You may have heard of web directories, a broad term for any collection of links that connect together a series of web sites, and organize those links by category. An RSS directory list is essentially the same thing, except they compile an RSS feed directory instead of a collection of full website links.
RSS directories are also assembled in much the same way that web directories are, in other words usually by human beings rather than by automated processes. A web directory is usually constructed based on the content of the entire site, rather than just on the contents of a single page, or on a collection of keywords. And website administrators usually submit their site for inclusion in a particular directory. Then they’re reviewed by an editor who decides if they’re actually appropriate for inclusion. RSS directories are of the same ilk. An RSS feed may be submitted to a directory by its administrator, and then a webmaster or editor who deals in such things will decide if the particular feed has any business RSS directly list in their directory.
There are also RSS directories known as “Bid For Position” directories, where users will pay their way to assure their inclusion in particular RSS directories. Whether you’re working to get your RSS feed included on the basis of payment, or simply on the merit of its relevance to content, getting your syndicated feed included in certain RSS directories is a great way to ensure that interested users will be highly likely to end up subscribing to your feed and reading or viewing your content uploads or reposts on a regular basis.
RSS directories can be searched and explored with terms like “list your blog” or similar language. If you find the right directory to which you might want to submit one of your personal RSS feeds, you’d be wise to submit it and see if the directory’s operator (hopefully a human!) deems your RSS content appropriate. Again, it’s a great way to consciously expand the audience of your blog in an internet market that’s saturated with free information.