Direct Navigation
Direct Navigation (also known as Type-in Traffic) is the action of visiting a website while bypassing online search engines to arrive organically at the desired domain. In other words, by means of direct navigation one can find the information desired without using a search engine; this can be done by specifying the desired site directly in a browser's address bar, clicking on another website's link, or by means of a bookmark or directory.[1]
Overview
Direct navigation is a term used for more than 10 years and generally includes type-in traffic. This is one the reasons for which direct navigation is sometimes used interchangeably with Type-in Traffic. Direct navigation supposes the following process: a user opening their browser, going to the address bar and typing in a desired domain name that is the precise source of content the user is interested in.[2] The exact number of people practicing direct navigation is debatable, but its prevalence can worry brands owners since direct navigation can lead to negative effects on brand management by creating avenues for cybersquatters and other cyber-criminals to take advantage of recognizable or sought after brands.
Other Issues
Due to the fact that the amount of traffic sent to parked pages via search engines is very low, some domainers have no other choice but to rely on direct navigation users. Without Type-in Traffic, it would be almost impossible for someone to land on a parked page and make profit for the domainer by clicking advertisements.
As compared to Direct Navigation, Search Navigation is when users navigate via search engines for their desired information.[3]