Hello DP'ers. I am trying to create a new niche directory but have no experience what so ever. Can I get some guidelines and push in this forum to get me started. Thanks..
Thanks pipes for the reply.. It's too early to disclose it or should I. But I am not only good in that niche but passionate about it as well.
Ive never heard of a directory in stealth mode, its ok to name your niche, you mentioned having no experience in creating a directory, what do you need help with?
I dono about guidelines but when I am buying links in niche directories I look for content. Like say if I am doing SEO work for a doctor i will look for a website/directory that has a good collection of health and medical articles, blogs, medical and tips, etc. Basically I want some content also not just a link on a page of links.
Thanks pipes, I am an electrical engineer and the directory is based on Engineering. "Why I am upto this directory, it's a long story so may be some other time". What I need help with (Thousand of questions that a new bee has but I will start with the first one). While surfing for directory creation I came to know that: There are PHP Scripts and CMS (Joomla, wordpress etc and they have excellent premium themes). What do you think is highly recommended. Thanks averyz: I am creating a niche directory on Engineering and all sites that it contains will be from engineering disciple. Points: I want to make this directory as professional as possible. I want to make this directory as elegant as possible. Initially I am not upto earning money (May be later, so i should not say that i hate money). I want a solid, powerful foundation for the directory. I want to make a proper plan before building the directory. So that's why before I hire some one or outsource this project, I should know what are the most important things that need to be done first. Some one told me to at least do the following and I done that: -I already purchased a premium domain name. -I will buy VPS hosting.
Spending money on a domain and hosting is a bit premature. You are going to have to develop a plan before even thinking about hiring someone or selecting software. In that plan you are going to have to consider a number of things including the following: 1. Are you going to be a 100% business-only directory? What about trade journals or engineering schools and other non-business entities? 2. How are you going to categorize the listings? By engineering specialty, location, both or something else entirely? 3. What information do you plan on presenting about each site listed? Keep in mind, the more content, the better your site will perform and the more desirable it will be to obtain a listing. 4. Will it be limited to your country or international? 5. If international, how do you plan on handling sites not in your native language(s)? 6. How will you list those companies who offer a variety of services in different engineering specialties or operate in multiple locations/countries? My list is far from exhaustive. Develop your concept and what you think is important for an engineering firm to advertise. I would strongly urge you against an alphabetical type of organization by company name. If I am searching for an engineering or other company, chances are good I don't already know their name. If I knew their name, I would be putting it into Google, not looking to a directory for ideas. Good luck. Just be sure to do as much planning as possible and also be mindful that what you come up with now may change in the future. Whatever software you choose to use should allow for that.
Thanks YMC: Now this is what, I am talking about. Excellent. I have a few things in mind and in paper as well and am noting down every thing that awesome guys like you are recommending. But initially at this stage, I was more concerned on choosing the platform and after that start the real planning on all the points that you have raised. Please keep them coming. Regarding the domain and hosting, Some one suggested that niche specific domain name is vital, so i went for a premium name. I haven't purchased the hosting plan yet.
Don't choose the platform until you figure out what you want to do with your site and what you want to offer. When I started my first directory, the requirement for custom fields was a major factor in my choice. Granted most of the directory-related programs offer that now, you might have a requirement that may also limit your choices. Look for a product that meets your needs. Don't force your site to fit within whatever platform you pick before you completely develop your plan.
Strategic Planning is more important. Research how your collegues are doing with their sites. Point down everything, then go step by step. Take a professional's help, if needed.
Thanks YMC as usual. Thanks RashmiP. Can I get some kind of book or video tutorials on Directory planning or some sort of guidelines guide.. and can you please share your plans.
Just to update: domain was already registered. Hosting purchased. I decided to go with wordpress. Suggestions and Advices Please: A: Theme Designing and Development is better. Or B: Built in theme Directory would be fine. Please share what is your experience..
Wordpress makes great blogs and sites but directories? No problem if you put up a directory script on a sub-domain but a WP directory plug in? sounds buggy.
I am talking about a full directory theme either made custom or a premium directory theme and not the plugin. Plugin dosen't sound good to me at least.
Wordpress requires the use of a plugin to make it function like a directory. A theme is what controls the appearance of the pages not how they function.
Thanks YMC for the support as usual. So what, I understand is there is no such pure Wordpress Directory theme. Rather wordpress will be used to display the layout and structure and plugins will be the one who controls the actual functionality.. I am getting so much info in here.
That's correct Zishy. You would need to install Wordpress, then install the directory plugin(s) and then select a theme to present it.