Forcing User Login

I have created many directories in the past but always let people submit sites without registering. I am starting a new one that I plan to build very large. However I want to force user registration for people to be allowed to submit links. This would automatically make them become an affiliate as well if they wanted the option to earn some extra cash.

I suppose the real question is if making users sign up to submit sites drive people away? Or just keep good clients around? FYI it will be mainly a paid directory.

 

The answer to your question is yes, making people signup before they can submit their site will drive some people away (I am one of such people) unless your directory is PR11 and I am desperate to get my site listed, then I will go through the hassles of registering but if you directory is just and average directory, forget about it, you will lose many potential customers. Also, why do you want to force them to become and affiliate? You can just invite them to become affiliate rather than force them.

 

Temi thats a great point I will reconsider this and thanks for the input.

 

You are likely to loose me if that is the case. my2c

 

Very bad idea and I wouldn't recommend you to do this. It's a great way to encourage people to stay away from your directory.

 

Sorry, I'm another submitter who would bail.

And, before you jump too fast on the affiliate idea, you better do some research on the new Nexus laws many idiotic states are passing. North Carolina and a number of other states are very web affiliate unfriendly - just ask Amazon and anyone who lives in North Carolina and used to be one of their affiliates. You might not reach the threshold for a long time but it is something to consider. (Don't even get me started about what I think of Mizz. Perdue and her friends who stole a income stream out from under from me.)

 

if you do this you may lose lost of traffic & maybe users dont recomend this.

 

yes you can loose people if you make them register before the submission,if your site having more than 7 ranking than you keep this procedures but if it is less than don't go for this.people dont have much time to register the site and wait for the confirmation.

 

I don't really mind registering so much its more all the subsequent junk email I receive afterwards that I object to. But in general terms trying to force anyone to do anything is not going to good for business.

 

Bad strategy - Especially funneling affiliate signup via account creation process. You should have options for the user to sign up if they are willing to. And as many said, yes, registration form will drive away considerable percentage of people.

If you are so persistent in having this feature, why not have login via twitter / facebook option?

 

Thanks everyone for the input

 

I will not think of it.

 

i do it.. to reduce spam submission

 

Then you are making a mistake. You should be focused on your user needing the fewest clicks to get to target.

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions and feedback its been really helpful

 

not really big mistake because i still have user to submit.. serious user will do it.. if not.. they can leave it...

 

We can't simply take this assumption. One has to do A/B testing and determine what is best for his directory. There is no hard and fast rules. Test, test and refine.