I've finally learned enough php and mysql to write a simple directory script that reads a database and spits out it's information. I'm working on a local directory site: http://annapolisguide.com It's about 2 weeks old but is already indexed by google and msn. In fact, it's already getting some traffic on some long tail keywords. Basic onpage seo where all the pages and keywords are dynamically inserted into the title, metatags, and h1/h2 text. http://search.live.com/results.aspx...20councelors I've added a link so visitors can add reviews to each listing, from which I can create a top 10 list, a 5 star ranking systems, etc... Throw in some adsense and affiliate links and I have a virtually huge site in terms of pages indexed. http://www.google.com/search?q=site...de.com&hl=en I was thinking about creating several more local directory sites. I could even reverse the logic and have something like a nationwide car dealer directory where you select the city and/or zip and a list comes up. There are several variations, as you can imagine. I was wondering if anyone else was running a directory site like this and what your experience has been. Does it continue to generate long tail keyword traffic? Does google, yahoo, msn continue to index all the php dynamically created content? Do the search engines see the keywords after the "?" like annapolisguide.com/directory-company.php?sic1=Audio-Visual%20Equipment-Dealers Any insight, tips, and suggestions welcome. thanks!
Rob I am in your region and have had a few experiences with Google on similar projects. My experience is that a site tends to jump up quickly, gain a lot of terms and then Google will toy with your ranks several times. You may see terms fluctuate radically, then drop off disappointingly. Don't get frustrated, just wait. The same terms will reappear in a few weeks. I have had terms do this 2-3 times during the first year. Eventually they settle and that seems to be when you know where you are going to sit long term. Or that's how things worked for me the last year or so....not that we can count on anything to remain the same.