All my niche directories are much more targeted that some of those mentioned though. Music and Business i mean are really general. But then targeting a very specific niche i find is very difficult, especially if you are relying on people submitting sites themselves. For example my niche has maybe only under 50 major players in the world.. I haven't implented adsense on any of my niche sites yet as i feel this lowers the quality. Instead trying to seed the directory a bit with quality sites and then seeking out paid submissions. Although results have been slow coming so far,,
Topic specific directories can offer your visitors a good opportunity to find the information they seek. It also helps to build the categories and not rely on submissions as you would with a general directory. Having many empty categories seems to reduce the number of return visitors - seeding a category with a few sites you find on your own can help. Most submissions you get are from commercial sites looking for ways to promote their products or services so adding information resources can increase the usefullness of your directory. Our health directory has gotten some pretty nice interest. It's not about the size, but more about the quality of the information. (Empty categories with AdSense doesn't seem to increase the CTR from what we've seen on another niche directory - anyone with a different experience?)
I will *always go with niche directories. I have had 3 local city business directories and they have performed very well for me. *except once...
Other than my general directories I also own a few niche: www.drquery.com (Medical) www.seoquery.com (SEO) www.tripquery.com (Travel) www.moneyquery.com (Financial) www.realtyquery.com (Real Estate) www.sciquery.com (Science) www.articlequery.com (Articles)
I started off diving into the general directory game 2 years ago and found out very quickly I'd be better off targeting a specific niche. Thus www.locateri.com was born. I may branch out but want to really work this idea first.
I have an anime directory www.animeallies.com but I haven't done much with it. I'm convinced that Anime is a crappy niche to be in, so I try not to spend much time on it.
I have just set one mainly just to collect links to Scottish related sites. But apart from setting it up and adding acouple of links to make sure it worked right, I haven't actually done anything else with it. More interesting in getting a couple of other sites of the ground first though, so doubt I'll do more than add the odd link to this one for a while.
Hiyya ! I have just started to run a cricket directory. I'm not allowed to post links, as I'm new but PM me and I'll give you link if you wish to take a look. Regards, Debra.
I like soccer. I started my dir to showcase youth soccer club sites... it kinda grew... My directory: MySoccerLinks.com
My one is www.wine-searcher.com . Free listings for any wine retailer or winery with a price list on the Internet. It has become really big in the wine trade.
I'm of the opinion that there are more niche directories than there are general directories. Think about it: every little mom and pop site has a links page. It may not have high PR, and it may not use any script to run it, but it's there. I also think niche directories are more useful to the average internet user than general directories. And as for profit...well...if you can provide traffic, the listings should be worth more. Oh, and I have one niche directory for disc jockeys at www.customdj.us/directory/index.php, and I am building another niche directory at a wedding site I am working on.
I'd love to find an employment directory to submit to... It's bloody hard to get good quality backlinks for my business!
Hiyya I know it's a bit sad...but I like building directories.. I have 2 niche I guess. searchcricket and shoe-junkie regards, debra.