My brother and I are working on a business directory that is specific to a market and location. What would be the best way to market this specific website? Also, we are unsure wether or not we want to sell listings on a monthly basis, or allow businesses to add their site for free, and sell ad space. What would be the benefits of these 2 options?
Youll probably make more cash faster by having paid listings, but will get more content by having free listings. My advice, start the directory as a free service, this will get you some submissions so the site doesnt look empty. After awhile start to offer paid submissions. If someone pays give their submission more exposure, maybe a write up and review aswell. As for advertising, do this wether its a free service or apaid one.. Hope this helps
Since this will be a new site, start off by offering free listings and then once you get more popular or the word out about your business, start charging $ for listings.