Anyone know what makes a directory get served up?

[BBuck]

Hi All, as most know, directories are taking over the SERPS as of late, and my question is: What "tells" Google that it is a directory? What does Google look for that gets these directories showing? I understand the big ones probably have back-room deals with Google, but I am seeing some smaller ones showing. Any ideas?

[KevinBudzynski]

A typical directory has categorization and outbound links to many websites. Based on these characteristics Google can understand if a website is a directory or not. However, Google's goal is to deliver relevant, valuable and unique content. If they perceive (through mostly their algo) that the content fits this criteria, and adheres to their guidelines, they may get high organic rankings.

Why do you say that directories are taking over the serps? Also, what do you mean by backroom deals?

[KeriMorgret]

Are you talking about local results, and having Yelp and Yellow Pages show up in search results for local searches, or are you talking about searching for things like book reviews and directories are in the results?