Im setting up my first directory using phpld and im aware that category dumps can be used but im curious of what other directory owners suggest. Personally i think il be better off adding categories individually so that its not a clone of other directories, at least of the categories and ive read of problems with category dumps like things disappearing. I realise it will take more time to add individually but better in the long run, what do you think?
Britishguy of course is right on, but the dumps are tempting. On my deep links directory I used a category dump and if you choose to do this it's key to create content QUICK or you'll get slaughtered by search engines. So not only offer free links but get a ton of them also you can use RSS feeds and descriptions. But get content or you're a sitting duck.
Add one by one by one.... May take hours, but it is necessary to keep those categories out of the supplemental results and not be exact to other directories.
Il definately add them one by one, it will take me some time but i dont mind to be honest, thanks for your opinions guys.
Add it one by one.. Use the "Quick Category Mod" to add sub categories and it will save ur time. REMEMBER to use the one that has an0n's fix added to it. You will find it in the last page of this thread http://www.phplinkdirectory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8419
Thanks Fastian, i followed that link but couldn't access the thread, it must be part of the supporters forum, il have to get signing up to the supporters forum soon.
Yes it's always recommended to add categories manually.. Dont just add, create unique category structure.. Even though it will take time, but will help you in SERPs
I also recommend you to do the job manually. Category structure should be unique, but more importantly, name each category in a unique way even those categories are "popular" ones.
absolutely make it idividually... their are thousands of directories out there with the exact same look(skin) and category structure.
When you mention unique category structure, you mean adding individually and not using a category dump?
Yes, it's easier to build a unique structure in this manner. I have both, and by far prefer the unique category structure built one category at a time.
I think most important & time taking issue is to make your category structure. i.e. Deciding which category to add and where to add.. It took me more than a day to decide that. Adding them was a 50 minute job
In the end, you get what you put into it. Even if it was hours upon hours of monotonous category adding. Time is always against you for better things.
I agree with you all, its worth putting in the time and doing it individually, although im excited to begin with my first directory i agree with taking time over it to do things properly. Thanks everyone