How would you promote a directory?

What is the main point of a directory? To get the most links submitted?

How would you go about promoting your directory and getting people to submit links to it?

 

I hope, the most important factor would be start promoting and collect as many back links as possible.

Wait for the PR to increase and then people will start giving directory more preference due to its PR

 

Good solid advice SEOBoy which when applied as per your tips, will ensure that the Directory has a solid foundation on which to build upon

Of course you require submittals with if possible original content, or similar but preferably not like for like content

Would advise if you are starting the Directory to go paid only and steer clear of adsense when starting a Directory as your single aim is to first build the integrity of the Directory

The rest should follow PR etc given time

But do not discontinue your back link building program you need to maintain a sustainable back link building program

These are just a few initial tips, the full matrix of Directory maintenance and management will require many more methods and support

 

So you think when just starting out with a new directory to start of paid only wouldnt this deter people to submit right away due to no PR.

 

It might well deter them but having had a free directory.........I would strongly advise against a free submittal because when the directory is up and running the site may be creditable to change to paid only but try telling that to the submitters if they see something for free you will be inundated with crap.....and then you change to paid and they don't want to pay, but they still want to submit

There is no such thing as 'a free lunch' and likewise why should there be very few free directories..................yet there are 1000's already ....................why follow the pack...............think out of the box..........think smart .............and set high standards

The promotion is long and arduous but will pay off in the medium to long term

If you want to join the 'also rans' then set up a free directory, if you want to build a quality Directory then make it paid only

 

Agreed, take some time (and money) to build a high PR directory (because people love those) and then charge a review fee for sites to be included. You should actually review the sites, and if you aren't rejecting/refunding a good percentage of the submissions, then you aren't doing things quite right

 

If the directory is new, you should initially allow some free submissions to it.

 

Let people place they links for free if they place a link back...

 

However, you should still have certain standards that the free submissions must meet

 

As said before, build backlinks in order to achieve a high pr, then people will come by themselves

 

so the secret is to get a high PR?

 

many links, high pr, good alexa rank