We all know the basics of attracting listeners to your station, whether that be through web design, station programming or even music genres. But there is one thing missing, promotion, and that's the most important!

Promoting your station can be as simple as advertising a banner on websites or Google, it can also be local, for example sticking up posters around your local area and attracting a more local listener base. But the main point of exposure has to be Radio Directories.

Why? Well first of all, it boosts your pagerank in Google. The more backlinks (links to your site, on other websites) you have, then the higher your listing will be under more common search terms. Not only that but radio directories provide free advertisement, sure your station is like finding a needle in a haystack, but if your station is listed in a high profile directory (such as Windows Media Guide or iTunes), you are exposed to millions of potential listeners.

So let's browse the Top 10 Radio Directories...


1. iTunes Radio Directory
No, really. This is the most simple directory in our list, it doesn't look visually attractive and it is built in to the clunkiest piece of software i have ever witnessed, but it will give you maximum listeners and a mass amount of exposure!


2. SHOUTcast Radio Directory
Duh, this is the largest collection of stations, i am talking 45,000+ stations. That only means one thing, more visitors to their site, and more listeners for you! Just remember to use the appropriate genre when broadcasting with SHOUTcast so you are listed appropriately.


3. Streamfinder
They have been around since 2005, Streamfinder has an attractive website with full mobile device capability (iPhone & Android). Not a bad sized database too, just over 10,000+ stations!


4. Windows Media Guide
Microsoft have a radio directory, yes. This one is nice and compact, and features nicely in Windows Media Player. Oh, and a lot of people use Windows Media Player.


5. Reciva Internet Radio
A simplistic designed website with very accurate results. A mid-sized database of stations and even a slick iPhone app!


6. Internet Radio Stations
Another mid-sized database with a fair amount of internet stations. Direct links and a nice simplistic design. They even do stream hosting!


7. Web Radio Central
A fair amount of radio stations are listed on here, they provide a station directory with added features (Premium). They have a nice list of broadcasting software and stream hosting options available.


8. Streema
Not that many internet stations are listed on here, but you will be featured with the likes of stations such as BBC Radio and Absolute Radio!


9. Trumix
Quite an array of internet radio stations and podcasts. Nice bright design with a quick and easy to navigate layout.


10. Tuner24
Promoted as by the fans, for the fans. A small collection of internet stations with an easy to read layout. Oh, and the site offers a nice collection of players. Good choice!

Know of any other great radio station directories? Tell us in the comments!