Business directories are specialized, informative and easy-to-use listings of businesses provided in a single compilation. With access to a business directory, consumers and other businesses can easily find out about a particular company offering the services or products they are looking for. Online business directories are even more convenient for the average user.

Some business directories carry information about companies and organizations in alphabetical classification, which means, if you are looking for an electrical equipment manufacturer, you should find a suitable company under the letter ‘E’. Other business directories list company information according to the service type, such as home appliances, electronics, financial & legal services, business services, cars and automotive, shopping, transport etc.

Even business directories have taken to the new trend now, with the majority of directories presenting their listings online for free or for a nominal charge. The online business directories charging a fee for their listings generally offer the same services as a free directory, but the difference is usually dependent on who publishes the directory.

The free online business directories are those which exchange links with their listed companies, which means both parties place a link to direct visitors to each other’s websites. These reciprocal links act as web traffic generators for the directories as well as the businesses. These free business directories make money from the advertisers who sponsor them.

There are a few business directories offering more than simple listing services, including features such as job advertising, picture galleries and a dedicated web page for the listed business. These are optional services and any business owner who wishes to use the directory for multiple purposes can take advantage of the offers. The majority of business directories charge for these services, but some directories provide all such services for free.

A listing can be submitted to these online business directories within a few minutes. You’ll have to give comprehensive information about your business, such as name, registration, telephone, address, email etc.

A business listing is generally brief, with more information found either by following a web link to the company’s main website or the web page they use within the directory. Once a listing is submitted, any visitor to the directory can navigate via its main page index links to find your business easily.

Most business directories, regardless of whether they are online or offline, focus on furnishing the information on businesses located within a predefined area. The directories are based on cities, provinces, districts, neighborhoods, states etc and rarely for country-wide businesses or international-level listings, especially those available online.