's impossible to verify the accuracy. What's worse, often these sties do nothing more than scrape each other; a never ending cycle of useless and repetitive information.

Some sites allow for businesses to enter and update their own listings. This is better than a site that scrapes other sites, but it still has the potential for problems. Some business owners do a great job curating and updating their own information, but many others do not. This, combined with the possibility of some people using the self-moderated directory to post advertisements or other information can quickly cause a problem, rendering the legitimate business listings less effective.

Top business web directories are usually a combination of the best options. This means that while they may allow for self-entry of some data, they also have a validation process where someone actually follows up to make sure that all of the data entered is accurate. While this can mean that there might be delays in seeing a business's data appear on the directory, it also means that the listings are accurate and useful.

Some directories work around the limitations of approving or verifying new data by allowing unedited new entries to be published, but then follow up to confirm. This allows businesses to add or change listings and see them appear quickly, while still maintaining quality control over the data that is ultimately kept visible in the directory.

The issue of business web directories not containing the correct type of data is an ongoing concern. If the directory does not store enough data to allow a potential customer to contact or research a business listing, then the listing is just a billboard which will encourage no follow up. A listing must have clear details on what the business has to offer, how to find out more, and how to contact the business. Some of these details, or lack thereof, are the responsibility of the business providing the information. Unfortunately, it's not always clear from the online entry screens for some directories how the information will appear once it's published.

The top business web directories are those which have good control over the data published on their site, include at least some form of human curating and allow businesses to make changes quickly.