I have been noticing a lot of people are creating web directories and would like to create one for myself. But I was wondering what type of benefit is there to owning a well built web directory. So for the web directory owners out there, I was wondering what benefits are you reaping from the directories that you own. Do you build directories to drive traffic to your other sites, or as an additional source of income (or both)?
I'd say both. A well managed and design directory can be very profitable. Also, you can submit all your new websites to that directory - so yes it works both ways. I wouldn't really say to drive traffic, but more for backlinks. Most directories will not bring much traffic unless it's a niche directory.
I'd say both, to. But the first reason ist testing my knowledge. Are I good listed in Searchengines, is my logic right or not, what can i doing better ? If i listed better then it's good for indexed sited on my directory. It's mean more user in a category listed website (Maybe). It's possible that any sites are not good listed and can't be find in Searchengines. The second reason is that : i have a free advertising space for my another sites (if its relevant). It's good for backlink other projects. And the third reaons is money. Hit = Money. Because hosting is not free I programming my site self. If it's not a important project or i think a free script is enough, then I use a free script. Self programming is good for learning by doing. It's the Best way for to expand my knowledge. Mike
@an0n My English is not good I try it again. The reason why i creating a webdirectory is : 1 - Testing and expanding my SEO and PHP knowledge. It's a Hoby for me creating Websites. 2 - Traffic/free adversiting place for my other projects (If i creating another sites) 3 - Money Forgot my first Post. It's now ok ? Mike
lol @ an0n >>forum-index.com : I agree with your point of view and reasoning 100%. I could write the same things about my directory adventure
i don't understand one thing though...why are niche directorys better? Cause there are less links to put in them, and they will grow a lot harder..so why everybody sais that they are better?
You need to come in this project with "grace".Sooner or later 95% of these directories will die their own death.But only 5% would meet success and it will not be just "by chance" it would be because of their owner's different strategy.For example there is Alive Directory which is very ordinary in every aspect except its owner is spending lot of money on it to make it worthy in eyes of paid listers.And i believe he will succeed. So if you want to start directory project then first make sure you have enough plan to make it worthy directory for others.
To put things into perpective, and this is my opinion, many of the popular directory scripts are not suitable for making viable contibutions to the internet as a whole let alone put money in your pocket. There needs to be a significant paradigm shift in the thought processes. Many of these directories provide little or no value to consumers. They are slowly classifying themselves as link farms with very little usable content. They are more and more servicing MFA sites which is adequate for now I guess if you want to make "some" money - the real money in directories are in vertical portals.
vertical portals ... as I define them ... are sites that service a specific market space. These verticals provide an accumulation of resources and tools that are designed to promote entities in that market space. Usually you will find a directory of companies, but these directories typically provide more than just a link back to a site. These directories allow consumers to rate companies, download promotional brochures, acquire coupons, view specifics about a company (ie: contact names, type of entity, annual sales etc). Typically you will also find other tools within the verticals such as classifieds (buy/sell), tradeshow information, newsrelease area, company/product annoucement areas, discussion forums, polls, articles area, auctions, affiliate marketplace, banner advertising, web rings etc. You may be working with a smaller market space yes, but if it is specific enough of a vertical, you will get relevant information being posted all the time and more involvement and interactivity by the companies and consumers. Consumers will visit time and time again because they have all the information they are looking for in one spot. These return visits produce leads and sales with the companies, which encourages them to continue using the tools available at the portal including the paid tools. On one vertical I have companies will pay $197/year to get listed in the directory compared to $10/year at other directories that are broad based directories. Verticals are a lot of work, don't kid yourself, but they can also pay great dividends. Verticals also allow you to build a LONG TERM business and provide for multiple revenue streams all in one location. People have a hard time understanding this but given some time people will come around ... my prediction is you will see more and more verticals in the coming year(s) and many of the broad reach directories will become obsolete. Here's one of mine: www.leatherpages.com a vertical in the leather industry. I hope this makes sence. Frank