Starting up a Directory Site

I have seen many people who are starting up directory sites & was wondering if they were that profitable to run? Is it better to have it free for people to submit their sites or have paid listings? How do you go about promoting your directory?

Does anyone know of any good free link directory scripts?

 

I think this article will help you.
It's a step by step tutorial on how to get into the directory business.
Check it out.

 

You can try v2.0.2 of PHPLD - its a free script..

Before you earn something, you need to make it popular by spending some amount.
Best of luck

 

A free directory would start getting hundreds of listings daily after some time.

Instead of building links, you will end up wasting all your time approving and rejecting links. Paid directory is a better option.

To make a successful directory, you will need deep pockets and lots of time... if you think you have that, go for it.

There are too many directories around..unless it is a real good one with strong PR, no one is going to submit to it.

 

Good and bad in that article, it tells you to buy links which we know is or can be bad, some good points though, phplynx is about the best freebie script out there hands down.

Just my 2 cents worth though as everyone has thier favs.

 

Buying links is not bad. Maybe google will not award paid links, but PR is not the main thing. Traffic is. And carefully bought links can bring you some decent traffic.
After all If someone can have his links placed for free that is the best thing.
I don't "force" anyone to pay for them.
I have heard about phplynx, but have never tried it. Truth is I have heard some good words about it. I will sure try it soon, and then I will be able to have an opinion.
always enjoy productive criticism.
Thanks.

 

is opendl any good?

 

It is good but still need a lot of improvement.I am sure it will be popular in 4-5 months as owner upgrades it every month..I still prefer phpld/sitesift.

 

This is one of the best articles I've seen on doing what you want:
http://www.templateslord.com/2007/04/27/20-tips-to-start-and-run-profitable-paid-web-directory/

 

this was a good read

 

Try to get some PR for your directory .Then you will get good profit from it !

 

For my directories I try to get as many links as possible listed in it. I think a 2000+ links directory looks more inviting for my visitors than a 20 links directory

I also offer free indexing with no account or reciprocal link ... Running a directory (a quality one) is harder than people think. Yes, you can make some money from it indeed, but you need to work a lot on it to make it worth your visitor's time.

 

Nice answer, its always good to try something before we criticise otherwise we often get it wrong, your opinion is always stronger if you try something and even if you don't like it for any reason your opinion is more valid.