Is adding a blog a good way to increase the overall content on a directory, or does this only increase the value of the blog? Sure this is a dumb question having a bad case of brain fry at the moment!
you can add the latest news daily on the front page from yahoo news just like directory dump, but i don't think it will work.
Viral content psoted on blogs is one of the few ways a link directory can gain natural backlinks. The directory itself is not much good linkbait, thats why a blog is often needed to pull in some extra links.
my idea was to pick 1 submitted site each week and blog review that site. do you think that will work?
I think with you having a niche its ideal to add a blog, as you most likely know enough about your niche to write about it. For a general directory i dont think a blog added is the ideal choice for some owners as i think some run out of things to say on their blog so copy from each other, recycling the info.
My Bid Directory has a blog attached to it. Not only does it have content, but I can upsell to my bidders including a blog post with their bid, further providing value. I also promote the blog on a number of relevant blogs, as well as submitting to RSS feed and blog directories, further increasing traffic.
A blog is a good idea, and the points above are valid. You can more easily market and pull in links with a niche directory/blog, as hinted above, especially if you are interested or knowledgeable in the niche.
a blog would be good idea, as long as the content is unique then of course it will bring visitors, how many I am not sure I havn't really tried it.
yeah very true, I am currently thinking about reviewing one site from the dir each week, and a category related random posting each week. Thank you all for the feedback!
It's very difficult to maintain a good blog with original content but if you write well and ensure its relevant to its subject matter then it can't be a bad idea. What you do need to do though is to ensure not too much time is taken up on blogs which may compromise on content of the directory as a whole.
Do you mean not to neglect the directory while focusing on the blog? Or do you think that the content of the blog will effect the directory in general?
A blog is always going to be an 'extra', its not necessarily what people are going to come to a directory for. So in answer, try not to neglect your directory while doing the blog.
a blog usually generates original content which search engines like! so it will definately add value, M.
Blog is always the popular choice, but adding a forum be a nice source for updated content. also blogs have RSS, can be pinged
Thank you all for the great advice, I have added a blog and made 5 posts so far to flesh it out, will slow down to 2 a week from now on. I am just waiting on the submissions to pick up...early dayz yet