Published: 21.10.2026
The .directory zone is a generic extension built on a word that describes an organised list of people, companies, places or resources. A name in .directory suits a business listing site, a local guide, a catalogue of software tools or a register of professionals in one field. Use the availability form just below this text to find out whether your name in .directory is still free.
Check if a .directory domain is available .directory Check
A short history
Directories are much older than the internet. Printed trade lists, telephone books and guides to towns and industries helped people find suppliers, neighbours and services long before search engines existed. When the web grew, the same idea moved online as link collections, yellow-pages style sites and specialist catalogues. The word is still the natural name for a site whose main job is to list and sort entries.
Who runs it
The zone is a generic extension, and its registry operator keeps the database of names and publishes its policies. The extension itself says nothing about who runs a directory or how accurate its entries are. Those questions are answered by the site owner and by the rules that apply to listings in each country. Check the current terms at the time of the order before you choose a name.
Rules in practice
- Listing projects: any person or organisation with a real directory project may apply, as long as the operator's conditions are met.
- Accuracy of entries: each entry should be checked, dated and removed once it is no longer correct.
- Personal data: listing people may require consent and a clear privacy notice, depending on the country.
- Paid placements: if a listing is sponsored, mark it clearly so visitors can tell it from an editorial choice.
Who uses .directory
- Local business guides that list shops, trades and services in one town or region.
- Specialist catalogues of software, research tools, suppliers or training providers.
- Professional associations that publish an index of their members.
- Community projects that map clubs, charities, events or volunteer groups.
Strengths
- The word explains the purpose of the site at once, so visitors know they will find lists and entries.
- It suits a site with a narrow subject, such as a catalogue for one industry or one city.
- It is easy to spell and say, which helps word-of-mouth referrals.
Things to keep in mind
- A directory lives or dies by its content, and an empty or outdated list will quickly lose visitors.
- Many people search for directories by subject, so a more specific word may serve you better than the generic one.
- Listing terms, removal requests and fee disclosures must be clear before you collect any entries.
- Visitors may still type .com first, so consider whether that address should also be yours.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and in the search results where your future visitors already look for lists.
- Decide on a clear scope, such as one city, one trade or one type of resource, before you pick the name.
- Publish an editorial policy that explains how entries are added, checked and removed.
- Set up mail authentication records before you send listing confirmations or newsletters from the domain.
- Keep the account protected with two-factor sign-in and renew the name early.
Frequently asked questions
Does a .directory name make a site more trustworthy? Not by itself. Trust comes from accurate entries, clear rules and visible contact details.
Can I charge businesses to be listed? Paid listings are possible, but they must be marked clearly, and the consumer and advertising rules where you operate may apply.
Is .directory only for business lists? No. It suits any collection of entries, including tools, schools, events, reading resources and community groups.
