I was wondering how people were doing with local directories. I personally have 2 general directories, a few niche directories, and 1 local directory. I was reviewing my traffic, and google adsense earnings for the local directory this evening, and was pleasantly suprised with the results. A few months ago I basically "threw up" www.atlantadirectory.org hoping that at a later date I would try to make it grow. I added a few categories and links, and left it to "percolate". I didn't really think about the site too much, nor did I promote it aggressively. I don't know what I am allowed to say as far as adsense earning, but it's doing pretty good, and getting at least a couple of clicks daily. I went in and added a few more categories and links, and hope to add more soon. Can anyone else give a testimonial about their local directory? Have you tried searching for "{your city} directory". I'm of the opinion this may be an area that is still somewhat "untapped". What do you think?
There is huge potential in directories for certain areas. We're dealing with "universal webmasters" more than anything here. Many of them think too big and want to create the next DMOZ. I believe that a local directory well done can become one of the major information resources for those particular cities. (Building a local directory as we speak)
Hey man! Well, i don't have directory sites, but I have to tell you that from my experience with Google Adwords, localised keywords pay much more than the general term. Check out moving companies in Adwords...then check out moving companies in New York, or moving companies Chicago...even atlanta. There is a huge difference in the amount of bid amounts. You may want to consider localizing your niche directories
Well, I think I'm going to put a little more effort into my own Atlanta directory and see where it goes. Clearly I can increase profits. Heck, there are only about 26 pages indexed on google. If I add some more categories and links, surely there will be a least a small payoff.
Not my site, but this one does very well: http://www.redtoronto.com/home.htm Also, they promote it heavily offline - ads on buses, tv, newspapers, etc. IIRC, someone at dp has a Pittsburgh directory too.
Actually Pittsburgh is MY town and I believe I am the guy with the local Pittsburgh directory that onlinedude was speaking of: http://www.pittsburghsource.net/directory as for dvduval's first post. I think it is very untapped. I tried getting into other cities but it is just too hard because you have to know the locality very well to be able to build a directory for it. This local directory fo mine is my #1 pet project. I work on it any time i get a chance & it is finally starting to take off for me.