What is an Article Directory?

An article directory is a web site where authors are encouraged to submit well researched, well written articles in order to build their credibility or to attract visitors to their web sites. Generally, the directory will include various topics and niches in order to reach a wider audience. The backbone of any article marketing strategy is an article directory, which can help drive traffic to a web site or to increase backlinks to the site.

Content for free distribution is provided by some article directories. The author, however, must receive full credit for the article and any links pointing to his or her website must be kept intact. This means that both the author and the individual using his or her content benefit from the arrangement. Submitting articles to an article directory is a good way to build an online presence or to increase traffic levels to an external website.

All article directories can be used to increase traffic to a site, but not all can be used to build or increase backlinks. To increase traffic, all that is needed is a link pointing back to the chosen website, but to increase backlinks, it is important to check if the article directory in question has nofollow or dofollow links. A nofollow link means that the link still leads back to the chosen website but that search engines are not allowed to follow it. A dofollow link can lead traffic to the chosen website and is recognized by search engines. This means that a dofollow link is counted as a backlink and can help to increase page rankings.

External links are included in the body of the articles in the article directory through anchor phrases or hyperlinks that are inserted into the article itself or through links in the biography section. The biography section is designed to create exposure for the author, and his or her business, by including a little information about him or her. Not every article directory will allow links to external websites, and some limit the usage of links to the author's biography. It is important to check the requirements and rules of each article directory before submitting articles so that the articles have the best chance possible of being accepted.

An article directory is not only a good source of free information for the Internet user, it can also be a source of free content for webmasters or blog owners. Only some article directories pay for the articles that are submitted, but these directories reach millions of readers daily and because of this the author is able to build a reputation for him or herself, and is able to create publicity for his or her website free of charge.