Hello all, My blog, Directory Kit, has been updated with new article - 8 Reasons Why You Should Not Start A Directory. Here what it's all about: --- Whenever you read any articles, they most of the time cover only positive sides and never talk about something negative that might discourage you from doing that. For example, if you are reading a blog, that talks about proxies it will include only positive side of proxy making process as well as positive reasons why you should start your own proxy. However, it’s always better to consider both sides, positive and negative, when you consider starting something new. In this article, I will cover eight negative reasons that you should know before starting your own directory since without knowing them you directory will be unsuccessful. (3 out of 8 reasons) You have no passion for creating your own directory. Interest and passion is one of the main factors that will determine your success. If you don’t like what you are doing, you will never be successful in doing that, it’s that simple. If you find directories boring then you should not start them and move on for something that you find interesting. You want to create directory only in order to generate a lot money. Your main goal in the process of directory creation should not be - to earn a lot of money. However, your main goal should be - to create something useful to users. When you build a directory that everyone wants to use and finds it useful then there will be a lot of opportunities to earn money. But if you create your directory that is full of ads and that is build for advertisers only then no one will ever use it and thus it will be unsuccessful. You have nothing unique to offer to the directory industry. There are thousands of directories out there. Most of them look alike. So what makes you think that people will submit sites to your directory? Make a directory that stands out by having unique template, mods and good category structure. Or just offer unique way to sell links online. Always remember that the more unique your directory is going to be the more money you will be able to generate. --- The full article can be seen here. Share you ideas and thoughts on this article by leaving comments.
Pretty good post, I don't really agree with these two point: To build a good quality ranked directory it typically takes 4-7 months anyways so it does not really matter what day you begin. Branding a name that is not directory related can be more expensive but can do really well for you down the road because of it's uniqueness, Joe Ant, Google and many others.
Everyone thinks differently. But it always great to hear what other think since you can learn from them.
that's a good point infact......passion+uniqueness can make it popular ...and most of web directories we know are popular among webmasters only.....
Looks like my new real estate directory is going to be buggered before i've even launched it if thats the case
nice article, i dont agree with the second point the only reason someone want to start a directory or any other business is to make money! cheers.
You have never read Directory Kit before. ... lol. Are you afraid of competition so posting something like this?
if ysomeone just creates 1 dir site and spends a lot of time and energy and money in it then UNLESS its unique, eye catching or something that no one has done before, he/she will have a tough luck making money from that directory site. Advice doesnt matter here. Reality check: i am customer and i already i have list of 600 dir sites , all with PR2 to PR5 and FREE to submit and another list of 6000 FREE directory sites all from pr0 and up. To me, the days for directory sites have been over .
Quality will always beat quantity in the long run , if the older ones are good , the newer ones will be out of the game in some time and the website owners will be more selective.
Any directory can earn money, no matter if you have a pashion or not, no matter if you have nothing unique to offer, no matter if you are making it just for moeny (of course just for money, why the ... would you work then?), it depends on the person, which controls it. If you just want to set and forget, don't waste your time.
I think investment should be one of the important factors. Without some investment, you really can't do the business. To me, uniqueness and promotion are very important when building a directory.
I am not afraid of the competition. The point I intended to make is that everyone should do research before ever doing anything.
A nice article for people who want to start a directory for all the wrong reasons. I would include chasing PR in that list as PR is only important to those that want to make money form the directory But then again, who makes a website without the ultimate aim of making money either by selling adversiting, links, products or services?