Blog Directories

One of the keys to a successful blog is ensuring that it can be found by potential readers. There is no point writing the most fantastic blog if no one can find and read it. When people read your blog they will start to interact through the comments and another community can be formed. For many bloggers this is an important part of blogging and one that makes the process so rewarding.

For readers, knowing where to start can be difficult. Sites such as Blogger.com have thousands of blogs, and finding those written by like minded-people can be a challenge. Pulling information about blogs together into one place is important and this is the role of a blog directory.

What is a Blog Directory?

A blog directory is a list of blogs that allows readers to search for blogs of any given type. People interested in dogs, for instance, may wish to find all blogs that are written on the subject. This is also useful for blog writers who are looking to network with others writing on a similar topic. Blog directories typically work in the same way to traditional paper directories and are broken down into different categories.

Blog directories are found online and range from large general directories that contain different blogs from all over the world to topic-specific directories.

Types of Blog Directories

Blog directories fall into two broad categories: Those where users submit their blogs without them being verified and those that are complied using submissions that are edited and checked. An example of this is DMOZ where editors check websites prior to entering them in the directory. These directories are particularly good for finding business blogs.

Blog Roll

A blog roll is similar to a directory and is a great way to find blogs on a related subject. Blog rolls are usually a list of links down one side of another individual's blog. In addition to being called a blog roll, this might also be called something such as "Blogs I Read," indicating that the blog writer also enjoys these blogs and therefore is recommending them. Many people find blog rolls an excellent way to meet new people. Specialist blogs are often part of webrings, which are groups of websites and blogs that share a common interest. There is often a way to navigate from site to site and again this is an excellent way to discover blogs on a specific subject.

Using a Blog Directory

Here are some tips to using a blog directory to find your perfect blog:

• If you are using a directory to find interesting subjects, have a pen and paper nearby. While this might sound a strange suggestion in this high-tech world, many people report it is easier to make notes on a piece of paper as you go rather than open another window in your computer. This is particularly useful for people who are still finding their way around the Internet.
• Know how to bookmark websites. This makes it easy to find again on another day. When you are searching blogs you may look at literally hundreds and keeping track of the good ones is important.
• It may be prudent to switch on adult filters or parental control as some blogs contain explicit material. Although many directories try to filter this out, having your own controls in place ensures no nasty surprises.
• As a blogger, submitting your site to as many blog directories as possible will help increase your traffic. Always be honest about your blog so people are not disappointed when they arrive. This can result in people leaving negative comments and turning others away from your blog.

A blog roll is a useful tool to both blog readers and writers and one that helps make the Internet a more community driven place to be.