Are link directories worth making?

Discussion in 'Directories' started by webmasterlabor.com, Jun 1, 2006.

  1. #1
    A client recently approached me about possibly making a link directory. He gave me permission to publicly research this issue among webmasters. I'm trying to advice him re feasibility. From a business model/ROI perspective, are link directories worth doing? What "tweaks" should it have so as to a) entice link posters b) retain traffic?
     
    webmasterlabor.com, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  2. Grokodile

    Grokodile Peon

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    #2
    I think the common wisdom around here is that you want to have some type of services and offerings beside the directory, in order to provide value and have visitors arriving to look at it.

    So, the value calculations might change based on whether it is a standalone project versus just another offering within their existing web content and services.
     
    Grokodile, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  3. spyrit

    spyrit Well-Known Member

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    #3
    they are worth doing, but they are not quick cash, you have to stick with them, and see them grow. And sometimes they really take a lot of your time. :)
     
    spyrit, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  4. webmasterlabor.com

    webmasterlabor.com Peon

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    #4
    What kind of added value do you think people would look for to make it worth their while to submit?
     
    webmasterlabor.com, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  5. munt

    munt Peon

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    #5
    like any site they require alot of attention
    unless you want a large overwhelming submission que you are going to have edit sites a few times a day
    you are going to have to spend alot of time editing... making sure the sites dont suck or contain highly illegal content
    you are going to have to spend alot of time (and money) on promotion
     
    munt, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  6. iowadawg

    iowadawg Prominent Member

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    #6
    iowadawg, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  7. aspidov

    aspidov Well-Known Member

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    #7
    aspidov, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  8. iowadawg

    iowadawg Prominent Member

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    #8
    The report was sent to me and I found it well worth reading.
    I did not write the report, or do a thing to the report except upload it so that others can get it free and read it.
    The report is free, and none of the links in it are mine.
    The author just listed the good resources you will need.

    Would help a bit if you read the report first before making snap judgements.
     
    iowadawg, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  9. MKInfo

    MKInfo DP Guard Dog

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    #9
    Is it you who is selling readymade dirs iowadawg.
    If so are you still doing them? (point me in the right direction.)
    Thanks,
    MK
     
    MKInfo, Jun 1, 2006 IP
  10. webmasterlabor.com

    webmasterlabor.com Peon

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    #10
    We are an offshore outsource company, time and labor is not a problem because we have an ARMY of affordable staffers (less than $4 per hour). My main concern is for a link list's ROI. Are there any new features or trends out there that would boost ROI?
     
    webmasterlabor.com, Jun 2, 2006 IP
  11. webmasterlabor.com

    webmasterlabor.com Peon

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    #11
    No. We got approached to make a custom niche category link list directory. We do the custom research, script, design, etc. The client wanted a turnkey solution.
     
    webmasterlabor.com, Jun 2, 2006 IP
  12. promotion

    promotion Banned

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    #12
    Publicity makes a site perfect! If a directiry has proper publicity then it can get good $$$ for you.
     
    promotion, Jun 4, 2006 IP
  13. webmasterlabor.com

    webmasterlabor.com Peon

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    #13
    But what's in it for the end user? I mean there's TONS of directories out there.
     
    webmasterlabor.com, Jun 4, 2006 IP
  14. w3bmaster

    w3bmaster Notable Member

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    #14
    I don't know to say i build my webdirectory not to make money for exemple adsense is not working very well on it ... but i olso ofer webdirectory submission service with it so i'm advertising this along .
    Regards .
     
    w3bmaster, Jun 4, 2006 IP
  15. iowadawg

    iowadawg Prominent Member

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    #15
    Tried adsense at first on my first directories.
    Returns were so low, I took them off.

    Now I don't worry about not having adsense.
    A directory is for people to visit and find information, so I feel adsense just takes away from the feel of the directory.
    I want my visitors to visit the submitted links, the paid links, and the featured ads.

    What is in it for the end user? See above.
     
    iowadawg, Jun 4, 2006 IP
  16. spyrit

    spyrit Well-Known Member

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    #16
    yeah..i wa thinking about taking it off also..it's kinda useless :D
     
    spyrit, Jun 4, 2006 IP
  17. webmasterlabor.com

    webmasterlabor.com Peon

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    #17
    Any other feedback?
     
    webmasterlabor.com, Jun 5, 2006 IP