Over the past couple of months, I have noticed more than 30 directories being made in 3 days than a regular site being developed for say a digital design or SEO Tools, or forums. What I am not understanding is, why does a webmaster create so many directories and not stay with one and work on it by advertising and continue to work on it by adding new categories, modifications, etc etc. There is so much to do with a directory and changes that need to be made to satisfy your customers needs and wants. I know that alot of you do it for the money exposure to get your name noticed, and some do it for the submissions and/or money, but if you think about it, by creating so many directories, it's like a link farm of directories that never ends. This I have noticed. I recieved an e-mail from a customer of mine who loves the traffic, the tools, the exposure they're getting and the income it has made for them since they have been listed. They stated this to me: "Hey Steve, I'm kinda curious as to what the big difference is by submitting your directory and the others, they're all the same, but some have different looks and things to do, but it's just the same to me...why so many directories? I replied to this person stating that the incomplete competition will never end on the net and it's a webmasters playground to get noticed. I know that most of you love building directories, and getting the traffic, but what really pushes you to continue to make more to be the best, and why is one not enough for you.. Thanks
Something that puzzles me as well. I mean, I started off with a general directory, it hadn't even started, I hadn't promoted it anywhere except my DP signature and a directory or two..the spam I got killed me...I've since removed my submit pages and hope to maintain it by myself ONLY. I wonder how people who own more than one directory ever keep up with the spam...
By having effective filters. This depends on the script you are using, but you can filter by word list, IP, domain, email, and use a captcha. Combine all of those techniques and you can slice and dice your spam and serve it with HP sauce.
I think it is more about selling links from a directory. With so many directories around, there are a lot that dont much traffic. However there is no scarcity of people who would like to buy links. A person can sell links from as many directories as he has - provided he keeps the IP addresses different. I dont see any other reason why people make 30-40-50 directories.
It's a good question Steve, and having the saturation I do with directories the reasons I've come across would be many and varied. I think the most encompassing reason is that people find that directories are a very easy entry point for them. They are simple to work with & set-up and require very little coding knowledge. I know from coding my own websites for a long time now that there was a massive learning curve along the way, especially with adopting standards, then abandoning standards to concentrate on complete browser compatibility and all the other code-fiddling in between. Someone's done all that hardwork for directory owners by creating a script. They simply upload the script, change a few settings (hopefully skin it *hint* *hint*) and they are away. Payment systems are already integrated, and the adsense money starts from day dot. Also its a snack to get traffic because everyone's falling over themselves to submit. When they see the adsense they do the math and work out that if they have x directories then they can generate their target y in revenue from adsense alone. Add the featured listings, and payment for inclusion and they've got a nice little income stream going. Once they've built it up, sell it on for a tidy profit, with statistics of revenue/traffic. One could probably do very well for themselves by just setting up directories with good domain names, letting them run for 6-12 months then sell them off.
Very well said silencer, well said I appreciate all of your input on this, though I know there is more to it, but would like see what others have to say. Thank you again guys.