Is there more value and kudos to a directory having a unique template made for them or just buying one 'off the shelf' with the sponsor tag attached to it. Unique means just that but the others can be used by an infinite number of people and usually are. Doesn't it also create a bit of a duplicate directory at least visually?
Although many posts here will maybe not agree 100% Quite simply in our experience and comparison there is simply nothing to compare Its a black & white situation which the unique Template wins hands down 100 times out of 100
Im starting to realise that too, although i have no unique templates of my own on any of my directories yet i plan to have templates designed for them in the future. I know their not cheap but i feel it will be worth it.
@ Forplex I am , very unwillingly, coming to agree, but can you give an idea of the factor by which it makes a difference 2x, 3x ,,,,,
Yes, unique templates create unique visible identity for a directory where as it is not the case with free templates. It is always better to go with unique templates. I purchased one(PSD) ,but I ended up creating a template that was different from it
have to say unique template takes the lead. As a designer i have done both in my early days. Sold templates and designed custom templates. When you make a paid template to just sell ... its like a general theme .... which is simple and basic. But if you make a custom design you fit the needs that website needs to give it a good feeling. Take a look at my newest Custom Design http://www.madmouse.com << thats called giving the site a feeling.
A unique template is a MUST for any serious directory owner. If you can't afford a unique template right away, one option is to contact the owner of a nice free template and see if they will make some customizations for a low price. To see an example of that check-out my bidding directory, it is based off the free them called 'Nutshell'. That said I do use a non-custom template on TotallyWebLinks.com because I am the one that designed that one and on my indexu directory because I have not spent the time finding someone that can do a custom template for that script.
i think a unique template is a 'good-to-have' but NOT a MUST-HAVE. Simple test - give a directory with non-unique template to any of the reputed directory owners here and see what they can do with it without changing the template, i'm sure most will agree that the non-uniqueness of the template will not stop our submissions and the development of the directory
No but it willl slow it down. I would say that more than 90% of the reputed directory owners only create websites with unique templates. You can customize a template for as little as $30 or $40 (or even free in some cases). And you can start off with a simple unique template from as little as $200, considering I am constantly reading posts about new directory owners putting in $2k+ in their new projects I don't see why this would not be a priority.
yes, many will change to a unique template, but that is not what we are comparing. hypothetically, IF they were not allowed to change the templates, wld it make it any less a quality directory? You maybe right it may slow submissions, but only to those who do not know better about who is running the directory. At least for me, if i see a reputed directory owner aggressively marketing his non-unique template directory, it wld definitely not stop me or slow me down in my submissions.
I've been thinking of getting a good design for my directories too. Impression is one of the factors people want to buy links on directories. See what people said about: What makes you want to buy a link?
I have no doubt that a unique template is the best option. But what makes a potential buyer buy a listing: 1. PR 2. Trust from the directory owner. I bet if you see a PR 7 or 6 for your favorite category you will buy a listing from that directory even if it is using a free template.
If you don't have much PR or promotion, a template will get you sales and more trust. Also, if you plan on selling the directory, templates from known designers hold value.
Both times I've had a template upgrade from free to quality paid (aspidov) I've seen an increase in submissions. There is also the middle ground way, of buying a better quality sponsored template. I think this one was $30, I really like it and haven't seen another one yet.
A unique design inflicts trust, because its shows high investment from the directory owner. If an advertiser sees that you have put in the time/money to build a unique web directory, than it is clear to them that you are long term. Coupled with advertising and traffic building for our clients, we feel a unique design is key to the success of any directory. Including our own, AllBuziness.com
While both of my directories have unique templates I designed myself, I think any directory owner must at least change the banner, some colors, and a few of the graphics from the default templates to prove they are in business for real. I've gotten to the point where if I see the default ES or LD template, I leave. Period! Sheez, how hard is it to change the colors or the background image? Those who use a free, non-default template are at least trying to do it right and I will take the time to submit. But, if it's a paid directory asking for quite a bit of green - c'mon, reinvest some of the proceeds in something unique to help your brand. And sorry, I've seen too many directories being promoted with "Oh, yes, I know I need a better template; I'll be getting one soon." ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz. Yeah sure.
Unique is always better, and it should never retain the fresh out of the box feel that comes barebones that screams "I will never work on improving this directory".
Well I think the general consensus is that a unique one is the way to go, me personally I think its a 'must' for the real entrepeneur, if you have one like others your credability could take a dive in the long run as branding a template as unique is just as important as a domain name?