Are high quality directories still relevant

Hi,

I own Links.com which gets lots of natural traffic. It seems like most of the traffic is looking for entertainment oriented links and I am thinking about initially building a high quality, manually edited directory in this niche using In-Portal software. However, In-Portal is relatively expensive and I do not want to put too much customization work into the directory if it is going to go no where. My goal is to build some retention among my users by allowing reviews, ratings, comments, and eventually a forum.

I am not expecting anything huge from this idea. But until something phenomenal comes along, it might be something I can build on. In-Portal has Directory, Ecommerce, News, CMS, and Forum modules that I can use to extend the platform over time.

My question is whether there is any relevancy to directories at all any more. I personally never use them, but I just need to retain some of my users to grow the site. Any comments would be appreciated.

Rich

 

a creative thing i just thought about which is off topic, you could offer links for sale on your site, if it had a high PR, how long have you had that domain?

 

Hi,

Thanks for the confirmation. That is what I intend to do. I hope to make a useful directory/forum. I'll probably proceed along these lines. Thanks again.

Rich

 

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.

I've owned the domain since 1995. I began looking into developing it about a year and a half ago. I have been experimenting with different ideas, but none have gained any traction. So I am looking for this as a seed idea which may grow into something more significant.

What I am intending to do - and what I need comments on - is to build a high quality directory in particular niches, entertainment being the initial one. There will be a feature section, in which I may accept paid listings, within Google's guidelines. However, all entries must be a high quality link in order to provide a good user experience. Does this sound reasonable to you?

Thanks again for your response,

Rich

 

Yeah, since your page gets alot of natural traffic, maybe you should have a 'suggest a link' button in which people suggest links and make 'donations'. All links must provide a good user experience and have a relevant article already written by the submitter, completely unique so that you don't have to write anything, you get great content and don't have to write a word while earning a passive income, sound nice?
You could also request link backs to help your PR.
Hope this helps...

 

You have a superb domain Quality free directories make sense for owners but I guess niche directories are more profitable because you can sell 'contextual links' With your domain it has to be a general directory

 

Hi,

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Do you think a full article is necessary or do you think a short blurb is enough. Basically I will be linking to quality sites, so I think the visitor will not hang around too long to read an article. I was thinking about having 50 word count blurbs. Is this enough.

Yes, I definitely want to encourage user submissions. I would like to encourage discussions, but I am not sure about what yet. I will have to feel my way through the process. In-Portal has a Forum module that I can use. Do you or anyone else have any comments on the In-Portal user interface.

Thanks again for all of your very helpful comments.

Rich

 

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. Initially, most of the entries will be mine own, based upon my own research. The name definitely begs for a general directory, but in practice, the vast majority of the visitors (at this time at least) are looking for entertainment links - e.g. video, TV, games, etc. I think there may be other categories that I can adopt over time, but I am thinking that the more narrow the directory, the more likely I am to get repeat visitors who are looking for new entertainment oriented links. What do you think? This is a crucial decision so I welcome all opinions.

Thanks again,
Rich

 

Hi,

Thanks for your help.

I am reluctant to make a guaranteed free submission, since I would like the directory to contain only high quality links. However, any good site that is submitted, within the guidelines of the site, would be accepted. I like the idea of a sponsored/featured link option for advertisers. I would have to modify the current template for In-Portal to accommodate this, but I think it can be done for a relatively low cost.

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.

Rich

 

Hi there,

Thanks for the clarification. I'm going to look at other good directories that might give me some additional ideas. There is one directory called OVGuide.com that seems to be doing pretty well along the lines that I am thinking. It is narrow, but seems to be successful.

Thanks again,

Rich