Shopping directories are web directories that specialize in e-commerce sites.
In essence, the Shopping & eCommerce section of the Aviva Directory is a shopping directory.
Organized much like traditional shopping mall directories, online shopping directories organize e-commerce sites by their category and subcategory of the types of goods sold. In the absence of the constraints of shopping at a physical mall, an online shopping directory aggregates all e-commerce sites in one centralized location to help users decide where to shop online.
A notable example is Yahoo! Shopping.
Shopping directories differ from comparison shopping websites in that a shopping directory does not provide product comparisons, reviews, or sales. Google Shopping is an example of a comparison shopping website.
Shopping directories also differ from online marketplaces, such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, as these websites aggregate products from different sellers under their own branding, offering sales directly from the site.
A specialized form of a shopping directory is a coupon, daily bargain, or promotional savings site, such as Groupon. These sites are niche directories centered on deal aggregation by listing only the e-commerce sites that offer additional savings to the user. Coupon sites are often popular with buyers but may be viewed negatively by merchants.
Before the widespread use of search engines like Google and Bing, shopping directories played a significant role in users' online shopping habits. Web directories came out at roughly the same time as search engines, although it took several years for search engines to gain the efficiency that users sought.
However, as Google gained dominance, users adapted their shopping search behavior to the new system, and search engines essentially took over the role traditionally filled by shopping directories.
However, in recent years many people have found that the reliability and effectiveness of search engines has diminished due perhaps to the dominance of the SEO structure in search engine results. Too often, SEO schemes that pay for position heavily influence search engine results pages (SERPS), subjugating other sites the user might be looking for.
Like other web directories, shopping directories meticulously categorize and structure business information for easy search and retrieval. A well-designed interface ensures seamless integration. Generally, revenue models include advertising, premium listings, and affiliate partnerships.
As e-commerce continues to evolve, startups are reimagining shopping directories to meet the growing needs of online shoppers.
While some web directory pioneers, such as the Aviva Directory, are still going strong, many others, including most of the older ones, have fallen by the wayside. Gone are the days when a web directory, such as the Open Directory Project, could recruit hundreds of thousands of volunteers eager to categorize the web, even on a less ambitious playing field. For this reason, a thriving shopping directory will have to be monetized in some manner.
Shopping directories can be monetized by charging fees for listings or additional fees for enhanced listings. Some directories will charge an extra fee for placement, while others might offer additional content, such as photos or extra links.
Advertising in the directory itself, such as banner ads, contextual ads, or other pay-per-click advertising, can provide revenue for a shopping directory, albeit at the expense of a distraction to users. The use of affiliate programs in listed e-commerce sites can be used to earn commissions on referrals. This can result in distrust when done improperly, but this can be reduced through prominent notifications.
Curated directories that focus on specific niches or product categories could reduce the necessary staff size while providing well-organized listings of shopping sites. Users could find reliable information without sifting through multiple pages of SEO-optimized content.
A shopping directory might encourage users to contribute by submitting reviews. Authentic user-generated content can counterbalance SEO-driven results and provide valuable insights.
Quality assurance is imperative. Employing human editors, a shopping directory can take steps to ensure that only reputable businesses and products are included. Emphasizing quality over quantity encourages user trust and satisfaction.
Regional or local shopping directories can also find a place, as users often seek nearby options, and localized directories can offer personalized recommendations based on proximity.
Directories can also be enhanced through visual search capabilities. Users could upload images of products they're interested in, and the shopping directory would provide relevant results, bypassing keyword-based manipulations.
Recommended Resources
Online since about 2014, the All Shops Directory is a traditional shopping directory that categorizes and subcategorizes listed shopping sites according to the product or service, or by country, with featured sticky sites listed on the index page. There are three listing levels (regular, featured, and featured sticky), with varying benefits to be weighed against the additional costs. Submission guidelines are stated on the site, which includes an informational blog.
https://www.allshopsdirectory.com/
AGS is an international shipping service that allows members to shop from several countries worldwide. Registered members can access 32 personalized AGS addresses worldwide, which can be used to purchase products by entering the nearest AGS address as the delivery point. AGS will establish the weight, prepare export documents, and notify the member of relevant fees. Once paid, the shipment is completed to the orderer. A shopping directory is included on the site.
https://www.aramexglobalshopper.com/
Created to showcase home-based businesses, the Artisan shopping directory features unique handmade and vintage items, as well as sellers who offer digital items, craft supplies, and customized items for personalized gift-giving. All of its members are home-based business owners who will receive the full payment on sales. Members can choose free or enhanced listings on the directory's pages, with a design fee for enhancements. Shopping tips and gift guides are included.
https://artisanshopper.com/
Become operates as a platform business model, serving as a combination search engine and shopping directory. This model leverages digital infrastructure to facilitate interactions between user groups, generating value and revenue through transaction fees, advertising, and data monetization. Shoppers using Become will begin by searching for a keyword related to the product they are looking for. Products matching the search term are presented, along with categories related to the search.
https://www.become.com/
This is a searchable database of carpet cleaning companies in the United States, sorted by state and the District of Columbia. Listed companies include their addresses, contact data, and other details. Advertising opportunities include premium listings, statewide premium listings, nationwide premium listings, and sitewide banner advertising. Business listings may be submitted for inclusion in the directory. Several articles on carpet cleaning are also featured.
http://www.carpetcleaner.net/
Since 1996, Catalogs has reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores, featuring those deemed respected, distinctive, and trusted. This allows shoppers to find what they need while getting savings coupons on thousands of products. Big brand-name stores and niche retailers are included. Visitors to the site may request free catalogs; view featured catalogs and top deals. Businesses wanting to be added can apply online. An affiliate disclosure is included.
https://www.catalogs.com/
Datazonic is an e-commerce research tool with an extensive database of millions of Shopify stores. Intended for market researchers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, digital marketing agencies, investors, and students, Datazonic includes advanced search and filter options, allowing users to discover and analyze details about each store, including their locations, monthly sales, and detailed store profiles. A limited free trial option and demo are available, although its key product is premium.
https://www.datazonic.com/
Established in 2004, DHgate is a business-to-business cross-border e-commerce wholesale marketplace in China. It connects registered buyers from more than 220 countries and regions worldwide. Its comprehensive platform offers over 30 million products across 26 categories, including electronics, home, apparel, toys, outdoors, renewable energy items, and custom products. Flash deals, a coupon center, 5-star stores, and top-ranking products are highlighted.
https://www.dhgate.com/
Highlighting independent online shops in the United Kingdom, this is a directory of small businesses and independently owned businesses. The benefits of shopping locally, within the UK, are discussed, and the directory features a range of shop categories, such as food, hobbies, sports, gifts, homeware, fashion, beauty, and others. Information about featuring your shop, applying to join, shop reviews, articles of interest to shop owners, and press information are included.
https://www.loveourshopsuk.com/
For Americans, the advantages of buying products made in the United States include a better assurance of good quality and safety, job creation, economic growth, environmental impact, and innovation. Supporting American-made goods benefits consumers and strengthens the nation's economy. This website features products made in the USA, categorizing them by brand or by product type, including products designed to be patriotic. Virtual factory tours are included.
https://madeintheusamatters.com/
MyPoints is a website that offers a rewards program with several ways to earn points. Shoppers can earn points by shopping online at thousands of stores, sharing opinions through online surveys, scanning their receipts, and getting cash back on everyday purchases, including groceries and household staples. Games, puzzles, trivia, and other activities also earn points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash rewards. Membership is free, and testimonials are provided.
https://www.mypoints.com/
Founded in 1999, PriceGrabber is a categorized, price-comparison shopping site and distributed content commerce service. The company partners with merchants, retailers, and sellers to provide information on various topics. PriceGrabber was the first comparison-shopping engine to project tax and shipping cost information for a consumer during the price comparison process. PriceGrabber was acquired by Experian in 2005, and by Connexity in 2015. Advertising is available.
https://www.pricegrabber.com/
Begun in Sweden in 1999, PriceRunner is a price comparison service operating in Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The website uses a combination of screen scraping of retailer websites and files supplied by the retailers themselves to match prices against a backend database provided by ValueClick Media. The business model involves financing by advertisers, who pay on a pay-per-click model and through web banners. Instructions on using the site are provided.
https://www.pricerunner.com/
Founded by a former Amway distributor and owned by Market America, a multi-level marketing company founded in 1992, Shop.Com offers a variety of products, including household cleaning supplies, jewelry, personal care products, auto care, cosmetics, dietary supplements, custom websites, water purifiers, and weight management products. Its website is a shopping comparison site that includes product reviews and allows shoppers to purchase from the site or merchant stores.
https://www.shop.com/
The online shopping directory sorts listed online businesses by several product type categories, which may be browsed. Alternatively, a search field is included for those who prefer searching for a particular company or product. Business listings may be added to the directory for free, although enhanced options are available. Users can save shops to their "favorites" list and vote shops up or down with a login. Some listed shops are affiliate links, for which compensation is paid.
https://shoppingonline.global/
