Do you still believe in web directory business model ?

The biggest problem with the web directory business is that it has such a low cost to entry. Anyone with a few dollars can start a directory so you get thousands of people setting up several spam directories trying to make a quick buck. That leaves those running "real" directories awash in a mix of crap sites with a bad reputation. Which makes it hard to promote and market their directories. It also makes it harder for people who are looking for listings in a quality directory to weed through all the spam sites. So they submit to thousands of spam directories instead of taking the time to find the ones that would actually help them.

Long story short, the web directory business isn't dead it is just a lot harder business to survive in.

 

Harder due to spam directories, but this can be overcome with reputation, hard work, marketing. So yeah I agree.

Prime Example: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1869461

 

I have used different kinds of directories and can say that link bidding directories are the best for me because they don't have spam and offer search engine friendly URLs.

 

do directories still manage to get organic traffic from search engines ?

 

Yes, of course

 

Yeah, u are right... :/

 

Who is right? :/

 

What a shame, there are tons of many worthless directories, floating over the web with no objective rather then to spam..

 

Hey, don't be smart Alek and take a pick.



fastreplies

 

Much has already been said about all of the crappy directories out in the last few years.

If the question is- can you still make money in the directory business, I will tell you YES!

My directory biz is kicking ass. For me personally, it is better now than back in the day when directories had a better reputation.

How do I do it? Simple. I have developed a returning customer base over a number of years.

 

I'd have to agree here. So long as you continue to provide VALUE, you will see repeat business.

 

Agree with you

 

i think it good to have entries in related directories of your business. so if you are a german company, use a german business directory. if you are automotive manufacurer use a automotive directory and it will be a good for your site.

 

directories are waste of time, there is no point in having them when you have a millions of those all around you

 

What's a waste of time are these useless posts that are made with no other intention than padding post counts.

 

Quality link directories still helpful for website's ranking.

 

There are many quality directories around, and I still get people submitting to my own directory (see my sig). Directory business is not dead, naysayers do not know what they are talking about.

 

So it's been 2 years since the last comment. The world economy has taken a pretty severe hit. If online directory business models are still viable, what advice for those of you that have been successful give to someone who is dabbling with the idea of a niche directory for the first time. Is it possible to build a site that doesn't spam your visitors? How much will a decent site cost? What features will it have? Can I build it or should I have a professional do it? How much did you charge your listing companies in the beginning. Any advice is much appreciated.

 

It goes like this:
1. To charge for directory listing you need to have a high Google PR.
2. If Google finds you accept paid listings, your PR will most certainly drop.