What would be the first thing to invest into when u build a directory?

[wounded1987]

Let's say you have just build a directory...

what would be the first thing you will spent the money on, to promote your new directory?

please only professional comments who know what they are doing... ;)

[mikey1090]

i would buy

mods
custom design
unique content
backlinks
directory submissions
advertisements/promotions/high bids on bidding directories
banner ads made for visual adverts
blog posts for traffic/brand promotion/backlinks (no spammy blog networks tho)

[popotalk]

Simple. Dirsensei.com. :D

[jetbrains]

I will buy

custom design ($500)

directory submissions ($5,000)

High PR links($300 monthly)

DP Signature($200 monthly)

[wounded1987]

i would buy

mods
custom design
unique content
backlinks
directory submissions
advertisements/promotions/high bids on bidding directories
banner ads made for visual adverts
blog posts for traffic/brand promotion/backlinks (no spammy blog networks tho)

that is a lot of cash to spend, if it is limited, what would be the most important?

also what about free templates u give a way with a back link?

[wounded1987]

I will buy

custom design ($500)

directory submissions ($5,000)

High PR links($300 monthly)

DP Signature($200 monthly)

well..... what about free directory submissions? or are u talking about directories like aviva, yahoo etc?
5,000$ .... wow

[mikey1090]

that is a lot of cash to spend, if it is limited, what would be the most important?

also what about free templates u give a way with a back link?

I guess directory submissions, the design and mods are vital:)

EDIT :: All are vital (except blog posts and maybe banner advertisements. Traffic, SE rankings, backlinks are vital to running a successful directory.

[wounded1987]

and what if the directory is name is brand able enough to survive at first with crappy design :p

also isn't submissions at first can hurt SEO? becasue of the high increase of back links?

how much directories would u get for 5,000$?

also what are mods? aren't they free?

i received 3 days after starting the directory about 200 submissions, is it good?

[mikey1090]

if you are a free directory, thats average. if you are a paid directory, i dont belive you, unless you charge $0.10 :p

go to www.avivadirectory.com/strongest-directories and submit to those. Directory submissions wont harm "SEO" as they are quality backlinks.

The best mods are not free. They will cost you some $$$. A custom design is vital - it shows you care and have invested.

[VCTech]

Well, I went for submissions to web directories, custom design, more submissions to web directories, sponsored theme links, even more submissions to web directories, mods, buy avatar space, yet even more submissions to web directories.

Get the picture? :D

[wounded1987]

i can get from a friend a service, manual, 2500 directories for $120.... where is the line between this and what he said $5,000 .....?

[Tim_Myth]

The first thing is a good template, followed quite closely by several mods. This will help make your directory unique, and with the right mods (like my emailed confirmation link mod) your directory will be easier to manage. I get a few hundred submissions per day at ndthunder.com, but only about 5-10% bother clicking the confirmation link.

Most mods are cheap if you can install them yourself (you can get *all* of my mods for just $5!). If you have to pay someone to install them the price goes up a lot. No one will submit to a directory with the default template and no mods unless its free, and even then most won't bother. If you don't take care of your directory, how will people expect you to take care of their links?

Once your site is squared away, start getting links. Digixmas is good for free directory submissions. Also announce your directory in the major webmaster forums like DP. At this point, popularizing your directory is pretty much like popularizing any site.

[mikey1090]

i can get from a friend a service, manual, 2500 directories for $120.... where is the line between this and what he said $5,000 .....?

That is submission to free directories, which is not as effective as paid directories

[wounded1987]

The first thing is a good template, followed quite closely by several mods. This will help make your directory unique, and with the right mods (like my emailed confirmation link mod) your directory will be easier to manage. I get a few hundred submissions per day at ndthunder.com, but only about 5-10% bother clicking the confirmation link.

Most mods are cheap if you can install them yourself (you can get *all* of my mods for just $5!). If you have to pay someone to install them the price goes up a lot. No one will submit to a directory with the default template and no mods unless its free, and even then most won't bother. If you don't take care of your directory, how will people expect you to take care of their links?

Once your site is squared away, start getting links. Digixmas is good for free directory submissions. Also announce your directory in the major webmaster forums like DP. At this point, popularizing your directory is pretty much like popularizing any site.
tell me, if they don't click on the link? what u do? why they have to click on a link?do u have paid dir?

That is submission to free directories, which is not as effective as paid directories
i can get $40 1000 DIR PR2 - PR8 or 2500 DIR of all PR's, what's better?

[mikey1090]

its better if you forget PR and free directories

go submit to quality paid directories

[Loco.M]

I'd say find a nice style or if you can get a custom style.. You can usually alter some of the nice styles to make them unique if your tight on cash.
Then I would add category descriptions to all cats. Then submit your site to every directory you can find, big and small. ;)
Add deep links mod and tag mod, both are free.

So, it doesn't take a lot of money to start off, if you have the time, you can save a ton of cash ;)

[wounded1987]

its better if you forget PR and free directories

go submit to quality paid directories
can some one confirm that opinion?

I'd say find a nice style or if you can get a custom style.. You can usually alter some of the nice styles to make them unique if your tight on cash.
Then I would add category descriptions to all cats. Then submit your site to every directory you can find, big and small. ;)
Add deep links mod and tag mod, both are free.

So, it doesn't take a lot of money to start off, if you have the time, you can save a ton of cash ;)

that will be a good start :)
i just want to know, what design can you get for $500 ?
it must be something very special to charge so much for it
if you can show me an example it i will be great

i recently bought some PSD templates, not special but ok, i was thinking of coding them (by a coder) and releasing them for free to get a back links. what do you think about this way of strategy? i am thinking that i made a wrong move and i should sell them again so i can pay for other things like design and paid directories.

[biodev]

i am thinking that i made a wrong move and i should sell them again so i can pay for other things like design and paid directories.

i dont think its wrong move, but i think some other things discussed in this thread come first .. like submitting to quality directories and start building solid backlinks to your directory.

about the "paid vs. free", quality is what matters but quantity wont harm ;)

[wounded1987]

how much a design like alivedirectory.com would cost to order?
*Like* it..... i mean from the complexity...

[Antonio]

i can get $40 1000 DIR PR2 - PR8 or 2500 DIR of all PR's, what's better?

Are you sure they are all approved? If not paid one would give you a guarantee.

Personally, I would not pay for manual submission, I would do it myself, only quality free directory would be submitted. :)

how much a design like alivedirectory.com would cost to order?
*Like* it..... i mean from the complexity...

$1000+ I believe ;)

[YMC]

and what if the directory is name is brand able enough to survive at first with crappy design :p

also isn't submissions at first can hurt SEO? becasue of the high increase of back links?

how much directories would u get for 5,000$?

also what are mods? aren't they free?

i received 3 days after starting the directory about 200 submissions, is it good?

Going backwards, from easier to more complicated answers...200 submissions - I'm assuming you have a general directory - others would have a better feel for this.


I guess you are asking how many submissions of your site to other directories? Do it yourself, paying others is often a losing proposition. Many of my delete without visiting the site submissions are from so-called SEO companies.



Opinions vary on that one. How many is too fast? Only Google knows and they ain't telling. You would be better off promoting the site as a new one on the forums and get some listings in place - other directory owners will be more willing to list your site if it looks like you are building a good site.


Building a good site...does usually not include using a default template. At least using one of the sponsored ones is a step in the right direction. You have to remember that whatever template you choose does become part of your brand. This forum is full of empty promises of new and better templates on thrown together sites. Whether or not that is you doesn't matter; you will be assumed guilty by association.

If you must use a default or sponsored template - at least change the colors. To be honest, if you can't at least do that I would question the idea of you starting a directory in the first place from the perspective of ability to run one as well as willing to take the time to maintain it.

If I see the default eSyndicat or phpLD template, I usually leave without submitting.

[wounded1987]

Are you sure they are all approved? If not paid one would give you a guarantee.

Personally, I would not pay for manual submission, I would do it myself, only quality free directory would be submitted. :)

$1000+ I believe ;)

i receive the emails of those who approved it, if it's a good website with good design they will approve it. i already used his services and it gives good results.

this design is sold for $35
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4300/vividdirectoryfinalcopyad8.jpg

would u say it comes close to alive directory design?


Going backwards, from easier to more complicated answers...200 submissions - I'm assuming you have a general directory - others would have a better feel for this.


I guess you are asking how many submissions of your site to other directories? Do it yourself, paying others is often a losing proposition. Many of my delete without visiting the site submissions are from so-called SEO companies.



Opinions vary on that one. How many is too fast? Only Google knows and they ain't telling. You would be better off promoting the site as a new one on the forums and get some listings in place - other directory owners will be more willing to list your site if it looks like you are building a good site.


Building a good site...does usually not include using a default template. At least using one of the sponsored ones is a step in the right direction. You have to remember that whatever template you choose does become part of your brand. This forum is full of empty promises of new and better templates on thrown together sites. Whether or not that is you doesn't matter; you will be assumed guilty by association.

If you must use a default or sponsored template - at least change the colors. To be honest, if you can't at least do that I would question the idea of you starting a directory in the first place from the perspective of ability to run one as well as willing to take the time to maintain it.

If I see the default eSyndicat or phpLD template, I usually leave without submitting.
thanks for this opinions. i think i will re-make the directory, get some cash in advance to do it properly.

[Tim_Myth]

tell me, if they don't click on the link? what u do? why they have to click on a link?do u have paid dir?By forcing submitters to click a link that is emailed to them, you are ensuring that A) the site was submitted by a human, and B) they have a valid email address. Yes, I have a paid directory (link is in my sig), but I also have some free directories. I use PHP Link Directory for all of them, and each is a bit different. For example, my free directory not only requires a vlaid email address, it also only allows you to submit Top Level Domains (try it: www.ndthunder.com). I wrote a SmartyValidate criteria that automatically checks it and rejects it if you submit a deep link or a subdomain (other than www that is). You're welcome to try and trick it out too. Those two mods make running a free directory very easy because most people who take the time to read the instructions (TLD's only and must use a valid email address) also take the time to submit their site to the right category. Spammers who submit junk like "Hey, nice site check out these sites" never use their own email address (it could be banned otherwise), and almost always rely on some loophole in a wiki or other insecure site so that their links are something like digitalpoint.com/index.php?spam=naughtysite or something similar. Implementing those two mods alone cut all the spam that my version 2.1 directory received. :D

Oh, and that is a nice looking template. One of these days I need to get around to fixing my templates...

[wounded1987]

By forcing submitters to click a link that is emailed to them, you are ensuring that A) the site was submitted by a human, and B) they have a valid email address. Yes, I have a paid directory (link is in my sig), but I also have some free directories. I use PHP Link Directory for all of them, and each is a bit different. For example, my free directory not only requires a vlaid email address, it also only allows you to submit Top Level Domains (try it: www.ndthunder.com). I wrote a SmartyValidate criteria that automatically checks it and rejects it if you submit a deep link or a subdomain (other than www that is). You're welcome to try and trick it out too. Those two mods make running a free directory very easy because most people who take the time to read the instructions (TLD's only and must use a valid email address) also take the time to submit their site to the right category. Spammers who submit junk like "Hey, nice site check out these sites" never use their own email address (it could be banned otherwise), and almost always rely on some loophole in a wiki or other insecure site so that their links are something like digitalpoint.com/index.php?spam=naughtysite or something similar. Implementing those two mods alone cut all the spam that my version 2.1 directory received. :D

Oh, and that is a nice looking template. One of these days I need to get around to fixing my templates...
ok thanks, do u allow image verification on submission?
also, in this article: http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/07/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-owners/
he recommends not to use image verification, so i was thinking he would recommend not to use email verification as well. any answer from the owner of this article would be appreciated.
and yea i am just ordering a custom design for $65 PSD only, it should be good as hall. will update this thread.

[Tim_Myth]

I don't use image verification on the directories that require email verification. I strongly suspect he would argue against email verification on directories too since his arguement against image verification has to do with the amount of time it takes to submit a site. This mod does require an extra step, but this is MY directory. If mass submitters don't like it, there are hundreds of other submitters who are obviously ok with it. This link is my "product"...they can "buy" it or not. So, even though some may not like the extra step, they'll have to put up with it if they want a link in my directory. I only have so much time on my hands, and spending it deleting spam that is preventable is a waste of my time.

[tmeyer45458]

All promotions aside...if you just "finished" building your directory, I would take a second and third look at the category structure. If it's not somewhat original and scalable...then you'll have problems later:)

"Somewhat" original meaning that there are way to many directories out there to be entirely unique, but several cats that are original or different will go along way.

"Scalable" meaning try to be as broad as possible from the start and then add new, more focused, categories as people submit.

Trust me...time spent in the beginning will save time and then some in the end:)

[kiviniar]

This is how i would go:

Unique design : 100-250$ - You could get it cheaper below 75$ too (the design u link previously is quite good)
Getting it coded for PHPld : upto 85 $
Getting a few mods (free as well as paid), however i would recommend this as a must http://www.ripenapples.com/wordpress/ripenapplescom-payment-system-for-phpld/11/ : 70- 100$
Free web directory Submissions : 100$
Buying PR sitewide links (i play my cards here) : depends on ur budget
Buying directory links: depends on ur budget

Then, once you are set you can go about releasing free templates (its getting more and more difficult to promote a free template as they are too many good design being release every week)

A budget of 1500 - 2000 $ would be good enough for me to get started, and then once the sales pick up more money can be reinvested

[syedwasi87]

Going backwards, from easier to more complicated answers...200 submissions - I'm assuming you have a general directory - others would have a better feel for this.


I guess you are asking how many submissions of your site to other directories? Do it yourself, paying others is often a losing proposition. Many of my delete without visiting the site submissions are from so-called SEO companies.



Opinions vary on that one. How many is too fast? Only Google knows and they ain't telling. You would be better off promoting the site as a new one on the forums and get some listings in place - other directory owners will be more willing to list your site if it looks like you are building a good site.


Building a good site...does usually not include using a default template. At least using one of the sponsored ones is a step in the right direction. You have to remember that whatever template you choose does become part of your brand. This forum is full of empty promises of new and better templates on thrown together sites. Whether or not that is you doesn't matter; you will be assumed guilty by association.

If you must use a default or sponsored template - at least change the colors. To be honest, if you can't at least do that I would question the idea of you starting a directory in the first place from the perspective of ability to run one as well as willing to take the time to maintain it.

If I see the default eSyndicat or phpLD template, I usually leave without submitting.

very well said there..if one intends to start a professional directory or really wants something..it needs to be way beyond the default ld template, its becoming so common nowadays,

everyone is starting a directory, standing out and getting good advertisement is the way to go..

[wounded1987]

I don't use image verification on the directories that require email verification. I strongly suspect he would argue against email verification on directories too since his arguement against image verification has to do with the amount of time it takes to submit a site. This mod does require an extra step, but this is MY directory. If mass submitters don't like it, there are hundreds of other submitters who are obviously ok with it. This link is my "product"...they can "buy" it or not. So, even though some may not like the extra step, they'll have to put up with it if they want a link in my directory. I only have so much time on my hands, and spending it deleting spam that is preventable is a waste of my time.

ok so u use or this or this because u do not want to scare people away.
would u suggest to make my directory free or paid? i mean if i invest cash in it, and it is good looking one then people will buy a cheap links even if it's PR0, would u sell links on PR 0 directory?


All promotions aside...if you just "finished" building your directory, I would take a second and third look at the category structure. If it's not somewhat original and scalable...then you'll have problems later:)

"Somewhat" original meaning that there are way to many directories out there to be entirely unique, but several cats that are original or different will go along way.

"Scalable" meaning try to be as broad as possible from the start and then add new, more focused, categories as people submit.

Trust me...time spent in the beginning will save time and then some in the end:)

yes you are right, i have started the directory and got about 300 submissions, i am planning to reset it to 0 and start over. i am using PHPLD category generator, would u suggest to use this tool and then edit categories that you do not like, etc. or add new categories or sub categories?


This is how i would go:

Unique design : 100-250$ - You could get it cheaper below 75$ too (the design u link previously is quite good)
Getting it coded for PHPld : upto 85 $
Getting a few mods (free as well as paid), however i would recommend this as a must http://www.ripenapples.com/wordpress/ripenapplescom-payment-system-for-phpld/11/ : 70- 100$
Free web directory Submissions : 100$
Buying PR sitewide links (i play my cards here) : depends on ur budget
Buying directory links: depends on ur budget

Then, once you are set you can go about releasing free templates (its getting more and more difficult to promote a free template as they are too many good design being release every week)

A budget of 1500 - 2000 $ would be good enough for me to get started, and then once the sales pick up more money can be reinvested
luckily i know a coder that can doe for $40-$50. did u get the payment mod for free? do u use the category generator mod? i saw here a list of recommended mods somewhere....

[Dubz]

START STARTING:

If it's your first DIR as well. I'd save the $ on a custom template take one that is pre made but make a custom header and obviously leave the footer links intact.

Get a deeplinks mod if it is not already installed with the script you chose.

Than start populating the directory.

Note you really haven't spent much money yet have you? I'd say get your DIR ready for the show room before you start spending lots of $ on promotion.

That way if you loose interest before your done it cost you almost nothing and if you do all your setup before promoting you will have better conversion rates.

[wounded1987]

START STARTING:

If it's your first DIR as well. I'd save the $ on a custom template take one that is pre made but make a custom header and obviously leave the footer links intact.

Get a deeplinks mod if it is not already installed with the script you chose.

Than start populating the directory.

Note you really haven't spent much money yet have you? I'd say get your DIR ready for the show room before you start spending lots of $ on promotion.

That way if you loose interest before your done it cost you almost nothing and if you do all your setup before promoting you will have better conversion rates.
i am now working with a designer for a custom template for $65 PSD only so it will be long run template that i will use. after that i am planning to install the script again and use mods, buy mods, etc make it ready to go. and then show it to the public, get opinions and only after that start publishing it.

[kiviniar]

did u get the payment mod for free?

Nope you will need to buy it from, http://forums.digitalpoint.com/member.php?u=59057

[rajanforums]

There are 2 ways to launch a directory. Most used and recommended technique

1. Explosive promotion, huge spend, great capital, great design, branding ,launch with a bang

the second technique is least used but very effective.

2. host your directory with a great design. Do not promote it for getting submissions. Build back links and try to get a pr 5 or pr 6 within the next google update[ difficult, but possible]

Once you have such a high pr go for promotion . You will get both free and paid submissions . offer some coupons.

Choose your method and follow it.

best wishes
Rajanmr

[wounded1987]

There are 2 ways to launch a directory. Most used and recommended technique

1. Explosive promotion, huge spend, great capital, great design, branding ,launch with a bang

the second technique is least used but very effective.

2. host your directory with a great design. Do not promote it for getting submissions. Build back links and try to get a pr 5 or pr 6 within the next google update[ difficult, but possible]

Once you have such a high pr go for promotion . You will get both free and paid submissions . offer some coupons.

Choose your method and follow it.

best wishes
Rajanmr
i think that is a good point of view u have here,
is it possible to achieve good PR within 2-3 month?
i mean what the purpose of all the submissions if your directory stays PR 0 and thus u would never get paid links....

[rajanforums]

i think that is a good point of view u have here,
is it possible to achieve good PR within 2-3 month?
i mean what the purpose of all the submissions if your directory stays PR 0 and thus u would never get paid links....


Ya it is possible to achieve good pr in 3 months. The key is that you start your directory just before the update.

consider google updates pr in the months jan and april.

start your dir by dec 20 th and work for 4 months to gain pr. It is quite possible to get pr-5 by april update.

[an0n]

invest in something like this (http://www.mystikmedia.com/link-checkup.asp) so that when sites like this (http://www.indexsniff.com/) remove your links EARLY, you know about it.

[LeopardAt1]

Getting a few mods (free as well as paid), however i would recommend this as a must http://www.ripenapples.com/wordpress/ripenapplescom-payment-system-for-phpld/11/ : 70- 100$
Free


Hey Kiviniar, I appreciate your recommendation. The price is $40 and $20 for the install. I know its not on the blog post, but won't put it there until I revamp.

And, like a few others already said on this post...I would think it be best to invest in a unique template first if you can, if not a free template will do just as well. But It already seems like you already got that in check, so best of luck with it and to your new directory.

Thanks

[aspidov]

The first thing your should spend on is your branding and design. You need to create a unique style and signature for your directory to be recognized later on down the road.

[arcguy]

invest in something like this (http://www.mystikmedia.com/link-checkup.asp) so that when sites like this (http://www.indexsniff.com/) remove your links EARLY, you know about it.
very nice link checker tool.
thanks

[popotalk]

invest in something like this (http://www.mystikmedia.com/link-checkup.asp) so that when sites like this (http://www.indexsniff.com/) remove your links EARLY, you know about it.

Ah your link is gone. :D Gotta go cross out more. :p

Britney's Obsession really loves my A** . Smell the fragrance. :D

And btw check before you accuse indexwide links are still there. indexsniff EXPIRED. bah.bah. siz bum bah.

From: (anon)Roberto Campoamor ID #74352019DS4201027
May 18, 2007 dump, bid, linkdirectory

From: (anon) Roberto Campoamor ID #5XS82267XS366663R
May 2, 2007 linkdirectory.ws webdirectorybid.com

From: (anon) Roberto Campoamor ID #5KG18662U0944122A
May 2, 2007 webdirectorybid.com linkdirectory.ws
Comes with a Message:

I am greedy and want TWO.





Goodbye. ;)

[an0n]

Ah your link is gone. :D Gotta go cross out more.

Britney's Obsession really loves my A** . Smell the fragrance.

And btw check before you accuse indexwide links are still there. indexsniff EXPIRED. bah.bah. siz bum bah.

Nobody mentioned indexwide. this is indexsniff


From: Roberto Campoamor ID #74352019DS4201027
May 18, 2007 dump, bid, linkdirectory

links missing for over a week and...
http://www.directorydump.com/tmpimages/duh-jude.jpg



From: Roberto Campoamor ID #5XS82267XS366663R
May 2, 2007 linkdirectory.ws webdirectorybid.com

Dont know why you're posting these, but are you complaining or something?


From: Roberto Campoamor ID #5KG18662U0944122A
May 2, 2007 webdirectorybid.com linkdirectory.ws
Comes with a Message:

I am greedy and want TWO.

Goodbye.;)

Post it ALL or dont post PERIOD. Two acts of QBC under your belt. Hope you're proud of yourself. There are MORE who have claimed early removal as well, but that is not on me to discuss.

instead of trying to be misleading like it's something bad, post the whole screenshot where it's a joke. 'uncle popo'
http://www.directorydump.com/tmpimages/misconceiving-jude.jpg

so now i say good-bye' to you, because it's time to get ready to go out and enjoy myself this evening.

[popotalk]

Sigh

www.indexwide.com and view cached if missing. :rolleyes:

anon your so obsessed with me and I dont know why ? Move on. :rolleyes:

I have been ignoring you but you keep smelling my a** :eek:

Stop crying anon its like you were crying because you were always at Romows Behind.


I am stopping already and whatever you say just keep saying it. :cool:


Goodbye now.

[aspidov]

an0n and popo take it somewhere else. Try Private Messaging, it works ;)

[Directory_SEO]

1. Make your own directory SEO friendly, there is no incentive for other people to submit if you got crappy title and urls. in this, you probably want to spend on mods and designs

2. Ask link exchange with other directory that just get started. spend some money to some high PR directory. a few would be enough

3. write unique and quality content if you can to get some natural links.

4. If you are smart enough make your own mods and spread it out to generate some buzz

5 Go to fourms like digitalpoint and reply with the intention of helping people, at the same time, include your directory in your sig for promotion. in chinese, we call it "yi shi er niao"

Anything else to add, anyone? :cool:

that is a lot of cash to spend, if it is limited, what would be the most important?

also what about free templates u give a way with a back link?

[malcolm1]

If i may suggest both of you sort out your differences in private...

Both of you have been feuding for sometime now and need to concentrate
on your work rather then throwing rocks at each other which in the end proves
nothing but wasted time and resources. ;)

thx
malcolm

[smub]

dude you two need to take your disputes elsewhere .... Every thread i see there is a problem with an0n ... this matter will not end here ... u know why

because one of the two have a good habbit of throwing stones

http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showpost.php?p=4158560&postcount=11

dude this is not about you ... take it to private ... make a thread saying 1000 reasons not to trust popotalk and do it there .... don't destroy everybody else's thread.




-----------------------------------------------------------------


Now that I am through


back to the topic ...

The most important thing you need entering the directory world is a new design and some unique features because there are 3000 other directories which are using free templates... do you want to be one of those ??

Than move onto buying links and submitting to directories..

btw: don't go with companies which says 40$ for 800 dir submissions ...just do it all by yourself .. its better that way.

[ilikenwf]

For the templates, just make them yourself. Get GIMP + NVU and take the default template and completely give it a total facelift. Just "make it yours." A few simple tables and some custom images and CSS can really make a default template into an entirely different one. Just use it as a base for the phpld specific functions.

For mods, if you know PHP/html, just find the DIY mods, some you have to code, others you just replace files.

As for backlinks, submit to directories yourself, just do anywhere from 10-100 directories per day. The list at info.vilesilencer is really a great place to start, even the PR0 ones will be good eventually as they are rated well, and thus the community will make the PR go up quickly.

Other than that, use the co-op ad network, and be clever. I will post some techniques when my linking ability is turned on tomorrow.

[wounded1987]

For the templates, just make them yourself. Get GIMP + NVU and take the default template and completely give it a total facelift. Just "make it yours." A few simple tables and some custom images and CSS can really make a default template into an entirely different one. Just use it as a base for the phpld specific functions.

For mods, if you know PHP/html, just find the DIY mods, some you have to code, others you just replace files.

As for backlinks, submit to directories yourself, just do anywhere from 10-100 directories per day. The list at info.vilesilencer is really a great place to start, even the PR0 ones will be good eventually as they are rated well, and thus the community will make the PR go up quickly.

Other than that, use the co-op ad network, and be clever. I will post some techniques when my linking ability is turned on tomorrow.
that list only has 450 directories?

[ilikenwf]

Not JUST that list, it is a good place to start.