I started a new paid blog directory a few months ago and it almost didn't get any submission. How to promote a blog directory? I believe it is different to a general directory. Thanks for sharing...
As far as my knowledge promotion techniques are same for general web directory as well as blog directory or any other sites. For e.g. directories submissions,buying signatures,buying avatars,social bookmarking services etc. DON.
I agree with DON, you need to get the word out about your directory, add popular blogs yourself and use unique descriptions.
Comment on the ton of web design, tuts type blogs out there, doesn't matter that their nofollow, you may have people discover your blog directory from the comments. At least most of those will own blogs and if they know how to submit to a web directory....
Many blogs have 125x125 ad blocks served by themselves or ad agencies, advertising on high traffic, relevant blogs will definitely get you some traffic, however how that traffic converts to submissions may not make it cost effective.
Advertise your site on directory critic and vmoptions, these sites get lot of visitors regarding directory submission. Advertise for one month, and you will see the difference.
Well i would say you need to have a really popular directory to get paid submissions. Also analyze how much you are charging. If you are charging 100$ a submission then there must be some value for the advertisers to give you that kind of money
You can try to create a side blog (no matter any niche) for promoting the blog directory, it's the most efficient method for your case IMO.