Hello, I'm currently developing a directory devoted to all things related to metal music and culture. I've started creating categories but I'm starting to struggle and I think I need more. Here's what i have so far. ++Bands and Artists --Black Metal--Death Metal --Thrash Metal --Power Metal--Doom Metal--Progressive Metal--Traditional Heavy Metal ++Community --Album Reviews--News--Forums ++Events --Festivals--Concerts and Tours ++Industry --Graphic Art--Record Labels--Recording Studios ++Media --Videos--Tablature--Lyrics--Radio ++Shopping --Cd's and Mp3's--Clothing--Instruments Also, since this is a small niche should I consider charging for links? I'm worried that making a paid directory would discourage people from submitting
Why? Do you have listings for the categories you're creating? Tip - you don't need a category until you have something to put in it. Build the directory, you'll know when it's time to create subcategories or other main categories.
go find lots of links to build you directory up write unique descriptions for each make a sitemap and submit via google webmaster tools and yahoo continue to build your directory up with links whilst submitting your directory to general directories, niche music directories and try and get links from related music sites you could also write album reviews, event listings etc to try and get natural backlinks
You can't really start charging to add URL's yet.. Get a PR of at least 2 or 3... It seems your directory is very new so I'm assuming it has a PR0.. Given it's niche category and with a high PR you can get around $9 to $20 per listing is my guess...
Hello.... Just make sure its not to "niche" in the sense that it just "metal rock" Include acid rock, alternative rock, or others that can also be included so that you get more visitors with same interest in "Rock Music" thx malcolm
oh and certainly don't pay attention to PR forget about that to start with you can ask for a payment now but don't expect any until you have a good resource which people will want to pay for and that wont happen overnight not trying to dampen your enthusiasm but you maybe don't realise that there will be a lot of work ahead of you before any monetary rewards
Alright so I've finally launched the site, now I'm going to start adding links. Thanks for the advice everyone. www.metalchronicles.com
You should really seed a directory before launching it. Most bands have an official website plus a prominent fan site, so you could add those. You won't get traffic until you have listings, so worrying about the categories is putting the cart before the horse.