I just started a directory not even a month old yet i am confident of accepting paid submissions at some point of time. Presently i accept free, until i build my directory nicely. Are people out there willing to pay for directory inclusions? What people look for in a directory before they pay ?? At what point of time i should make my move for paid inclusions? I am not too sure about people paying for directories, since i am new to this directory/seo business. Please post your advice and comments.
I hate to say this but the best answer is people will start to pay for directories when their link shows up on a page with a decent PR and not too many other links. So getting a bunch of free links in there doesnt always help because people are less likely to pay for a link if theres tons of other ones already on the page.
aaron, are you saying that i should start accepting paid inclusions as early as possible with my new directory. Because my directory is just new not yet assigned PR, what would be your advice? I appreciate your advice on this.
I just started this http://www.carcasherdotcomseocontest.us/dir I will check and get back to you with my results.
Depends on traffic, if it is a themed dir, if it is new etc... I would not pay for directory inclusion unless i can expect some traffic from it, or have a high PR back link, with not many to share the PR with... But, sure some might pay for this service i think...
While most people would not pay for a regular ad where there are lots of free ads, they will pay for a featured ad that is shown above any and all paid/free ads. Building up a directory with free links can get you paid featured ads. Plus advertising can also be made on a directory site if it is set up to accept advertising on the front page, etc.
I think you need to give those who have the 'potential' wanting in buying a 'featured' link a little something extra. I also feel that for those who reciprocate, also deserve an extra incentive as well. I've done both with my directory. You have to show people you are serious about the directory when first starting out. While I don't possess thousands of links at this point, in time, I guarantee there will be in time.
People are submitting heavily on directories. But that directory must be capable of providing 3, 4 pr link back. People hardly get any traffic from directories , they only submit for getting good pr link back. Nothing else.